> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.altoura.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Default 3D Models

> Browse and add models from the built-in 3D model catalogue directly on the HoloLens, without opening the Procedures Portal.

## Overview

The **Default 3D Models** catalogue lets you add ready-made 3D models to a procedure step directly from the HoloLens, while authoring.

Previously, all 3D models had to be uploaded and attached to a step from the **Procedures Portal** before they could appear on the device. With the default catalogue, a curated library of models (arrows, generic tools, hands, and other common assets) is now available on the HMD itself, so you can build out a step without leaving Author mode.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-procedure-all-panel.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=535210c16473b3290f0200c483272c7a" alt="Author-mode procedure view showing the Media panel, main step panel, and an empty 3D Model panel on the right." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-procedure-all-panel.png" />
</Frame>

Models added from the HMD stay in sync with the same procedure in the Procedures Portal, and vice versa.

***

## When to Use This Feature

Use the default 3D model catalogue in Author mode to:

* Add commonly used models (arrows, markers, tools, hand poses) to a step on the fly
* Fill empty 3D Model panel slots without switching to the Procedures Portal
* Iterate on step content directly in the physical environment
* Keep the authoring flow inside the HMD when the model you need already exists in the catalogue

***

## Open the Catalogue from an Empty Slot

When a step opens with no 3D models attached, the **3D Model** panel displays a grid of empty slots, each marked with a **+** (plus) icon.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/pjRgSowLOU-k6Fn-/frontline/images/hololens/author/hololens-3d-model-panel.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pjRgSowLOU-k6Fn-&q=85&s=fc2887244f5bba498a8dfe4c8dcc9d4d" alt="The 3D Model panel with eight empty slots, each showing a plus icon." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/author/hololens-3d-model-panel.png" />
</Frame>

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Look at the **3D Model** panel for the current step.
2. Identify an empty slot (marked with a **+** icon).
3. Focus the **+** tile — the tile is highlighted while it is in focus.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-opening.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=25439b482b3e3a8cd71d964714c16815" alt="A plus tile in the 3D Model panel is highlighted, indicating it is in focus and ready to be selected." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-opening.png" />
</Frame>

4. Air-tap the tile, or say **"Select"** while gazing at it.

### What Happens Next

The default 3D model catalogue opens in place of the empty grid, ready for you to browse.

***

## Browse the Catalogue

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/pjRgSowLOU-k6Fn-/frontline/images/hololens/author/hololens-3d-model-panel-opened.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pjRgSowLOU-k6Fn-&q=85&s=b6c752849af883c9ecc612092f8677b6" alt="Default 3D Model catalogue open with the Arrows group expanded, showing eight arrow tiles including Acute, Full Circle, Half Circle, and Insert." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/author/hololens-3d-model-panel-opened.png" />
</Frame>

When the catalogue opens:

* Models are organised into collapsible **groups** — for example, **Arrows**, **Generic Tools**, and **Hands**.
* The first group (**Arrows**) is expanded by default.
* Each tile shows a preview icon and the model name (for example, **Acute**, **Full Circle**, **Half Circle**, **Insert**).
* A **Close** button appears in the top-right corner of the catalogue.

Focus a tile to see the **"Say 'select'"** voice hint appear beneath it, indicating you can select it by voice or by air-tap.

***

## Scroll Through a Group

If a group contains more models than fit on screen, use the **scroll buttons** on the right side of the catalogue to page through the group.

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Focus the **down chevron (˅)** at the bottom of the catalogue and select it to scroll to the next page of models within the current group.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-scroll-down-highlight.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=2b23a21e02f97455604bfce0f54ce333" alt="The down chevron scroll button at the bottom-right of the catalogue is highlighted, indicating it is in focus." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-scroll-down-highlight.png" />
</Frame>

2. Focus the **up chevron (˄)** at the top of the catalogue and select it to return to the previous page.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-scroll-up-highlight.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=5d68f3908735f51bf6b26a40fec4450c" alt="The up chevron scroll button at the top-right of the catalogue is highlighted, indicating it is in focus." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-scroll-up-highlight.png" />
</Frame>

### What Happens Next

The catalogue advances one page at a time so you can review all available models in the group without leaving the catalogue view.

***

## Collapse and Expand Groups

You can collapse and expand groups to jump between categories without scrolling through everything.

