Lite3D
For 3D collaboration
The complete package for effortless collaboration with agile & lean 3D data
What is Lite3D?
Lite3D is a comprehensive solution enabling users across various devices to engage with 3D data seamlessly, providing access to 3D models and collaboration. With the help of neutral file formats like JT, STEP AP 242, PLMXML, OBJ, or WRL, Lite3D enables the use of neutral file formats, making 3D a common language in corporate environments without the limitations of native CAD data.
Key offerings include LiteBox3D for desktop and web viewing, LiteCar for automotive compliance, and various other tools designed to enhance 3D model management and collaboration.
What can you do with Lite3D?
The Lite3D product portfolio offers a range of features and capabilities that cater to various needs within 3D modeling and collaboration.
Web viewer
LiteBox3D Web Viewer is a web-based SDK that can be embedded into web pages or existing applications to view multiple neutral 3D formats, such as JT, PLMXML, STEP AP242, OBJ, WRL, and TIFF. It offers IP protection as models are stored on the server, and only tessellated information is sent to the browser, ensuring data security. It features a powerful API for customization, server-side caching for reduced loading times, and an offline mode by caching models in the local browser cache.
Desktop viewer
LiteBox3D Desktop is a free viewer that supports multiple neutral 2D and 3D formats, including JT ISO standard, PLMXML, STEP AP242, OBJ, WRL, and TIFF. It can be expanded with add-on applications for IP protection, model comparison, and quality validation. The Pro version includes additional features such as redlining and 3DHTML export.
JT compliance
For ensuring data quality in JT and TIFF files. It checks whether JT models meet the geometry, structure, and methodology requirements of a customer’s development guidelines. LiteComply can perform batch or interactive checks directly in LiteBox3D.
3DHTML viewer
3DHTML is a proprietary format from TECHNIA, which contains the tessellated representation, the structure tree, PMIs and the metadata of a 3D model within an HTML document. The viewer functionality is also embedded in this document. 3DHTML documents can be viewed in any web browser without installing additional software.
Protect your IP
For protecting intellectual property with data management and viewing rights that ensure 3D models are secure and only accessible to authorized users.
Vehicle compliance
For validating the compliance of your vehicle design and architecture to international regulations and standards during the entire design process, from concept phase to homologation.
Editing JT model properties
For editing interactively or in batch mode, define the changes in an XML configuration file. You can create this file using a text editor. In the configuration file, you can define any number of properties to add, edit, or delete.
Image capture
For capturing images of a JT model or assembly (PLMXML, STEP AP242 XML) to be saved in PNG format. This lightweight command line utility can be used in different ways to create pictures: on the run, when a 3D-document is loaded, in a daily batch run, etc.
Data optimization for production
For automatically recognizing various processing steps like drilling, threading, and surface finishing and calculating the associated parameters such as hole diameter, depth, and length. Group these individual processing steps and create a comprehensive machining plan, detailing the required turning, drilling, and milling operations. Calculate the minimum raw material size needed based on the material to be removed and generate an XML file that can be directly integrated into the NC programming workflow, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual effort throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.
Why use Lite3D?
What benefits does Lite3D provide to users and organizations that deploy it company-wide?
Lite3D promotes 3D as a common collaboration language, reducing discussion and misunderstandings compared to 2D. This fosters a more efficient and cohesive working environment.
By relying on lightweight, neutral formats, Lite3D saves on expensive CAD licenses and simplifies the management of 3D data, making it accessible on any device, including mobile.
LiteCar enables automotive compliance features and IP protection capabilities, ensuring that your designs and data are secure and compliant with industry standards.
Additional plug-ins allow you to easily extend viewer capabilities, such as checking data quality or comparing models.
LiteBox3D Desktop Viewer
LiteBox3D Desktop is a powerful, easy, and free to use viewer supporting multiple neutral 2D and 3D formats such as: JT ISO standard, PLMXML, STEP AP242, OBJ, WRL and TIFF. This viewer can be expanded with add-on applications for IP protection, model comparison and quality validation.
LiteBox3D Professional offers extended functionality, enabling advanced redlining, work instructions, and visualization, with tools for animated step-by-step guides, HTML exports, and JT topology analysis. Users can annotate scenes, adjust visibility, and apply automatic animations. Ray-tracing enhances realism, while detailed geometry analysis breaks down JT files into elements. The software also displays WRL models with Abaqus simulation results, providing clear insights into simulation data.
LiteBox3D is characterized by its user-friendliness. LiteBox3D is self-explanatory regarding its functions. Users do not need any previous CAD knowledge for measuring, clipping and comparing assemblies.
Multithreading ensures that files load quickly. With late loading activated, some information is loaded only when needed.
LiteBox3D Professional offers animated step-by-step instructions, HTML web page exports for models and instructions, detailed JT topology analysis, PDF exports for model views, and 3D manipulation of individual assembly parts.
Download free version of LiteBox3D
LiteBox3D can be used for free with additional features available to purchase in the Pro Version.
LiteBox3D Web Viewer
LiteBox3D Web Viewer is a user-friendly JT viewer based on HTML5. 3D data can be displayed in any browser and on any device.
