How can Webflow users incorporate 3D objects and animations into their websites, interact with them using interactions, scrolling, and mouse movement, and import models and animations from Blender?

Webflow does not natively support 3D model imports, but you can incorporate 3D objects and animations by combining external tools like Blender with Webflow’s custom code and interaction features.

1. Prepare 3D Assets in Blender

• Model and animate your object in Blender as needed.
• Export the 3D file in a compatible web format such as .glb or .gltf. These formats are efficient and widely supported on the web.
• For animations, ensure they’re baked and exported with the object in the same file.

2. Choose a 3D Web Renderer

• Use a JavaScript-based 3D engine like Three.js (or tools/libraries built on top of it).
• For simplified workflows, you can use Spline (spline.design) or Model Viewer (by Google), both of which are easier for Webflow integration.

3. Embed the 3D Object in Webflow

• In Webflow, add an Embed element where you want to place the 3D scene.
• Insert the viewer script (Model Viewer, Spline, or custom Three.js code) along with the asset url or path. For example:
• For Model Viewer: use <model-viewer> tags inside the embed.
• For Spline: use their auto-generated embed iframe.
• Host your .glb/.gltf files on a hosting service (like AWS S3, GitHub, or Dropbox with direct file access) if Webflow doesn’t allow direct asset hosting.

4. Connect Webflow Interactions to 3D Elements

• Webflow’s native Interactions panel cannot directly control 3D properties of custom embeds.
• Instead, use Webflow’s interaction triggers (e.g., mouse move, scroll) to manipulate custom JavaScript functions that control the 3D scene.
• For example:
• Trigger JS animations based on scroll distance via scrollY and update object rotation or position.
• Use mousemove events to update camera positions or object transforms dynamically.

5. Use Third-Party Tools for Simplified Workflows

• Spline allows you to design in 3D and export sharable Web links or embed code that respond to scroll/mouse movement.
• You can then embed the Spline iframe in Webflow and control how it behaves through custom parameters or layered scrolling tricks.

6. Optimize Performance

• Keep 3D models lightweight by reducing polygon count and optimizing textures in Blender.
• Use lazy loading flags (e.g., loading="lazy") and consider compressing .glb files.
• Avoid loading 3D scenes until needed (e.g., trigger loading only when the user scrolls into view).

Summary

To use 3D objects and animations in Webflow, export your models from Blender as .glb/.gltf, and use tools like Three.js, Model Viewer, or Spline inside embed elements. Control 3D scenes with custom JavaScript, connecting them to Webflow's interactions and scroll triggers as needed.