My first introduction to using digital 3D models with low vision students was when I was working with a student that was having issues with enlarging and magnifying 2D images on the computer during their science class. Many of the images were low contrast or low resolution to begin with, but often became blurry or impossible to access at zoom levels beyond 250% magnification, which was frustrating for the student and impacting their ability to learn the material. While removing background graphics and non-essential details helped, one strategy that really transformed their learning was the use of 3D models that could withstand high magnification levels and full-screen viewing. Here is a list of tips and strategies for using 3D models with low vision students in the classroom setting, along with sources for free 3D models for education.
Advantages of digital 3D models for low vision access
When discussing 3D models and low vision accessibility, the first things that comes to mind for most people are tactile graphics, 3D printing accessibility, and manipulatives— all of which are valuable tools for literacy and information access. However, digital 3D models can be a powerful learning tool for students with low vision that access information visually when used in lieu of or in addition to 2D images or models. Advantages of digital 3D models for low vision access can include:
- 3D models do not include background graphics, and can be resized or placed on any color background, reducing visual clutter and making it easier to focus on an object of interest.
- Models are designed to be magnified and manipulated— students can rotate images or objects to examine different views, and zoom in to view details up-close. They may also be easier to resize.
- Colors and lighting for 3D models can be modified or adjusted as needed to improve visual access.
- Students can take additional time to examine objects or enlarge details without having to share with someone else.
- Models can be explored with familiar gestures such as pinch-to-zoom, browser zoom, or using a mouse.
- Physical or real-world objects may be challenging or impossible for students with low vision to examine visually, whether it’s due to size, distance, or other availability constraints. A “digital twin” of a physical object can be examined on a screen that can be repositioned within the student’s field of view.
From my perspective as a student with low vision, digital 3D models are a super helpful tool for enlarging graphics of objects that would otherwise be hard for me to see in a picture, such as animals that blend in with their surroundings, anatomy models that are often shown in black and white, or artifacts/museum items that are too fragile to examine up close. When I was working with the student I mentioned at the beginning of the post, both of us used a 3D model to learn what an ant actually looked like after years of not being able to see them well enough in pictures— an exciting experience for the young student, and a surprising experience for me as an undergrad student!
Related links
- High Contrast and Low Vision
- How To Create High Resolution Images For Low Vision
- Free Braille Art and Tactile Image Libraries: World Braille Day 2024
- Choosing Accessible Microscopes For Low Vision
- Purposes of Media Descriptions for Visual Impairment
- How To Write Alt Text For Educational Content
- How To Describe Science Experiments For Visually Impaired Students
Access considerations for 3D models and visual impairment
When it comes to accessing digital 3D models with low vision, it is important to remember that visual impairment is a spectrum and that individual access needs can vary— just like how art styles can vary for digital models! With that in mind, here are things to consider when selecting and accessing 3D models with low vision.
When possible, choose realistic images over cartoons
Students with low vision may find it easier to recognize realistic 3D models that mimic photos or real objects compared to cartoon or abstract images, especially if realistic images are being used in other parts of a lesson. Cartoon images often have exaggerated features or may be missing key salient details that students are expected to notice, which can be a disadvantage if others are provided with realistic images.
In some contexts, 3D illustrations may be preferred for specific types of objects like cells or anatomy models. However, students with low vision should have access to the same types or styles of images used by the instructor and by other students whenever possible.
Place items on a high-contrast background
Seeing an off-white fossil on a brown background can be challenging for students with low vision or contrast deficiencies. Changing the background color or downloading an object and opening it in another viewer can be helpful for improving contrast without editing the model. Some web viewers also support dark mode/light mode controls for changing the background color.
Adjust colors and lighting as necessary
Digital 3D model viewers often have several options for customizing the environment or changing colors/textures of 3D models. This can be useful for boosting colors or making models appear more saturated, as well as outlining structures in preferred colors, inverting colors, or decreasing visual complexity by removing model details (this can be done with MatCap, wireframe, shader, or similar geometry settings). Adjusting the spotlight and environment intensity can also make models easier to see.
Experiment with different screen sizes and inputs
Many online 3D models can be viewed on a variety of devices, including tablets, phones, computers, or even mirrored to larger monitors like a TV. Some students may prefer tablets or phones because they can be held close to the face or controlled with a touch screen, while others may find the larger computer screen easier to explore when using a mouse. Digital models can also be embedded into documents, presentations, or viewed with apps so that students don’t have to interact with complex software or expensive tools.
