Build a 3D rendering desktop app from scratch with Python
New version !
This folder was changed as there was only 3 source files, now there exists V1_SOURCE and V2_SOURCE where the V1 contains the original files (not recommended to use), and the V2 contains the new version of the project that adapts an OOP approach and a cleaner code structure, as well as some enhancements along with some new features.
What's new?
- OOP approach
- The 3D model is only redrawn (rerendered) when there's a change
- Faces are now being drawn completely (no matter how many vetrecies)
- Points that aren't in the screen are no longer rendered
- Rotation isn't continous, instead it's a custom degree on each axis
- New controls for Line color, Filling color, canvas color
- Filling could be turned ON and OFF
Description
This project was made as a practice for Python programming, Matrix manipulation, file processing, and general system engineering processes.
Also it was a way for me to explore an interesting field for me which is graphics (2D, and 3D).
It's a desktop app that takes in waveform files (.OBJ) and visualizes its triangulated form (no filliing, no shading, no texturing! just triangles)
The V2 (Legacy_versions/V2_SOURCE) of the project adds a filling option with control over the color of the filling as well as whether it's turned ON or OFF.
Key Words
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Python: Numpy, Tkinter, re (regex), 3D graphics.
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Waveform files (.OBJ).
Disclamer
This article assumes having basic knowledge of Python, Tkinter, and Numpy, since these will not be covered here.
About waveform files (.OBJ), I recommend reading this article in Wikipedia.
Or if you're not into reading, watch this YouTube video
How to use
Dependecies:
New contribution: Our friend @http-samc added requirements.txt to the project and made it easier to install all dependencies (this is the preferred way to do this) through running this command pip3 install -r requirements.txt.
You'll have to have these libraries along with Python in your PC pip3 install -r requirements.txt :
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Numpy
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Tkinter (if you're running Linux, you'll have to install it
sudo apt-get install python3-tk, otherwise, it comes with Python when installed) -
The 3 files provided in this repo located in the same folder.
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pyscreenshot (Only if you're running Linux, otherwise, you can use ImageGrab from the PIL lib)
Manipulation
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Run the main.py file
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This interface will open:
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You can load any .obj file you want, or you can choose from the files provided in the /Objects folder.
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After loading the 3D model, you can move it UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT using the U/D/L/R buttons or using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
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You can zoom in and out, or rotate the model in 3 axis.
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You can take screenshots too with the "Take screenshot" button.
New in V2
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You can turn ON and OFF the filling.
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You can change the canvas color, the lines color, and the filling color.
References
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Inspiration for this project: Youtube Vid
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Some of my code was based on this work: Youtube Vid
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Best explanation of linear algebra ever: Youtube Playlist
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Get free waveform files online: Link