3D Digital Asset Management

In this article, you’ll learn:

Imagine you're working on a complex 3D project, and your computer screen is cluttered with countless files, each representing hours of painstaking work. You know there’s a model somewhere in your digital library that would be perfect for your new project, but finding it feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Sound familiar?

This is a common challenge for companies working with 3D models. Over time, your collection of digital assets grows, making it increasingly difficult to find the right files when you need them. You’re left with two options: start from scratch every time (and risk reinventing the wheel) or embrace a smarter solution—digital asset management for 3D models.

Obviously, the second option is the way to go. But what exactly is digital asset management for 3D models, and how can it transform the way you work? Let’s dive into the advantages of using DAM software and explore the top platforms available in 2024.

What Is 3D Asset Management?

Digital asset management (DAM) systems are like super-organizers for all your digital files. They help you quickly locate, share, and even edit your 3D assets without breaking a sweat. When it comes to working with three-dimensional graphics, these assets can include:

3D models that bring your ideas to life
Textures that add depth and realism
Animation schemes that make your creations move
Descriptions of physical properties to ensure accuracy
Supporting documentation to keep everything on track

The goal of using a digital asset management system is to make your life easier by streamlining, speeding up, and optimizing the workflows that involve these files. Whether you’re a designer, developer, content manager, team lead, marketer, or product owner, a DAM system can be a game-changer for keeping everything organized and accessible.

Why Is Digital Asset Management So Important?

The digital economy is booming. According to the World Bank, it already makes up 15% of global GDP, and by 2030, that number could jump to 30%. Industries like 3D model development are right at the heart of this growth, where every little tweak in efficiency can lead to huge financial gains. That’s where a 3D digital asset management system comes into play.

Think about it—how much time do you spend digging through folders or recreating assets from scratch? With a 3D digital asset management system, you can wave goodbye to those tedious tasks. Instead, you get to focus on what really matters: being creative and driving your business forward:

Here’s how a 3D digital asset management system can transform your workflow:

Boost efficiency: Spend less time searching for files and more time creating.
Cut costs & increase revenue: Streamlined workflows mean more time for billable work and less wasted effort.
Maintain branding consistency: Keep all your assets aligned with your brand's look and feel.
Stay competitive: Quickly adapt to market changes and stay ahead of the curve.
Maximize asset value: Store and reuse assets with ease, ensuring you get the most out of every digital creation.

Imagine starting a new project and, instead of spending hours hunting for that perfect 3D model or texture, you just open your digital asset management system, type in a quick query, and—bam!—everything you need is right there. Whether you’re working on a part for 3D printing or designing a new building, every task becomes simpler.

Challenges in 3D Model Management

Managing 3D models isn’t a walk in the park. If you’ve ever tried, you know that not all digital asset management (DAM) systems are cut out for the job. To truly streamline your workflow, you need specialized platforms that can handle the unique challenges of 3D model management. Here’s what you’re up against:

Heavy-duty files: 3D models are massive and resource-intensive. They don’t just eat up disk space—they also demand a lot from your hardware. Uploading, downloading, and sharing these large files can be a headache, especially if your system isn’t up to the task.
Format overload: If you think managing different file formats is tricky, try dealing with 3D models. They come in a dizzying array of formats—OBJ, STL, FBX, GLB, and more. Then, throw in textures in JPG, PNG, and WEBP, plus all the auxiliary files. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.
Integration woes: To really get the most out of your 3D assets, you need smooth integration with specialized software like Blender, Autodesk 3DS Max, or ZBrush. Without it, your workflow can grind to a halt.
Organizing the workflow: Creating 3D objects is a team effort, often involving dozens of people. Without clear coordination and proper tools for communication, things can quickly go off the rails. Everyone needs to know their role, have access to the right files, and be able to collaborate effectively.
Managing metadata: Metadata is your best friend when you need to find a file fast. But to make the most of it, you need tools that let you automate metadata editing and ensure accuracy. Otherwise, you’re stuck with a lot of manual work and potential errors.
Version control: Ever made a tiny tweak to a 3D model and then realized it messed up something else? That’s why version control is crucial. You need the ability to roll back to previous versions of your assets without losing your mind—or your work.

In short, managing 3D models comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right 3D digital asset management system, you can turn those challenges into opportunities for efficiency and creativity.

Benefits of Using Digital Asset Management Systems for 3D Models

To move forward with our example, let's say you've received the 45th order in the history of your architectural or engineering agency. Obviously, you have built up a considerable library of 3D models over the years. If you use Windows Explorer or Mac Spotlight to navigate through it, you'll spend hours searching for the materials you need. Just a reminder that operating systems rarely show thumbnails of 3D models — you'll have to open each file to view them, wasting considerable time and system resources.

But with high-end software, you can achieve comprehensive workflow optimization. Quick file search and distribution will help reduce unproductive time. Automation of routine tasks will allow skilled professionals to focus on solving important problems and developing creatives. At the same time, reducing work cycles increases the number of finished products produced within a certain period of time and increases the company's revenue, improving its financial performance.