Skills to practice when exploring 3D models
When exploring 3D models with a mouse, touch screen, or other input device, students will need to practice the following gestures and skills to access models effectively:
- Pan to view
- Pinch-to-zoom or scroll-to-zoom to magnify images
- Double-tap or double-click to zoom
- Ctrl++ and Ctrl+- keyboard shortcuts for zoom
- Swiping up/down/left/right to view multiple angles of an image
- Click and drag to rotate image
Depending on the program, students will also want to practice opening new models or adding new models to the screen. Students should also be discouraged from downloading 3D models online from unfamiliar sources and provided with information about how to search for/access models as appropriate.
Anecdotes about using 3D models with CVI and low vision
Over the years, I have used digital 3D models with several students that have low vision, as well as for students with cortical visual impairment (also known as cerebral visual impairment, neurological visual impairment, or CVI). Since a lot of the controls for magnifying 2D and 3D images are similar, many students were able to quickly start using 3D models in the classroom, while others needed to practice zooming in so that they didn’t “pass through” the layers of the digital model and distort the image heavily. Most of the students would magnify images up to 500% or 600% and had positive feedback on how the models were easier to enlarge than other images, or appreciated the lack of visual clutter.
My biggest tip for getting students excited about using digital 3D models with low vision is to introduce this concept by sharing a model that incorporates a special interest, such as a favorite animal. One of the students I worked with knocked over a pencil cup in excitement when they realized they could view a digital model of a hippo as well as access high resolution models for their science class!
Related links
- How To Create High Resolution Images For Low Vision
- Visible Body Suite Accessibility For Low Vision: 3D Anatomy Models
- How I Use Google Chromecast With Low Vision
- How To Make iPad Accessible for Low Vision
- Computer Mice and Mouse Alternatives For Low Vision
Resources for free digital 3D models for education
Looking for free digital 3D models for educational contexts that can be useful for students with low vision? Here are some sources to check out that I have used with students and for accessing content on my own.
Microsoft 3D models
Microsoft 3D Models library is a free tool that is built into the 3D Viewer app as well as Word, PowerPoint, Paint 3D, and Excel for displaying digital 3D models and exploring their features. Users can choose from a variety of different types of models and adjust their lighting, position, and color themes, as well as more advanced settings. Microsoft 3D Models come built-in with Windows 10 and 11, as well as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel desktop applications.
Microsoft 3D models offers a variety of pre-installed models including animals, insects, biology models, chemistry models, cells, and more. To insert a 3D model with PowerPoint or Word, select Insert > 3D model to add a model to the document and resize/rotate as needed. To open in Paint 3D, select Brushes > 3D Library.
3D Models: Google Arts and Culture
Google Arts and Culture is another collection of free 3D models that incorporate a variety of digital twins including architecture, artifacts, furniture, historical spaces, and so much more. These can be downloaded for offline use or viewed in a web browser on any device, and often include text descriptions and information about different details or areas of interest. These would be ideal for a history lesson or used in conjunction with a field trip.
Sketchfab
Sketchfab is an online repository of digital 3D models that can be used for a variety of contexts. Many universities, museums, and organizations such as the National Parks Service use Sketchfab for hosting 3D models of items in their collections, though anyone can upload their own models to Sketchfab, which means that there can be dozens of options to choose from when searching for a particular model (and some models may be inappropriate for educational contexts/school). Sketchfab models can be viewed in the web browser or downloaded for offline viewing— they can be viewed in the Windows 3D Viewer application as well.
When browsing for school or educational materials, I recommend searching for users and filtering to include categories such as non-profit organization, museum, school, or similar.
Smithsonian and museum digital collections
The Smithsonian Institution is one of hundreds of museums/institutions that offer 3D models of items in their collection for free online viewing or that can be downloaded for offline use. Digital collections often have a wealth of high resolution photos and realistic 3D models, and can often be found on museum websites. It’s a great place to find digital twins for education!
Related links
- Google Arts and Culture: 3D Models
- SketchFab
- How To Create Accessible PowerPoints
- How I Access Historical Documents With Low Vision
- How I Use Google Lens With Low Vision
- Visiting The Met With Visual Impairment
More resources for using 3D models with low vision
- Looking for accessible 3D anatomy models? Check out Visible Body Suite Accessibility For Low Vision: 3D Anatomy Models
- Some colleges and universities incorporate 3D models as part of their virtual tours. Learn more about online college tours in Touring Colleges With Virtual Reality
- Augmented Reality (AR) models are another popular option for exploring digital 3D objects. I share my experiences with AR models in Exploring David Bowie Is With Augmented Reality and Low Vision and How To Make Virtual Museums Accessible For Visual Impairments
Published May 10, 2020. Updated July 2025