Tips

Since a number of excellent VRML tools have been written in pure Java, Java is essential for VRML developers on the Mac. Kudos to Trapezium and Novafex for explicitly supporting the Mac with download pages and installers. Make sure that you have Apple's latest Java virtual machine as it is stable and very fast compared with version release before Mac OS 8.6. You need to install both the run-time system and the software development kit. Both of these can be downloaded from the Mac OS Runtime for Java Web site.

Most good 3D modelling packages can export VRML 2.0/97 files. Tools that work with other common 3D file formats are also useful for VRML developers as most modelling package can import a variety of formats, which can then be exported as VRML 2.0/97. Alternatively, my DXF to VRML97 converter (see below) can be used to convert DXF files directly to VRML. If you want to create advanced interactive 3D environments then your main tool, once you have created your 3D objects using a modelling tool, will be a decent text editor (and maybe a Java compiler depending on how far you want to go). There are links to a number of good resources on VRML development on the MacWeb3D Resources Page.

A PC emulator can be useful for some tasks, such as running file conversion software that is not available on the Mac or as a Java application, as well as for testing that your models work on PC viewers. Some VRML development tools for Windows are actually usable on a G3 Mac. Another option that should not be forgotten is Linux. LinuxPPC.

Go to the VRML on the Macintosh Page