Creating 3D objects to animate on command for a building tutorial - which tools?

[Rachel_T]

Hey there! Longtime PS, Lightroom, Premiere and Dreamweaver user, but now I am being tasked with a new challenge. We have two options for creating a tutorial - 3D modeling, or video. The video I can do, but it involves a crew, a space, tools, editing after, etc. So the challenge here is:
Build the objects in 3D (ie, pieces of a desk)

Put the 3D objects into some kind of timeline animation (Animate?)

Move the 3D objects through perceived screen space to demonstrate how to "build" the desk

Put mouseover or click triggers to pop up notes of importance (ie, "make sure the parts are square!)

Export into an animated format to use in a learning management system.

Bonus - Create a second version that requires the user to click and drag the 3D elements into place to "Build" the desk themselves, as a test.

Is this possible with Dimension + Animate, assuming functional knowledge of both tools? Will I need a 3rd tool for the interactivity portion? 

Thank you in advance for any tips, answers, suggestions, or links to tutorials that can help! If I can do one virtual video successfully, this will change a HUGE portion of my workload and make me a hero at work. 🙂

[Ussnorway · Accepted solution]

[quote] Is this possible with Dimension + Animate, assuming functional knowledge of both tools? Will I need a 3rd tool for the interactivity portion? [/quote]

no Dimension is for making 2D images

for a tutorial vid I'd make it with Iclone [best option but $] or Unreal [free hobby level]... interaction is a different can of worms but preset vids is the best option if you want this tutorial to live on the internet

[Rachel_T]

Thank you so much. I appreciate that info. I was hoping that Dimension would export the images as 3-d objects - but this saves me from going in and figuring it out before I wasted too much time! 🙂

I will look into these software pieces recommendations. Thank you so much!

[Skills Circle]

You can export from Dimensions as 3D object. I did this morning! Basically to do what you are describing there are several workflows. Export it as a Gtlb file, take this into After Effects as a 3D environment. There you can do a camera tracking. If you are wanting to make a VR experience you would need to take this environment into Unity (Free software) if for AR you could use Adobe Aero.