Many places on the internet allow you to download 3D models. FWsim allows you to import many of these 3D models, and then place your fireworks around them or on them. However, certain restrictions apply: You must pick models that have relatively low polygon count (also called “low poly”). Physically based rendering (PBR) models are not supported. You can find a list of supported file types below.

Where to download 3D Models

Sketchfab.com

Sketchfab is our recommended site. The models on Sketchfab work very well with FWsim, and many of them are created from real photographs. Please make sure you have the most recent version of FWsim in order to use Sketchfab models.

Free3D.com

Free3d.com offers 17.000 3D models, some free, some paid. If available, download the .DAE (collada) file format.

3D Warehouse (this is no longer a good option)

You can find excellent 3D Models of buildings at Sketchup 3D Warehouse. You can download them for free. Make sure you select the “Collada” file format if it’s available.

Unfortunately, Sketchup 3D Warehouse made some changes in 2021. Now, for some models there is no Collada format available - only the Sketchup format. FWsim cannot open the Sketchup format. If you want to use these models that have no Collada available, you need to use the Sketchup software. You can try this software free for 30 days. You can download 3D Warehouse models in the Sketchup format, open them in the Sketchup software, and then export them in the “Collada” file format.

List of File Formats that work with FWsim

FWsim can usually open the following 3D model file formats:

3D, DAE, 3DS, 3MF, ASE, AC, AC3D, ACC, AMJ, ASE, ASK, B3D, BVH, CMS, COB, GLTF, HMB, IRR, IRRMESH, LWO, LWS, LXO, M3D, MD2, MD3,OBJ, PLY, LWO, LXO, STL, AC, MS3D, COB, SCN, SMD, VTA, MDL, MD2, MD3, PK3, MDC, MD5, BVH, CSM, X, B3D, Q3D, Q3S, IRRMESH, IRR, NFF, OFF, RAW, TER, MDL, HMP, NDO, FBX

The following formats usually do not work very well:

• BLEND (Blender) - we recommend you convert the file into the Collada format (.dae). Instructions for that are below.
• DXF (AutoCAD) - we recommend you convert the file into the Collada format (.dae)

However, even if a model is on this list, the model might not work if it contains special data that FWsim doesn’t understand. We are continually updating FWsim to support more types of 3D models. So if if you find something that doesn’t work, just let us know.

If your model is made for “physically-based rendering” (PBR) then it will not work in FWsim.

How to import your 3D model into FWsim

1. Open the World Editor via Tools -> 3D World Editor
2. Click “Add”
3. Click “Import”
4. Select the KMZ file you downloaded from Google Warehouse
5. FWsim should automatically detect the corect real-world scaling from the model. If not, you can adjust the scale. You can also move the model around as you wish.
6. Save the 3D World and give it a name.
7. Create a fireworks show, select Show -> Scenery and select the previously saved world.

How to import a camera move from Blender or other 3D software into FWsim

Please refer to our documentation on importing camera move data from Blender or other 3D software.

How to import a Blender 3D model into FWsim

To import a Blender model into FWsim, please convert it into the Collada (.dae) file format first. Here’s the step-by-step instructions on how to do that:

1. Open your 3D model file in Blender
2. Click File -> Export -> Collada
3. Now we need to adjust the coordinate system. The FWsim coordinate system is different from the Blender coordinate system. The FWsim coordinate system is laid out like this: X to the right, Y upwards, Z into the screen. Under “Global Orientation”, select “Forward Axis: -Z” and “Up Axis: Y”. Leave the “Apply” checkbox unchecked.
4. Finish the export by entering a filename and clicking OK.
5. In FWsim, open the world editor, then click “Add” and “Import”.

Not working?

Blender has a large number of features, and not all of them can be exported to Collada or imported into FWsim. If your model cannot be imported after following these steps, please let us know.

How to shoot fireworks on top of Sketchup 3D Models (skp files)

If you use the Sketchup 3D modelling software to create your models, you might want to integrate them with fireworks. In order to do that, you can use FWsim.

Please follow these steps:

1. Install the FWsim trial version if you haven’t done that yet
2. Install Sketchup (you might need to start a trial period or buy a subscription)
3. Open the Sketchup file (skp file) from Sketchup
4. Using the File menu, export the model to Collada. Make sure you activate texture export.
5. Open FWsim
6. Enter the FWsim world editor from the Tools menu
7. Click “Add” and “Import” - you can now open the “.dae” Collada file
8. Follow the steps above (“How to import your 3D model”).
9. If your 3D model doesnt work as expected, please contact us - we’re always happy to help.