# What is Synode At Synode, we empower your brand by leveraging your customer experience and satisfaction through 3D instructions and visualizations. We specialize in interactive 3D and VR/AR solutions for training, assembly, marketing, sales, and beyond. {% embed url="" %} **Questions that weren’t answered? Join our Discord to get fast help.** [**https://discord.com/invite/SxCsY3KhPw**](https://discord.com/invite/SxCsY3KhPw) # System Requirements Synode can run on all devices. Its not so much the system requirements but the polygon count your 3D file has. The more polygons your 3D file has, the less likely it will run on lower end devices. # Tutorials Check out all of the tutorials on our YouTube channel. {% embed url="" %} # Creating an account In order to create a Synode account, you must fill out the necessary information. **Name:** **Last Name:** **Email:** **Create Password:** **Confirm Password:** Once you are done filling out the necessary information you will be sent a confirmation email to make sure the email you provided belongs to you. Click "Send confirmation email" to receive the confirmation email.

If you do not receive the confirmation email, Please be patient as sometimes there can be a delay. Click on "Resend email" to receive another confirmation email if needed. If you are still not receiving your confirmation email, please email for direct help.

Once you confirm that the email you provided is yours, the web page will take you to a page saying that your email has been verified and can proceed to our log in page. To get to our log in page, click "Continue to Login Page".

# How to get Direct Help ## Discord: Our suggested method for receiving fast assistance is to use our Discord server. Additionally, our Discord is a great place for networking and showcasing your amazing projects. You can join our Discord by clicking the link here. ## Email: For private inquiries and business related topics. You can send us an email at # 3D Optimization Let’s go over how you can make sure your files are ready for the Synode platform. If you would like to see a video instead. Watch the video here: {% embed url="" %} ### Polygon Count One of the most important things to look out for in your 3D models is the polygon count. The goal should always be to keep the polygon count as low as possible. That's because the more polygons a mesh has, the longer it takes for the software to render and load your models. We recommend to keep your models below 2 million polygons for the best experience.

### Merging your Vertices Now that we have the polygon count addressed. Lets continue with other ways to ensure you have a clean 3D file. Starting with merging your vertices. It is recommended to merge your vertices so that there are no polygons that aren't attached to your model. You can check to see if your vertices are merged by selecting your model and moving it around the world space to see if any polygons stay behind. Like we have in this example.

### Ensure no N-gons N-gons are polygons that have 5 or more vertices. We don't want these because they can mess with the lighting and textures of your models. Polygons should always be made of Quads, Triangles, or both if necessary.

### Always have proper Normals Having proper normals is essential, it ensures that the 3D model is being viewed correctly. Each polygon of a 3D model has its own normal that indicates the direction the surface is facing. You want to make sure that each polygon is facing outward. If your normals are facing inward, then your model will become transparent or pitch black.

### Delete duplications of models Having unnecessary duplications in your file will add more polygons which is what we are trying to avoid. Duplications may also cause visual errors such as Z fighting. Z fighting is where two or more meshes are overlapping in the same world position and are fighting to see which one should be in front of the other. Make sure there is no overlapping in your meshes to avoid this happening.

### Make sure Pivot point is at the center of each mesh You should always make sure that the pivot point is centered on all your meshes. If they are off center, controlling your meshes will become more of a hassle since your Transforms, Rotations, and Scales will be effected.

### Applying Transforms Now let’s talk about mesh transforms and why you should apply them. When you just finish creating a 3D model, most likely you are going to have your location, rotation and scale set at different values, If we exported our model with these numbers without applying transforms, It will take longer to load on other software and have an increase in file size. You should always have your transforms be set at the default value.

### Delete unnecessary data During the 3D creation process, your software is constantly saving every change you make and gets stored as data. When your model is finished, this data is no longer necessary as it will add more to your file size. ### Naming of meshes: Naming your meshes is HIGHLY recommended. That way it’s easier to navigate the hierarchy and select specific meshes. ### Texture Resolution: You should plan your texture resolution based on how detailed you want your textures to be. If your textures are solid colors, then it would be best to lower the resolution as much as possible. A safe resolution would be 256px. If your textures have details like text. It would be best to leave them as a high resolution. We recommend the max texture scale to work with is 1024x1024 for best results. Keep in mind that the higher the texture resolution is, the longer it takes for software to load and render the pixels on your textures.

