How can Webflow users incorporate 3D objects and animations into their websites, interact with them using interactions, scrolling, and mouse movement, and import models and animations from Blender?

Webflow doesn’t natively support full 3D model import, but you can integrate 3D objects and animations using third-party tools like Spline or custom embeds with libraries like Three.js. Here's how to bring 3D content and interactive animations from Blender into Webflow with scroll, hover, and mouse interactions.

1. Export Models from Blender

• Choose a compatible format depending on the method you'll use:
• For Spline or Verge3D, export as .glb/.gltf or .fbx.
• For custom WebGL (e.g., Three.js), use .glb/.gltf.
• Include animations when exporting from Blender. Make sure the animation data is baked in if you're using skeletal or rigid body animations.

2. Use Spline for Easy Integration

• Spline (spline.design) is a no-code 3D design tool that works well with Webflow.
• Steps:
• Import your Blender-exported .glb into Spline.
• Add animations or interactions in Spline (e.g., mouse hover, click, or scroll).
• Click Export > Web and copy the iframe embed code.
• In Webflow, use Embed component and paste the Spline iframe code.
• Add Webflow Interactions on wrapper elements around the Spline embed (e.g., mouse movement affect opacity or position).

3. Embed Custom WebGL via Three.js (Advanced)

• For custom 3D animations or interactions, use Three.js and host your Blender-exported models (usually as .glb).
• Upload the model to Webflow’s Assets or use an external host (e.g., GitHub, CDN).
• In Webflow:
• Use an Embed element to write a script loading the .glb via Three.js.
• Add mouse or scroll listeners in the script to trigger animation or rotation.
• Use Webflow’s Page Load or While Scrolling interactions to control visibility or CSS position/transform of the container div holding your Three.js experience.

4. Scroll and Mouse Movement in Webflow

• Webflow Interactions like Mouse Move over Element or While Scrolling in View can be applied to 3D embed wrappers.
• You can’t directly control 3D models’ internal properties via Webflow Interactions unless built into a tool like Spline, or linked through JavaScript in a custom Three.js implementation.

5. Use Lottie as an Alternative for Simple 3D-like Animations

• If the animation doesn't require full 3D interaction, render frames from Blender and convert them into a Lottie animation (JSON) using After Effects + Bodymovin.
• Upload the Lottie file into Webflow and control it using Webflow’s Lottie Interactions (on scroll, click, etc.).
• This method is not true 3D, but gives a 3D feel with light file weight and full interactivity.

Summary

To incorporate 3D models and animations in Webflow:

• Export models from Blender in a web-friendly format (.glb/.gltf).
• Use a tool like Spline for easy embedding and interactions.
• For more control, embed custom Three.js code within Webflow.
• Use Webflow interactions on wrapper divs to trigger scroll- or mouse-based effects.
• Lottie animations offer a simpler path for pseudo-3D visuals with high interactivity.

Webflow isn’t built for native 3D model handling, so external tools or custom JavaScript are essential for deep 3D interaction.