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There are quite a few programs that allow you to create a 3D model from scratch. When creating 3D models for printing, people generally use CAD (computer-aided design) programs which allow you to be very precise and create models that will be structurally sound for printing. For digital projects, there are other programs that specialize in making materials and skins that help bring models to life and mimic real-world textures in a visual way. Any software will allow you to create models for digital applications like games, VR and AR. However, design software that isn't intended for CAD use, may not create structurally sound models for printing.
Here are a few we recommend:
You can use any of our 360-degree video cameras for capturing 360-degree photos. Capturing those photos is fairly easy if you follow the basic rules for 360-degree cameras, but editing them gets a little more complicated. Programs like H5P and Momento360 allow you to create interactive photo tours with hotspots and overlays. However, these services often change their pricing and/or features every couple of years, so you may lose your project.
You can also edit the image to add overlays. These overlays are part of the image and can be uploaded to any service that accepts 360-degree photos, like Google Maps.
Below is an example of a 360-degree photo rendered in H5P to be viewable on a desktop computer. On the left of the opening view is an example of a collapsible hotspot with an image overlay. On the right side is an example of an image overlay that has been edited into the photo. This image overly is part of the photo and can be uploaded to any service that supports 360-degree photos. However, the H5P version is only viewable within an H5P viewer.
Editing 360-degree photos is a bit more tricky than video since Adobe Photoshop dropped support for equirectangular projection editing. However, there are some options, including GIMP the open source (and completely free!) photo editor available for Windows and Mac. GIMP is available on campus computers, including laptops available for checkout at the library.
If you are making color adjustments and other routine photo clean up and enhancements, you can use most image editors, but may have a hard time viewing the image in the raw equirectangular projection. If you want to add image overlays, like embedded photos or text, you will want to use an editor like GIMP that allows for rendering those overlays in the equirectangular projection or else they will be distorted in the 360 view.
The slides below highlight how to add image overlays in GIMP (as of April 2024). You will want to reproduce these steps for every 'view' of your 360 photo that has overlays.
The process for editing 360-degree video is similar to regular video, but you won't be able to preview the footage in VR view unless you're using an editor that supports that. Creating titles and image overlays also requires the ability to convert it to the 360 spherical projection (equirectangular projection).
At Cal Poly Humboldt, the easiest way to edit 360 footage is by using Adobe Premiere Pro, which is available on all campus computers. There are a few tools with Premiere Pro that allow you to edit, preview and add images and titles fairly easily without having to be an expert in Premiere. Here are some tutorials to get you started:
The Insta360 X3 is a dual-lens 360-degree (spherical) video camera that is waterproof to 33 feet (unlike the One X). You can also easily grab still images from the video using the app, which is also used to control the camera (via Bluetooth and Wireless connections- instructions). Like the GoPro Max, you can also reframe the 360 footage to convert it to regular video. The Insta360 app has many features to edit any kind of video project you're working on. If you're new to shooting 360-degree video, Insta360 has some great resources to help you get the best footage.
Download your videos using the included USB cable or use the app to save to your phone or tablet. The Insta360 X3 also supports live streaming and many features that make this more than just a 360-degree camera.
Use the invisible selfie stick (included) to shoot footage that appears to be floating in mid-air. Upload photos directly to Google Street View with the app.
The camera itself is simple and can be used on its own but works best with the Android and iOS apps and some setup to get started:
360-degree video is very different from regular video and there are a few things you'll want to consider when designing your next 360 project.
The GoPro Max 360 is a dual lens 360-degree camera that captures 5.6k resolution video and photos. With the GoPro Max, you can also switch between the front and back lenses when filming or shooting for unique perspectives. The camera also has built-in stabilization and stitching to make 360-degree projects simple. The audio quality of the GoPro Max is fantastic, with six microphones embedded within the camera.
The GoPro Max is water proof and dust proof just like other GoPro cameras (as long as all of the doors are closed). However, you will want to keep the lens protectors over the lenses whenever using the camera in other than pristine conditions to avoid damaging them. The included tripod/selfie stick will not appear on the video and can be mounted to a backpack to give the appearance of a drone flying above you.
The camera is relatively straightforward and can be used by itself, but it is recommended to download the mobile Quik App available for iOS and Androids. The software interface is intuitive.
Download Suggestions for Spectacular Results:
GoPro Player - software for editing & importing your footage (Mac & Windows). Unless you are exporting your footage through your phone, you will need to use this software to render your footage as .mov files. The native GoPro Max file format is .360 and is not compatible with any other software, so it must be converted to .mov through a phone or through the GoPro Player software before you can edit the footage with other software. Our Using GoPro Player to Convert .360 to .mov guide has step by step instructions with detailed explanations to help guide you through the process.
GoPro Player has known keyboard control issues:
Please note, there are known accessibility barriers associated with the use of the GoPro Player software. Advanced settings for batch exports are not accessible using keyboard controls. Keyboard controls for advanced settings are fully functional for individual exports and for adding individual files to a batch queue. We include detailed keyboard control instructions in our Using GoPro Player to Convert .360 to .mov guide. However, if you require assistance with the software, our equipment or the equipment checkout process, please contact the Digital Media & Learning Librarian, Tim Miller, at (707) 826-4959. You can also email us at makerspace@humboldt.edu or drop by the first floor of the Library for help.
Adobe Premiere Rush - use your phone or tablet to edit, add music and sound effects, titles, adjust colors, and more! Free with Creative Cloud & free for three imports without Creative Cloud).
Videos for Creating, Saving, Editing, & Publishing:
Importing Photos/Videos on Mac & PC without Quik App (2 minutes)
Overview of how to use GoPro Player for Mac and PC (6 :30 min.)
Guide to Vlogging and Editing/Tips with Adobe Premiere Pro + Quik App ( 11 min.)
Editing & Exporting 360 Video with GoPro Player & Quik App - GoPro Player at 2:39 & Quik App on Mobile at 13:09 ( 20 min. )
360-degree video is very different from regular video and there are a few things you'll want to consider when designing your next 360 project.
A game engine for more complex projects. You can build projects to display in WebVR using the WebVR exporter asset package (tutorial).
Unity & Oculus: Build Your First VR App
This short tutorial walks you through creating and running a simple Unity app for Rift VR.