### Collapse a Group

Focus the **caret (˅)** next to an expanded group name and select it to hide that group's tiles. Once collapsed, only the group headers remain visible so you can see all available categories at a glance.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-collapsed.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=84d35498e6a01209b06d22484b752392" alt="The catalogue with all groups collapsed, showing only the Arrows, Generic Tools, and Hands headers stacked in the panel." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-collapsed.png" />
</Frame>

### Expand a Group

Focus the **caret (˃)** next to a collapsed group name and select it to open that group's tiles.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-tools-collapsed.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=7d591666941887b8ed8f7e0923cc3fd1" alt="The Generic Tools group header in a collapsed state, with the caret next to it in focus and ready to be selected to expand the group." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-tools-collapsed.png" />
</Frame>

The group expands and its tiles appear below the header. For example, expanding **Generic Tools** shows models such as **Bolt**, **Drill**, **Nut**, and **Screwdriver**:

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-tools-expanded.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=0689d68334a0bc8fc12fd3c14e877b48" alt="The Generic Tools group expanded, showing tool tiles such as Bolt, Drill, Nut, and Screwdriver below the header." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-tools-expanded.png" />
</Frame>

***

## Close the Catalogue

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-close-highlight.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=08dac10a7e5f37ce4b22181112374e87" alt="The Close button in the top-right corner of the catalogue is highlighted, indicating it is in focus." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-close-highlight.png" />
</Frame>

If you do not want to add a model right now, you can dismiss the catalogue and return to the standard 3D Model panel view.

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Focus the **X Close** button in the top-right corner of the catalogue.
2. Air-tap it, or say **"Select"**.

### What Happens Next

The catalogue closes without adding any model. The 3D Model panel returns to its previous state, and any empty slots remain available for later.

***

## Add a Model to the 3D Model Panel

Once you have found the model you want, add it to the current step in a single action.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-model-highlight.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=0dd4131738c8315a52eae4cceff59c96" alt="An arrow tile in focus inside the catalogue, showing the 'Say select' voice hint beneath it." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-model-highlight.png" />
</Frame>

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Focus the model tile you want to add (for example, **Acute**).
2. Air-tap the tile, or say **"Select"** when the voice hint appears.

### What Happens Next

* The catalogue closes automatically.
* The selected model is added as a new tile in the **3D Model** panel for the current step.
* The tile becomes available to place in the physical space, just like any model attached from the Procedures Portal.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/pjRgSowLOU-k6Fn-/frontline/images/hololens/author/hololens-3d-model-panel-model-loaded.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pjRgSowLOU-k6Fn-&q=85&s=2bcdd0f8f11d0c2302f5b91025eb4414" alt="The selected model now appears as a tile in the 3D Model panel, back in the standard procedure view." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/author/hololens-3d-model-panel-model-loaded.png" />
</Frame>

***

## Place the Model in the Physical Space

After a model has been added to the 3D Model panel, you can spawn it in front of you to author its position, rotation, and behaviour.

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In the **3D Model** panel, select the tile of the model you just added.

### What Happens Next

The model spawns in the physical environment in front of you, anchored relative to the QR position for the step.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/pjRgSowLOU-k6Fn-/frontline/images/hololens/author/hololens-3d-model-panel-model-spawned.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pjRgSowLOU-k6Fn-&q=85&s=7a4e637aa25fdb1fcce11b7b6f583588" alt="The model tile is in the 3D Model panel and the model itself has spawned in the physical space in front of the author." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/author/hololens-3d-model-panel-model-spawned.png" />
</Frame>

Select the spawned model to activate its edit handle, which lets you reposition, rotate, and resize it in space.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-model-spawned-selected.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=7edf3bd8ffed344eb29cc62c7923b96e" alt="The spawned model surrounded by a bounding box with edit handles, ready to be repositioned, rotated, or resized." noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="7680" height="4320" data-path="frontline/images/hololens/reference/hololens-3d-model-panel-model-spawned-selected.png" />
</Frame>

You can then continue authoring the model — repositioning, resizing, rotating, and configuring animation or interactability. See [3D Model Authoring in Author Mode](/frontline/procedures/author/3d-model-authoring) for the full set of editing controls.

***

## Sync with the Procedures Portal

Models added from the default catalogue on the HMD are stored against the same procedure as the one you would edit in the **Procedures Portal**. The two experiences stay in sync:

* Models added on the HoloLens appear on the same step in the Procedures Portal.
* Models removed from the Procedures Portal are removed from the step on the HoloLens.
* The same is true in reverse — any change on either side propagates to the other.

<Note>
  Sync is not always instant in an active session. To make sure you are seeing the latest step content:

  * On the **HoloLens**, tap the **Procedures** button in the side menu to fetch the latest changes.
  * In the **Procedures Portal**, refresh the browser tab.
</Note>

***

## Notes & Limitations

* The default catalogue provides a curated set of common models. Custom `.glb` models still need to be uploaded via the **Procedures Portal**.
* Empty slots in the 3D Model panel are the only entry point for the catalogue. If the panel is full, remove a model first to expose a **+** slot.
* Voice command **"Select"** works on any focused tile, scroll button, group caret, or the **Close** button.