LiteBox3D Web supports JT, STEP AP242 XML, PLMXML, OBJ, and WRL formats, displaying PMIs, model views, properties, and a model tree. It enables multi-model viewing, switches between orthographic and perspective projection, component highlighting, and redlining/markups. Users can create snapshots, measure, and cut models. The web version adds exploded views, and easy access from any device.
LiteBox3D Web ensures IP protection and a high level of security by storing 3D models on the server and only sending tessellated data to the browser of the end device. Installation, configuration, and updates are carried out on the server. Users always access the latest version of their models, preventing inconsistencies or version conflicts.
Viewer settings are set by system variables. Viewer controls can be shown or hidden as well as model tree and model properties. HTML API is also available to toggle visibility for some elements during runtime. Multi-device accessibility ensures seamless viewing on both desktop and mobile devices.
With client-side rendering, LiteBox3D Web requires minimal server hardware. No graphics card is required on the server, as the graphics card of the client is used to display the models. An offline mode allows cached models to be accessed without an internet connection. Server side caching can be activated and shared by multiple instances, allowing multiple instances of LiteBox3D Web to run side by side with minimal loading times.
A variety of JavaScript APIs are available. API reference can be found in the LiteBox3D Web manual.
Try LiteBox3D Web Viewer
Discover how to make 3D data available to all users without losing control.
LiteComply
LiteComply checks whether JT models meet customer-specific geometry, structure, and methodology guidelines. With LiteComply, compliance with standards and quality norms becomes an automated part of the process.
LiteComply is seamlessly integrated into TECHNIA’s Lite3D portfolio, supporting batch and interactive validation of JT and TIFF files within LiteBox3D. By detecting data quality issues in JT, PLMXML, and STEP AP242 XML files, it helps prevent errors that could disrupt workflows or require costly rework.
Check JT and TIFF files in batch mode or interactively within LiteBox3D, a user-friendly JT viewer.
Easily meet design guidelines and quality requirements, ensuring data integrity.
Fully integrated with TECHNIA’s Lite3D portfolio for a streamlined workflow.
Validate JT data before shipment to prevent errors and ensure accuracy.
Download Lite3D
Comply with design guidelines and quality requirements through data quality for JT and TIFF.
LiteDrop
LiteDrop optimizes JT files for different downstream processes while protecting intellectual property by removing confidential information. It supports both interactive and automated reduction through LiteDrop-Interactive and LiteDrop batch. LiteDrop supports the concept of a “master JT file”, in which a single JT file contains all process-relevant information. Depending on the process (for example, JT files are used or opened in separate applications), LiteDrop automatically adjusts the Master JT files to the respective application as required.
LiteDrop simplifies JT files by removing unnecessary elements, including B-Reps, LOD elements, parts, sub-assemblies, PMIs, and attributes. It allowing users to remove elements interactively or via predefined configuration files in batch mode. Additionally, LiteDrop automatically detects and removes invisible or internal parts, such as gears inside a gearbox, ensuring optimized, lightweight JT files without compromising essential data.
Easily control and manage the content of JT files by removing sensitive information and geometry, ensuring the safeguarding of sensitive data.
With editable profiles, data can be adjusted based on specific needs meaning you only share what’s necessary.
LiteDrop helps answer questions such as: Is the exact mathematical description of the geometry required, or is a low level of detail sufficient? Are all properties necessary? Are small parts such as screws and nuts required?
Prevent slowdowns in downstream processes by reducing file size and unneccesary complexity, creating lightweight models for improved efficiency.
Download Lite3D
Easily manage the content of JT files to increase viewing performance and protect your IP.
LiteCar
LiteCar brings 15 years of powerful compliance validation features from CAVA for CATIA to non-CATIA users through the ISO-standard JT format.
Validate vehicle design and architecture against international regulations, from the concept phase to homologation, ensuring compliance throughout the development process. Validation results are visually projected in 3D, saved in XML format, and can be reused in other applications. The tool is highly configurable, allowing users to adapt company-specific standards within the system.
LiteCar supports various automotive safety and design checks, including bumper height validation, crash barrier positioning, and side impact simulations following Euro NCAP, FMVSS, and IIHS standards. It also enables pedestrian protection analysis by calculating reference curves and impact areas. Additionally, LiteCar assesses driver visibility in accordance with Japanese MLIT standards, considering mirrors and camera systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
Access international standards and vehicle parameters easily, validating digital models to reduce reliance on physical prototypes throughout the entire design process—from concept to homologation.
Manual compliance verification is time-consuming and prone to human errors. LiteCar automates validation against global regulations such as ECE, GTR, Euro NCAP, FMVSS, and RCAR, ensuring fast, reliable, and accurate results.
Seamlessly integrated with TECHNIA’s Lite3D portfolio, LiteCar is a proven vehicle homologation solution used by leading OEMs and suppliers worldwide.
Download Lite3D
Comply with design guidelines and quality requirements through data quality for JT and TIFF.
Lite3D Batch Tools
The Lite3D product range also includes practical batch tools for the processing of JT files, enabling efficient data preparation, validation, and optimization without manual intervention.
