---
title: "3D Editor | Guides"
description: "Intro to 3D Editor to prepare splat model for publishing."
---

> For AI agents: a documentation index is available at [/llms.txt](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of all pages are available by appending .md to any URL.

# 3D Editor

Our visual **3D Editor** helps you position and preview raw [GeoSplats](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/guides/geosplats/) model on a map to get it ready for real use in a web app. Here’s the complete workflow.

## Step 1: Prepare input file

The current version of 3D Editor supports the upload of models in standard Gaussian splats `.ply` format. If you don’t have your own splat model or data for it, see:

-   [How to capture a scene with a drone](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/guides/geosplats/drone-capture/) for instructions on how to fly the drone to get quality input data for your splat model.
-   [How to prepare the splat model](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/guides/geosplats/3d-editor/prepare-data/) for the general steps required before uploading your model to 3D Editor.

## Step 2: Upload input file

When you have your splats PLY file ready, [**upload it here**](https://cloud.maptiler.com/tiles/new).

If you prefer the command line or a JS library over visual interface, check out [other ways to upload your file](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/guides/map-data/upload-files/).

Warning

A PLY file can contain either Gaussian splats or point clouds. We support only Gaussian splats, **NOT point clouds**. The splats must be **uncompressed**.

The uploaded file is automatically processed into a web-optimized splat model. _This may take anywhere from minutes to hours, depending on model size and complexity._ During processing, you can find your file on page [Tiles](https://cloud.maptiler.com/tiles/), section **Incomplete uploads**.

## Step 3: Edit splat model

When the upload processing is finished, your splat model is optimized and web-ready, but not yet map-ready. You need to specify where on the map it should appear and in what size. Use the 3D Editor for the job:

-   **Georeference your model:** Assign a precise geographic location. This is mandatory for adding the model into a map.
-   **Transform the geometry:** Rotate the model along any axis and adjust its scale to fit accurately in the basemap.

To open your model in 3D Editor, go to [Tiles](https://cloud.maptiler.com/tiles/), click on your splats file and then on **Edit model**. 👉 [How to edit and georeference your splat model](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/guides/geosplats/3d-editor/get-started/)

## Step 4: Add model to map

After georeferencing, your model is fully ready and you can integrate it into your web map application using **GeoSplats SDK**. 👉 [How to add your splat model to a map](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/geosplats-sdk/examples/add-geosplats/)