Clara.io is a robust, cloud-based 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software that operates entirely within a web browser, eliminating the need for downloads, licenses, or configuration. Here’s an overview of what the product does and its key features:
What Clara.io Does
Clara.io is designed to facilitate the creation, rendering, and sharing of 3D content directly from a web browser. It supports a wide range of 3D modeling, animation, and rendering tasks, making it a versatile tool for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Key Features
Modeling and Animation
- Polygonal Modeling: Allows users to create complex 3D models using various techniques, including constructive solid geometry.
- Key Frame Animation: Enables the creation of animations by setting keyframes, and it also supports skeletal animation for more complex character animations.
- Sub-object Editing: Users can edit models at the level of faces, edges, and vertices, providing detailed control over the model.
Rendering
- Photorealistic Rendering: Utilizes V-Ray Cloud for high-quality, photorealistic renderings, enhancing the visual quality of 3D models.
Interface and Tools
- User-Friendly Interface: The interface includes several panels such as the Creation Panel for creating scene elements, the Explorer for managing scene objects, the Properties tab for object and scene modifications, and the Tools tab for main modeling functions.
- Transformation and Component Modes: Offers Transformation Gizmos (Translate, Rotate, Scale) and Component Modes (Faces, Edges, Vertices) to modify objects precisely.
- Context Menus and Operator Stack: Provides context menus for quick access to modeling functions and an Operator Stack to track and manage actions applied to models.
Collaboration and Sharing
- Collaborative Real-Time Editing: Allows multiple users to edit scenes simultaneously, with features like per-user permissions and review tools.
- Sharing and Embedding: Supports sharing scenes via HTML iframe embedding and offers options for private and unlisted scenes with paid subscriptions.
Import/Export and Compatibility
- Multi-Format Support: Clara.io supports over 30 common 3D file formats, including FBX, Collada, OBJ, STL, Three.js, and more.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Runs on various platforms, including Windows, Apple OSX, Linux, Android, and iOS, using modern standards-compliant browsers.
Scripting and Automation
- Scripting and Plugins: Allows advanced users to automate tasks using JavaScript and provides access to REST APIs for further customization.
Additional Features
- Versioning and History: Includes revision control and a History panel to track all actions applied in the scene, enabling easy undo and redo operations.
- Material Library and Lighting: Offers a huge photorealistic material library and flexible lighting setups to enhance the visual quality of 3D models.
Despite being permanently shut down on December 31, 2022, the site remains partially functional for logged-in users, showcasing the extensive capabilities and features that made Clara.io a powerful tool in the 3D modeling and rendering landscape.