Quick Start

This guide takes you from a blank canvas to a live, published 3D scene in around five minutes. No coding required.

Before you start

Make sure you have a ShapeBox account. Sign up for free — no credit card needed.

Step 1 — Create a project

1. Log in and go to your Dashboard.
2. Click New Project in the top-right corner.
3. Select Blank Scene and give your project a name.
4. Click Create — the editor opens automatically.

Step 2 — Add objects

The scene starts empty. Let's add some geometry:

1. Click Add (or press A) in the toolbar.
2. Choose Cube from the primitives list. A cube appears at the origin.
3. Add a Plane the same way — this will act as your floor.
4. Select the plane and use the Move tool (W) to position it below the cube.

Navigation quick reference:

Step 3 — Apply a material

1. Select the cube.
2. In the Inspector panel on the right, open the Material section.
3. Click the colour swatch and choose a colour.
4. Try adjusting the Metalness and Roughness sliders for a reflective or matte look.

Step 4 — Add a light

1. Click Add → Light → Directional Light.
2. Select the light and adjust its direction in the Inspector.
3. Optionally add an Ambient Light for softer fill lighting.

Step 5 — Preview your scene

Press Space or click the Play button to enter Preview mode. Walk around with W / A / S / D and look around with the mouse. Press Escape to return to the editor.

Step 6 — Publish

1. Click Publish in the top-right corner of the editor.
2. Set visibility to Public.
3. Click Go Live.

Your scene is now live at a permanent ShapeBox URL. Share it with anyone — no server, no deployment, no code.

What's next?

• Learn about every part of the editor in the Editor Overview.
• Add interactive behaviours with Plugins.
• Invite a teammate to collaborate in real time.
• Read the full Publishing & Sharing guide.