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How to put a 3D model in PowerPoint

PowerPoint accepts GLB, FBX, OBJ and more. How to insert, rotate and animate a 3D model with Morph, and where to get one.

Aman PorwalFounder @ Vi3W

2 min read

A pencil sketch of a brass lantern on paper, with the same lantern rising off the page as a solid, lit object

Quick answer

How do you insert a 3D model into PowerPoint?

In a Microsoft 365 version of PowerPoint, go to Insert › 3D Models › This Device and pick the file. PowerPoint is widely reported to accept FBX, OBJ, 3MF, PLY, STL and GLB. Drag the rotation handle to set the angle, and use the Morph transition between two slides with different angles to animate it. GLB usually keeps textures best.

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What you need

  • A version of PowerPoint with 3D model support: current Microsoft 365 versions on Windows and Mac have it. Older perpetual versions may not.
  • A 3D file. Third-party guides list FBX, OBJ, 3MF, PLY, STL and GLB as the supported formats; check Microsoft's current help for your build.

Which format? GLB usually keeps textures and materials best. STL and PLY carry geometry only, so they import grey. OBJ needs its material and texture files alongside.

Insert the model

  1. Insert › 3D Models › This Device.
  2. Choose the file.
  3. The model appears on the slide with a rotation handle in the middle.

Position and rotate

  • Drag the 3D rotation handle to turn it in any direction.
  • Resize with the corner handles like any picture.
  • Pan & Zoom (in the 3D Model tab) lets you zoom within the frame.
  • The 3D Model Views gallery has preset angles.

Animate it

Two ways:

  • Morph transition: duplicate the slide, rotate or move the model on the second slide, then apply Transitions › Morph to the second slide. PowerPoint animates between the two states. Smooth and simple.
  • 3D animations: with the model selected, Animations offers 3D effects such as Turntable, Swing and Jump & Turn.

If the GLB contains an animation (some do), PowerPoint can play it.

Common problems

  • Model is grey or untextured: the format didn't carry materials. Use GLB.
  • Model is tiny or huge: scale it on the slide; the source units don't matter here.
  • Slow file: large textures bloat the presentation. Shrink the GLB first: reduce GLB file size.
  • Can't find 3D Models in the menu: your PowerPoint version may not support it.

Where to get a model

  • Your product's CAD exported to a mesh format.
  • A 3D model of your logo or mascot: logo to 3D model.
  • Generate one: describe it or upload a sketch or photo. Vi3W exports GLB, which suits PowerPoint. Text to 3D covers generating from a description.

Ideas for presentations

  • A product you can turn around while you talk about each side.
  • A logo that spins in on the title slide.
  • A concept model for a pitch, before the product exists.
  • An exploded view with a few parts that Morph apart.

Need a model for Monday's deck? Generate it in Vi3W and export GLB.

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