Some photographs are truly excellent, but they all face a dilemma: the lack of information when it comes to extracting special elements from them, such as a three-dimensional model. The Smoothie-3D service aims to fill that gap by offering the necessary tools to generate such models directly in the browser, without having to install any additional software.
Why Convert 2D Images to 3D Models?
Getting a 3D model from a 2D image isn't the most efficient process. Why do it then? There are times when we simply have no alternative. If you can't be in front of the object or person in question and take proper measurements, you have to work with the available material, even knowing the result won't be perfect. 3D models are always useful, but with the extraordinary advancement of 3D printers, that usefulness has multiplied. Photos of a rabbit or an old vessel can become a new toy or the ideal ornament for a room, courtesy of a 3D model and a healthy amount of plastic. Every 2D image has limits in its editing, but 3D models can be optimized and modified constantly, further polishing the final design.
How Smoothie-3D Works
That's when Smoothie-3D comes in. By simply defining the main edges, Smoothie-3D can generate the missing parts, while the user can alter the shape and volume of each one until reaching a somewhat acceptable symmetry. The demo video is particularly compelling because it's not based on an artificial object but something natural like a squirrel. All you need to start working with Smoothie-3D is a free account on the official site and a compatible browser (Chrome, Safari, and the iOS browser appear at the top of the list).
Not Without Challenges
If there's a problem with Smoothie-3D, it's that from a certain point of view it's a bit complicated to use. The video is clearly sped up, so defining the edges freehand is a slow and exhausting task. What we mean is that no one should expect a magic solution with a couple of clicks in Smoothie-3D. The artisanal component is very large, and some users may feel frustrated by that, but they should give it a closer look at least to see if it meets their demands.
