Introducing the 3D model asset optimizer in Mattercraft

Hello everyone!

We're happy to announce the launch of 3D model asset optimizer in Mattercraft! This feature transforms how you handle asset optimization in Mattercraft, combining industry-standard compression techniques into an intuitive visual interface that keeps you in complete control. 

What is the Asset Optimiser?

At Zappar, we've been using command line optimization tools for a number of years, however, we believe there to be a gap in the market for visual feedback during the optimization process of 3D models... that's where the asset optimizer comes in. Powered by the industry-leading glTF-Transform library (the same technology trusted by studios worldwide), the asset optimizer brings powerful optimization capabilities through an elegant visual interface.

Demo

Watch the video below to see it in action!

Key Features

Project size analysis

The new asset optimization tab (on the left hand side) compiles a comprehensive report of all contributors to your project's publish size. Quickly identify large assets that would benefit from optimization and understand exactly where your bandwidth budget is going.

Dramatic file size reduction

3D models can often be the largest assets in a web experience, taking precious seconds to download on mobile networks. The asset optimizer can reduce GLB file sizes by 70-90% in many cases, leading to near-instantaneous load times and happier end users.

Reduced memory footprint

Models with oversized textures consume massive amounts of graphics memory, which can cause stuttering, crashes, or completely prevent experiences from running on devices with limited resources. By intelligently scaling textures and optimizing geometry, the asset optimizer dramatically reduces memory usage for smoother, more reliable performance everywhere.

Completely non-destructive

Here's the best part: the asset optimizer is built into Mattercraft's bundler technology, meaning the optimization happens at publish time. Your original model files remain untouched and pristine in your project. You can re-optimize with different settings at any time, experiment freely, or revert to the original model instantly with no risk and no permanent changes.

Real-time visual comparison

See exactly what you're getting. The asset optimizer provides a live side-by-side comparison view where you can drag a slider to compare your original model against the optimized version in real time. Make informed decisions about quality versus file size with instant visual feedback.

Note: Ensure you have the latest version of the @zcomponent/three package installed.

Flexible optimization controls

Work the way you want:

• Apply optimization parameters across all models in your project from the Asset Optimization tab
• Per-Model Overrides: Fine-tune settings for individual models that need special treatment
• Presets: Save and load commonly used configurations for instant application across project
  
  

Whether you're optimizing one model or hundreds, the asset optimizer adapts to your workflow.

Powered by glTF-Transform

Under the hood, the asset optimizer leverages glTF-Transform, the industry-standard 3D optimization library trusted by developers worldwide. For years, glTF-Transform has been the go-to tool for model compression, but it required command-line expertise and offered no visual feedback on the results.

We've transformed this powerful technology into an intuitive visual experience that lets you see the impact of every optimization decision in real time. All the power of professional-grade 3D compression, now accessible to creators at every skill level.

Optimization options

The Asset Optimizer gives you precise control over multiple compression techniques:

• Texture Resizing: Scale down oversized textures to match display requirements
• Draco Compression: Apply advanced geometry compression for maximum size reduction
• Polygon Reduction: Intelligently simplify meshes while preserving shape
• Material Optimization: Remove unnecessary material data and combine similar materials
• Texture Format Conversion: Convert to web-optimized formats like WebP or Basis Universal
• And more!

Adjust each parameter with simple sliders and toggles, then see the results instantly in the 3D viewport.

How to use the asset optimizer

Getting started is simple:

1. 1. Open any project in Mattercraft
2. 2. Select a GLB model from your file list
3. 3. Navigate to the new Asset Optimization tab
4. 4. Review the size analysis for your model
5. 5. Adjust optimization settings using the visual controls
6. 6. Use the comparison slider to preview changes in real-time
7. 7. Apply settings and publish—your optimized models are automatically bundled

For bulk optimization, use the global settings panel to apply configurations across all project models, or save presets for consistent optimization across multiple projects.

What's next?

This launch is just the beginning of asset optimization in Mattercraft. We're actively working to bring the asset optimizer to additional file types, including images, audio, video, and more. Our goal is to provide comprehensive optimization tools for every asset type in your projects, ensuring your experiences are as fast and efficient as possible.

Have suggestions for what feature we should add next? Let us know via the feedback option in the 'M' menu... we're always listening to our community.

Thank you.