Here are some other standout benefits of using digital asset management software in 3D modeling:

Fast file sharing between different departments of the company;
Increased security, preventing the loss of important materials;
Improved version control of 3D models and related digital assets;
Seamless integration of various services and applications into a single automated system;
Advanced analytics — the possibility of tracking file popularity and productivity of individual user accounts.

With these benefits, you can keep your 3D modeling projects running smoothly and efficiently, leaving more time for creativity and innovation.

Best Digital Asset Management Systems for 3D Objects in 2024

We have already mentioned that not every digital asset management system is suitable for working with such complex materials as three-dimensional models. Therefore, our list includes only those platforms that have been adapted to use such files.

Pics.io

Pics.io is a versatile 3D digital asset management system designed to make your life easier, especially when working with 3D models. One of the standout features of Pics.io is its built-in tools that allow you to view 3D objects directly online. No more downloading bulky files to your computer just to check if it's the right version. With Pics.io’s version control, you can easily spot even the tiniest changes from previous versions.

But that’s just scratching the surface. This 3D digital asset management platform offers robust metadata management tools that let you sort and organize your files by virtually any attribute—whether it’s size, creation date, author, location, or even designer comments. Pics.io makes it a breeze to create new metadata fields and automatically fill them with standardized tags using AI. And when it's time to share your work, a few clicks are all it takes to clean up any extra information, guaranteeing your files remain private and secure.

Another reason Pics.io stands out among 3D digital asset management services is how effortlessly it lets you share your work outside the company. Imagine setting up a personalized website with a custom design where your files can be accessed securely, with options to password-protect or set download time limits. Whether you’re working with Amazon S3 or Google Drive digital asset management, Pics.io adapts quickly to your company’s needs. Plus, we offer migration and onboarding services to get you up and running in no time.

The platform is available for the corporate sector and private users. With subscription plans starting at $50 per month for a single user and $150 per month for teams of ten, it’s a cost-effective solution that scales with you.

Echo3D

Echo3D is a specialized 3D digital asset management software that was built with 3D objects in mind, giving users some serious advantages:

Wide format support: It handles just about any 3D model format you can think of, even the unusual ones.
Efficient archiving: It can shrink file sizes by 5-10 times, making storage and sharing a breeze.
Quick conversions: Easily convert files into your company’s preferred format without the hassle.

One standout feature of Echo3D is its ability to search the web for objects with free-use licenses. This is a game-changer for small startups and teams working on trial versions of new products, as it helps cut costs and speeds up development.

While Echo3D primarily shines with 3D models, it also supports images and text documents. However, the features for these file types are a bit limited, which could be a drawback for some users. But don’t worry—there are still plenty of tools for collaboration and version control to keep your projects on track.

Subscriptions start at $99 per month for up to 15 users, with additional features available for a fee. There’s also a free trial version if you want to test the waters, though it comes with some limits on the number of files and users.

VNTANA

VNTANA is a commercial digital asset management system packed with features designed to make life easier for anyone working with 3D models:

Quick publishing: Instantly publish your models on Amazon and other marketplaces, with automatic updates whenever you tweak the files.
AR support: Seamlessly upload your 3D models to mobile apps with built-in augmented reality tech.
Optimization tools: Shrink file sizes by removing unnecessary polygons, keeping everything sleek and efficient.
Integration ready: Easily connect with popular 3D modeling apps, volume printing, rendering, video editing, and more.

VNTANA supports 3D scanners, allowing you to create, store, and work with digital duplicates of real-world objects. This makes it a go-to solution for industries like manufacturing and even medicine.

As for pricing, VNTANA tailors its subscription costs based on your specific needs, which you can discuss during a call or a free demo. The trial version gives you full functionality but limits you to uploading just five files.

Bynder

Bynder is a versatile DAM system with a dedicated module for digital asset management in 3D. It's designed primarily for large businesses, which comes with its own set of pros and cons.

What’s great about Bynder?

Lots of integrations: You can create automated workflows that instantly move finished files to the next program in your process.
Team collaboration: Bynder is built for big teams, and all its functions hold up even under heavy use.
Metadata support: It handles various metadata formats, making it efficient even with out-of-the-box 3D models.
Scalable cloud storage: Add new user accounts, and your cloud storage expands with ease to fit your company’s needs.
Handy reporting: Admins get all the info they need about file usage and user performance with Bynder’s reporting module.

One standout feature is the digital brand book. You can fill it with samples and templates of branded materials, including 3D models. This helps streamline work processes and keeps your company’s branding consistent.

The downside? Bynder’s pricing isn’t very transparent. The cost is tailored to each company, but according to reviews, the minimum subscription plan starts at around $450 per month for five accounts.

Connecter

Connecter is a DAM system tailored for pros in engineering, construction, architecture, industrial design, and manufacturing. Here’s why it stands out:

Basic modeling tools: Need to tweak your object’s texture or scale? You can do it directly online without downloading anything.
Unified storage access: Manage your massive files seamlessly, whether they’re in local storage or the cloud—all from one interface.
Harvester tool: Easily gather metadata from thousands of files into a single database and export it as a spreadsheet.
Visual notes: Add notes directly on your models to outline your next steps, without altering the original design.

