voxcii is a terminal-based 3D model viewer that represents objects using ASCII characters. Written in C++, it provides a way to examine 3D geometry without a conventional graphical interface.
The application renders models directly inside the terminal window, using characters with different visual densities to represent illuminated and shaded surfaces. This produces a recognisable three-dimensional image using ordinary terminal output.
Although the rendering is much simpler than that of a conventional graphics application, voxcii includes depth handling and basic lighting calculations. These help distinguish surfaces and maintain a useful representation of the model as its orientation changes.
The program is intended for relatively straightforward inspection of models. It supports automatic rotation for viewing an object from different angles, while an interactive mode allows the user to control its orientation manually.
Rendering quality depends on the terminal’s dimensions, font and colour capabilities.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Renders 3D models as ASCII characters directly in the terminal.
- Supports Wavefront OBJ files and both ASCII and binary STL files.
- Real-time rendering updates the model as its orientation changes.
- ASCII shading represents differences in surface illumination.
- Uses a Z-buffer to handle depth and prevent hidden surfaces from incorrectly appearing in front of visible geometry.
- Supports triangulation of polygons in OBJ models.
- Optional colour rendering improves the distinction between different parts of a model.
- Can use material colours from OBJ files when the associated MTL information is available.
- Automatic rotation provides a continuous view of the object.
- Interactive mode allows models to be rotated using the arrow keys.
- Zoom controls adjust the apparent size of the rendered object.
- Initial zoom level can be specified when opening a model.
Website: github.com/ashish0kumar/voxcii
Support:
Developer: Ashish Kumar
License: MIT License
voxcii is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
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| Online 3D Viewer | Browser-based application for inspecting 3D models |
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| fstl | Viewer for .stl files. It uses Qt |
| Castle Model Viewer | Supports 3D and 2D model formats |
| fstl-e | Fork of fstl with some fancy enhancements |
| Exhibit | 3D model viewer for the GNOME desktop |
| Tatlin | 3D STL and Gcode viewer |
| voxcii | Terminal-based ASCII 3D model viewer |
| dcat | Terminal-based 3D model viewer |
| Trophy | Terminal 3D model viewer |
| term3d | Terminal-based 3D model viewer |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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