Sample Content from Web3D.org

Test to Find and Install X3D Browser

The objective of this sequence is to use the X3D tool of your choice to show interactivity between the user and the scene using your choice of W3C browser and your host OS. Accordingly, it is suggesting a sequence of steps that install an X3D plug-in that is window-system and operating-system independent and works in your favored environment. Actually, a test to determine if you have an X3D browser available is taking place at this time with an initial X3D object embedded at the bottom of this web page. More on that later, please.

Sorry if you wish to learn about X3D without learning about a scriptable plug-in, or maybe you see it as a plugin, but whatever, you will need to know what it is to allow what is basically a scriptable browser object to run under control of a typical W3C web browser, or, if you prefer, by itself. The W3C web browser must provide scriptable support of the xhtml/html object element. This is enabled by various permissions regarding scripts and other active elements like ActiveX controls, sort of like the applications that produce Flash or pdf, or various types of document files.
So, at this time, if you have a BrandNew or recent Vintage computer with late software and mostly default security settings, you may be getting alerts requesting interaction and permissions right now. It is even possible that you default web browser settings are such that any of the suggested actions to see X3D will be ignored. It is possible you will see nothing unless you change some zone settings to allow various downloading and running permissions.
Regardless of any of that, just read on. The X3D file is just a harmless utf-8 text file with a lot of markup and data. Like html. The various permissions that may be required pertain to the player, that scriptable browser object I mentioned above.
So just proceed.
It may be necessary to do a normal click anywhere in the window to regain control of scrolling.

The simplist way to see if your browser will perform using X3D is simply to paste any .x3d or .x3dv target into your favorite W3C browser address area and go there.

So first try this:
Open a new tab or new window then just copy and paste this:
http://www.web3d.org/x3d/content/examples/HelloWorld.x3d
and navigate there. If an X3D browser is installed, then the more or less standard X3D Hello World application will appear. This example shows a simple textured globe and simple text.

If lucky, then:

If the scene shows, then move the cursor over the scene, hold down the right mouse and navigate by moving the pointer position. Try resizing the browser window. Right-click in the scene for an interaction menu.

If the scene does not show up in the new window, just read on.

Maybe even more simple test is, try this hyperlink to a .x3d file:
Hello World X3D Scene from Web3D.org

Similar to above, the W3C host browser will either open a new window, replace this one, or request instructions. If it replaces this window, then after you interact with it, return back here.

A third method using an html object, is shown in a object viewport below, where the X3D scene is embedded in this html page using the html object element.
The W3C browser may be warning for blocked content or requesting download instructions along with asking you to provide input in order to proceed. This is discussed below.

If the X3D scene is displayed then you have an X3D browser installed that your W3C browser recognizes. Move the cursor over the scene, then hold down the right mouse and navigate by moving the marker position. Try resizing the browser window. Right-click in the scene for an interaction menu.

If you see this message
Choose an X3D plug-in

If you wish to browse more examples hosted select the 'More Examples' link at the bottom of this page.

If the W3C browser asks for download instructions it is safe to allow download of the .x3d file.

If X3D is not recognized, then your W3C browser will display the alternative content Message 'If you see this message Choose an X3D plug-in here' within a red border, and there may also be a prompt for user interaction from the W3C browser interface. If you follow those prompts, then you may be led to an installation sequence.

If the message is displayed in place of the scene, and you wish to continue from here to select an X3D browser plug-in of your choice, just click on the above link. For now, it takes you to a Web3D.org browser select page. This provides more information about choosing between the available X3D browsers and more detailed information about the installation process. After you install a plug-in, return here.

A Web3d.org verison of this: Web3D.org HTML Object Tag for X3D page