How to build a 3D product configurator

As demand for personalized products rises and online sales accelerate, manufacturers are increasingly seeking ways to offer customers tailored experiences while streamlining their internal workflows. A 3D product configurator is the answer—a powerful tool that enables users to design their ideal product directly in a web browser, while the company simultaneously receives precise documentation, pricing, and production data.

This guide walks you through building a 3D configurator using the Variantic platform—no programming required, fully integrated with your business systems.

What is a 3D product configurator?

A 3D product configurator is a web-based application that lets customers adjust parameters like size, color, materials, and add-ons, all while viewing real-time 3D visualizations. Advanced platforms such as Variantic support full 3D interaction and automatically generate technical and commercial outputs.

These tools are ideal for sectors that require custom-fitted products:

• Cabinet and upholstered furniture – kitchens, wardrobes, dressers, sofas, modular systems
• Windows and doors – custom frames, glazing types, accessories
• Railings and balustrades – glass, steel, aluminum systems
• Pergolas and outdoor structures – carports, covered patios
• Small architecture – garages, sheds, kiosks
• Vehicle conversions – trailers, carts, frames
• Warehouse and logistics – industrial shelving, carts

Step 1: Define your configuration scope

The first step in building a configurator is clearly defining what users can customize. For furniture, this could include dimensions, finishes, and internal equipment. For pergolas, it might be frame length, roofing type, and color. For windows—opening mechanisms, glazing, profiles, and hardware.

Technical and logical constraints must also be planned—for instance, which options are compatible, what elements are mutually exclusive, and how parameters affect pricing and construction.

Step 2: Use the no-code Variantic Editor

A key advantage of Variantic is its no-code Editor. Accessible via browser, it empowers manufacturers to independently create and maintain a configurable product catalog.

With the Variantic Editor, you can:

• Build or import 3D product models,
• Define primary and auxiliary parameters,
• Set up dependencies and rules,
• Apply materials, colors, icons, and textures,
• Configure pricing logic and generate bills of materials (BOM),
• Preview and test the configurator in real time.

This approach offers complete flexibility—new products or changes to your range can be managed in-house without relying on external developers.

Step 3: Design a seamless user interface

Variantic’s interface is intuitive by default—and fully customizable. You can tailor icons, color themes, parameter order, and break the process into user-friendly steps. This ensures the configurator aligns with your brand and provides an excellent user experience.

The integrated 3D engine lets users rotate, zoom, and explore product features. Animations can demonstrate functionality—such as door openings—while automatic dimensioning ensures compatibility with real-world spaces.

Thanks to built-in augmented reality (AR), customers can also visualize the configured product in their own environment using a mobile browser—no app needed.

Step 4: Integrate with e-commerce and enterprise systems

Variantic connects easily with your existing software ecosystem:

• E-commerce platforms – complete checkout flows in WooCommerce, Magento, or PrestaShop,
• CRM systems – save configurations as offers or project files,
• B2B sales – partners can access private catalogs and pricing tiers,
• ERP systems – real-time pricing, inventory, and availability queries,
• CAD/CAM software – send data to TopSolid for documentation and CNC file generation.
  
  

This enables complete automation of customer service, quoting, and production workflows.

Step 5: Empower sales, dealers, and production teams

A 3D configurator isn’t just for customers—it’s a core tool for internal teams and distribution partners. Sales reps and dealers can work with a consistent, reliable interface that speeds up quoting and reduces mistakes.

New resellers can start using the system immediately without needing in-depth product knowledge. Once a configuration is complete, Variantic generates a PDF offer, complete BOM, and shareable configuration link.

Benefits include:

• Smooth communication between clients and sales teams,
• Highly engaging product presentations with AR support,
• Quick access to documents for CRM or production teams,
• Easy saving and editing of configurations within a virtual catalog.

The built-in lead generator also enables you to publish an online catalog with cart functionality, allowing customers to save and manage multiple configurations with ease.

Variantic gives you the power to create a professional 3D configurator without writing a single line of code. The platform is flexible, scalable, and designed for seamless integration with your existing workflows—from sales and quoting to manufacturing.

Whether you’re building furniture, windows, balustrades, outdoor structures, or customized vehicles, a 3D configurator is a strategic asset that improves conversion rates, reduces production errors, and brings your product offering to life online.