The batch tool calculates silhouettes of 3D geometry in a given viewing plane. The calculated silhouette points are stored in an XML-based output file. An input file specifies the file, vectors for the plane, and the accuracy of the silhouette. The result is an XML file containing the enclosed surface area value, a list of point coordinates, a list of indices for all points on the outer and inner contours, as well as a list of indices for all points of the tessellation.
The command-line tool LiteBoundingBox.exe calculates the size of the bounding box of JT models. The result is outputted in an XML file. Both monolithic and fully shattered (modular) models can be processed. The output file is in XML format and includes values for the bounding box in the X, Y, and Z directions. The local coordinate system of the model serves as a reference.
With LiteProperties, you can add, edit, and delete properties in a JT model. The desired changes are defined in an XML file, which is then processed by LiteProperties. In this configuration file, any number of properties can be specified for creation, modification, or deletion.
3DHTML is a proprietary format by TECHNIA, encapsulating the tessellated representation, the structural tree, PMIs (Product Manufacturing Information), and metadata of a 3D model within an HTML document. Using the command-line tool Lite3DHTML.exe, you can export a 3D model as an HTML document. This HTML document can be visualized in browsers that support WebGL.
LiteImage allows the generation of images from JT models and assemblies (PLMXML, STEP AP242 XML), saving them as PNG files. This lightweight tool is operated through the command line and can be utilized in various ways, such as triggered externally, in a daily batch run, upon loading a 3D model, etc. LiteImage adheres to predefined settings for shaded representation with edges, transparent background, and disabled highlights.
Download Lite3D
Set up 3D as an affordable, collaborative language that goes beyond engineering, across the extended enterprise.
How to choose your 3D viewer
Selecting a 3D viewer for your organization involves considering how it integrates with your existing workflows, its compatibility with other tools, and its ability to meet your specific 3D collaboration needs.
The flexibility of Lite3D to work across different devices and its support for multiple file formats make it a versatile choice. Additionally, the availability of various plugins and extensions to enhance its functionality should be considered to tailor the software to your specific requirements
How to buy Lite3D
Looking to purchase Lite3D licenses? Want to see a demo to understand what Lite3D can do? Or do you need to speak to an expert before you can make your decision?
Lite3D comes in all shapes and sizes. We’re here to make sure that you’re getting the right software package for your team.
Need help with Lite3D?
Johannes Storvik and team have spent the last 20 years working together with clients to develop solutions that perfectly compliment the Dassault Systèmes portfolio. Reach out for a free consultation today.
Lite3D FAQs
Troubleshooting and Support
Looking for help with Lite3D?
Lite3D is well-suited for MBD workflows by embedding geometry, annotations, and metadata directly into 3D models. This enables a paperless process where the 3D model serves as the single source of truth for design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams.
Yes, Lite3D is compatible with desktop, web browsers, and mobile devices. This cross-platform accessibility allows design engineers to review and share 3D models on the go, ensuring flexibility in collaborative workflows.
Lite3D simplifies iterative design by allowing engineers to compare different versions of a model using plugins. This makes it easy to identify changes, update designs efficiently, and ensure accuracy throughout the product development cycle.
Yes, with tools like LiteImage, design engineers can create high-quality images of JT models in formats like PNG. These images are ideal for presentations, documentation, or sharing concepts with stakeholders who don’t have access to 3D viewing tools.
Lite3D includes utilities like LiteBoundingBox, which calculates bounding box dimensions of JT models. This helps design engineers analyze component sizes, spatial relationships within assemblies, and prepare models for manufacturing or further simulation processes.
Lite3D offers plugins like LiteDrop, which allow engineers to reduce the size of JT files by removing unnecessary data while maintaining essential details. This optimization improves performance and protects intellectual property by stripping sensitive or proprietary information from the model.
Yes, Lite3D includes tools like LiteComply that help design engineers validate their 3D models against customer-specific guidelines, legal regulations, and industry standards. This ensures that designs meet quality and compliance requirements before moving to production.
Lite3D enables seamless collaboration by supporting neutral file formats like JT and STEP AP242, which eliminate compatibility issues with native CAD software. Design engineers can share, review, and annotate 3D models in real-time across devices, ensuring all stakeholders work with the same data.
Lite3D offers several plugins to enhance its capabilities:
- LiteComply ensures JT models meet customer-specific guidelines and legal regulations by validating geometry, structure, and methodology.
- LiteDrop optimizes JT file content for better performance while protecting intellectual property.
- LiteImage generates high-quality images from JT models and assemblies in formats like PNG using predefined settings.
- Redlining Tools add annotations, notes, and markups directly onto 3D models for improved collaboration.
Yes, basic viewing functionality of Lite3D is free for commercial use. Additional features or modules may require a subscription or license.
Lite3D supports a range of neutral file formats, including:
- JT
- STEP AP 242
- PLMXML
- OBJ
- WRL
These formats ensure compatibility across different CAD systems and simplify the sharing of 3D data.
Yes, Lite3D includes specialized tools like LiteCar, which is tailored for automotive compliance. This makes it an excellent choice for managing and validating complex automotive models.