But keep in mind, with all these features comes a bit of complexity. The interface is geared more toward professional designers than managers or marketers.

Pricing? It’s pretty reasonable—starting at $49 per year for individual users and $79 per month for businesses (with five user accounts). Plus, you get a 60-day trial period, though you’ll need to link a bank card to sign up.

Sketchfab

Sketchfab is more than just a platform for storing and sharing 3D models; it's packed with features that make managing your 3D assets a breeze:

View in VR/AR: You can check out your 3D models in virtual or augmented reality directly on the platform—no need to download anything first.
Marketplace: Think of it as a stock library for 3D models, where you can showcase your work and even earn royalties.
Embed anywhere: Easily embed your 3D models on external websites, which helps optimize traffic and speeds up page load times.

One thing that really sets Sketchfab apart from other 3D digital asset management systems is its powerful editor. You can tweak the smallest details and even render your models online. It’s a fantastic option for companies that work with detail-oriented clients who often request changes.

Pricing for Sketchfab starts at $15 per month and goes up to $79, depending on how many files you need to store and their size limits. There’s also a free plan for 3D enthusiasts who just want to dabble without going commercial.

Eagle

Eagle is a bit different from typical cloud-based digital asset management systems. Instead, it’s a desktop application designed to help you manage files stored locally or on your company’s network. It’s particularly handy for working with 3D models that take up a lot of disk space. Just keep in mind that accessing your files remotely can be a bit tricky since it’s not cloud-based.

Eagle is a versatile tool that primarily focuses on managing images and text documents. When it comes to 3D models, it supports FBX and OBJ files. One cool feature is that you can add thumbnails to these files, making visual searches a breeze. Plus, you can edit their metadata to automate the selection process.

Another neat feature is the ability to save links to websites and online objects as digital assets. This way, you can add references to your projects without eating up local storage space or bandwidth.

Eagle comes with a lifetime license, so no monthly fees to worry about. It costs $29.95 per user account, and there’s a 30% discount for non-profit organizations and educational institutions. Want to try before you buy? You can check out a free demo to see how it works.

Hexa

Hexa is an e-commerce content management platform that makes working with 3D objects, images, videos, text documents, and other popular file types a breeze. What sets Hexa apart is that it lets you create complex 3D models directly online, so there's no need for heavy-duty software like Blender or 3DS Max. Plus, it comes with a bunch of ready-made templates to make life easier for designers and developers.

Here’s what Hexa brings to the table:

Content management system: Instantly distribute, publish, and update your 3D models across various platforms with ease.
Conversion and optimization tools: Convert and optimize your models to reduce file size and ensure they meet the requirements of other software.
Analytics service: Get insights into the popularity of your digital assets and find ways to streamline your workflows.
VR/AR viewing tools: View your 3D models in virtual and augmented reality, fully compatible with modern VR/AR equipment.

As for pricing, it’s tailored to fit your company’s unique needs, based on factors like your IT infrastructure and business model. The best part? You can discuss all the details during a free demo to see how Hexa can work for you.

How to Choose the Right DAM Tools for 3D Models?

When selecting the perfect DAM tool for your 3D models, the key is to look for software specifically designed to handle the unique needs of 3D assets. At a minimum, it should manage the metadata for these files. But ideally, you want a system that also allows for viewing, light editing, and optimizing your digital assets.

Here are some crucial factors to consider when making your choice:

Supported file formats: Ensure the system can handle not just 3D models, but also other assets like images, videos, documents, and spreadsheets.
Functionality: Look for features like version control, quick asset distribution, automatic tagging in metadata, and the ability to create collections. These functionalities can significantly boost productivity.
User-friendly interface: A simple and intuitive interface means less time spent on training your team and more time focusing on what matters—creating and managing your 3D assets.
Storage capacity and integration: Consider your business needs in terms of storage. The ability to connect to other storage solutions is a big plus, whether you're working in the cloud or prefer desktop applications for added security and reliability.
Deployment speed and flexibility: Cloud-based solutions offer convenience and flexibility, but desktop apps can provide enhanced security and guaranteed access to your files, no matter what.
Pricing: The cost should align with your budget. Look for solutions that offer scalable pricing plans, allowing your DAM system to grow alongside your business.

Wrapping Up

3D models are at the forefront of digital graphics, playing a vital role in industries ranging from gaming to architecture, e-commerce to high-tech manufacturing. For professionals in these fields, having the right tools to develop and manage 3D assets is crucial. This is where specialized digital asset management systems for 3D models come into play. They streamline your workflow by enabling quick searches through metadata and tags, speeding up distribution, and offering robust collaboration tools.

One such versatile platform is Pics.io, which supports multiple file formats, provides version control, and integrates seamlessly with your existing cloud storage. Whether you're in architecture, engineering, or another field, Pics.io can help you manage your 3D assets more effectively.

Did you enjoy this article? Give Pics.io a try — or book a demo with us, and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions.