model-viewer is a web component that displays interactive 3D models on the web and in augmented reality.
The tool solves the problem of embedding 3D content in web applications without requiring complex setup or specialized knowledge. It wraps three.js functionality in a custom HTML element, allowing developers to display glTF and GLB models by simply adding a tag to their page. The component handles rendering, interaction, and AR presentation through a declarative interface.
Developers should choose model-viewer when building web applications that need to showcase 3D assets with minimal integration overhead. It suits projects ranging from e-commerce product displays to interactive documentation. The tool is particularly valuable for teams wanting AR capabilities without building custom WebXR implementations. The repository includes a PostProcessing plugin for effects, an interactive editor for model configuration, and render fidelity testing tools, making it suitable for both simple embedding and more sophisticated workflows.
The project maintains a monorepo structure with clear separation between the core web component, documentation, tooling, and supporting assets. Development is organized around npm workspaces with unified build and test commands across all sub-projects. The team provides explicit setup guidance for Windows developers using WSL2, indicating attention to cross-platform development friction. The repository includes golden render fidelity images for regression testing, suggesting a commitment to visual consistency across releases.
