This page introduces glb files, one of the 3D model file formats provided by this site.
The following methods are used to view the three-dimensional structure of a molecule.
・Assemble a molecular model
・Using software such as Jmol or Chem3D
There are two ways to view the 3D structure of a molecule. In academic settings such as research and conferences, these methods may be sufficient. However, in an educational setting, the former method requires a set of molecular models for the number of students, and it is also necessary to consider where to put the models when they are not in use. In the latter case, you have to start up the set in the middle of class. The latter has the following drawbacks: it does not look beautiful. The latter has the following disadvantages.
*This is only a problem in Japan. It may not necessarily apply to every country.
That’s where 3D models come in; they can definitely expand the range of teaching styles.
What is a glb file?
A glb file is a file format for 3D models. It is characterized by the fact that “three-dimensional data and texture (color) data are combined together.
In the case of other file formats such as obj and stl, there are cases where the file contains “only three-dimensional data” or “a set with another texture data file,” but the advantage of glb is that it is easier to handle than other file formats because it contains both three-dimensional data and texture data in a single file.
What can a glb file do?
The glb file allows you to view and manipulate the 3D model on your computer or smartphone, but requires a corresponding app.
AR applications such as Adobe aero can be used to place 3D models on desks for observation.
It is also possible to output the file to a 3D printer by converting the file format to stl on an external converter site. Some models can print as-is, but basically use stl.
How do I open a glb file? (For Windows)
For Windows, the following applications are mainly supported.
| application | feature |
| 3D Viewer | Pre-installed in Windows. Allows viewing of 3D models. |
| Paint 3D | Pre-installed in Windows. Simple illustrations can also be created. |
| 3D Builder | Pre-installed in Windows. Easy editing of 3D models. |
| Each Office product | PowerPoint, as well as Excel and Word are supported. It can be edited in the same way as images. |
How do I open a glb file? (For Mac)
For Mac, the following applications seem to be mainly supported. (Not verified as I do not have them)
| application | feature |
| Pleasant3D | Only stl files can be viewed, so file format conversion is required. |
| MeshLab | Does not support glb files, so file format conversion is required. |
How do I open a glb file? (For iOS)
For iOS, the following applications are mainly supported.
| application | feature |
| Adobe aero | 3D models can be observed in AR (Augmented Reality). Easy operation setting is available. |
| ARkit | Pre-installed on iOS; conversion to USDZ is required to view 3D models. |
How do I open a glb file? (For Android)
In the case of Androiso, the following applications seem to be mainly supported. (Not verified as I do not have them)
| application | feature |
| AVE3D | 3D models can be observed. Imported files can be converted to other formats. |
| Aero player(beta) | Adobe aero beta version |