# Billing and Subscription To see all our plans and its offers, you can view them by clicking [here.](https://synode.ai/pricing)

# File Formats The Synode platform can house a wide range of file formats. These include: **3D File Formats:** GLB (Recommended) FBX **Image Formats:** JPEG PNG SVG # Scene Orientation/Hot Keys {% embed url="" %} **Pan** — **`right-click`** and drag your mouse cursor. **Rotate** — **`left-click`** and drag your mouse cursor along the scene canvas. **Zoom** — **`scroll`** your mouse. **Quick Zoom** — Hold down **`mouse wheel`** and drag the mouse. **Play/Stop** — Press **`Space bar`** **Undo** — Press **`Ctrl + Z`** **Redo** — Press **`Ctrl + Y`** **Hide** — Press **`H`** **Move** — Press **`M`** **Scale** — Press **`S`** **Rotate** — Press **`R`** **Box Select** — Press **`B`** **Lasso Select** — Press **`L`** **Save Camera Angle** — Press **`Shift + C`** **Jump to Camera Angle** — Press **`Shift + J`** **Skip to Beginning** — Press **`Shift + B`** **Skip to End** — Press **`Shift + E`** # Builder Overview ## Overview: The Synode Builder allows you to design step by step, interactive 3D guides for seamless assembly and configuration of your products. ## Tailored Configurations: Customize guides to match product specifications, whether it’s for modular setups or complex machinery, we have the tools to fit your needs. ## Enhanced Navigation and Tools: Effortlessly guide users with intuitive navigation and built-in tool indicators. Reduce confusion and improve user satisfaction. ## Virtual Training Module: Whether for clients, employees, or partners. Enhance your training process with interactive questions displayed at chosen steps, reinforce safety protocols, and monitor progress in real time. ## Analytics: Inform product and process engineering teams with user insights they can analyze to re-imagine designs and assemblies for continuous improvement. # User Interface The UI can be divided into Three zones: ***Left bar**, **Right bar, Top bar and Timeline***

## **Left Bar:** ### Mesh List: The Mesh List contains all the meshes that are in your scene. Selecting a mesh in your scene will highlight your mesh blue in the Mesh List. You also have the option to hide meshes from the Mesh List. Click the "eye" logo next to the selected mesh to toggle the visibility. ### Mesh Properties: Here is where you can manually edit your mesh in your scene. You can control the Transforms, Rotation, and Scale. Insert numerical values to achieve different results. If you want something to move in a positive direction leave the number as normal (For example; 50). If you want a mesh to move in the opposite direction, you would add a negative number instead (For example; -50).

### Focus Selection: If you are looking for a specific mesh in your scene, you can click the mesh in your scene and click "Focus Selection" and it will take you to that mesh in the Mesh List and highlight it in blue.

### Show Hidden Only Tab: The Show Hidden Only Tab contains all the meshes you hid in your scene. To make the meshes appear again, click the closed eye button. Or you can make all meshes appear simultaneously by clicking "Reset Visibility".

### Reset Visibility: As mentioned in Hidden Meshes Tab section. To make the all the meshes appear again in your scene, you can click "Reset Visibility" to do so. ## Right Bar: ### Environment and Highlight Controls: To see a detailed view on the Environment and Highlight controls, click [here](/builder/environmentcontrols) ## Top Bar: ### Move Tool: The Move Tool is used to move meshes around in your scene. Select a mesh or group of meshes first, then you can use the Move Tool. ### Rotate Tool: The Rotate Tool is used to rotate meshes in your scene. Select a mesh or group of meshes first, then you can use the Rotate Tool. ### Scale Tool: The Scale Tool is used to Scale meshes larger or smaller in your scene. Select a mesh or group of meshes first, then you can use the Scale Tool. ### Undo Tool: If you made a mistake and wish to undo that mistake. The Undo tool can make it happen. ### Redo Tool: If you undo an action but change your mind, click the redo button to get to where you were before undoing your action. ### Box Select Tool: the Box Select Tool is used to select any mesh that is caught in the box’s parameters. Click and drag to use the Box Select Tool. ### Lasso Select Tool: The Lasso Tool is used to select multiple objects. The lasso tool is especially useful for selecting objects in specific ways, such as avoiding selecting objects you don't want to be selected. Click and drag to use to Lasso Select Tool. ## Timeline: ### Adding Keyframes: To add keyframes in your step. Click the “Add Keyframe button” which is marked in blue.

### Adding Steps: To add a different step in your animation. Click the "+" Icon which is always on the left and right side of the step bar.

### Deleting Steps: To delete a step simply right click the step you want to delete then click "Delete Step".

### Save Camera Angle: Once you found a camera angle that you like on a step/keyframe. You can save that camera angle by clicking the “Save Camera Angle” button.

### Refresh Camera Position: If you wish to go back to a certain step and preview its camera angle you saved. Click on the specific Step/Keyframe you want to see. Then Click on the “Refresh Position” button.

### Rearrange Steps: If you want to rearrange steps, you can simply drag the desired tabs around until you get your desired step order.

### Play Button: To play your animation, click the triangle looking button in the middle of the timeline.

### Skip to First and Last Step: To immediately jump to the first step in your animation, click the “Jump to first step button”. The logo looks like an arrow that points towards to first step. To immediately jump to the last step in your animation, click the “Jump to last step button”. The logo looks like an arrow that points towards to last step.

# Post Production ## Preview: To see your finished animation from a client/customers perspective. Click the "Preview" button located in the top right of the screen.

## Saving: You can save your project by clicking "Save" which is located at the top right of the screen. Its a good idea to save every so often. We recommend you save every 5 mins.

## Publish: When your project is finished and is ready to be released to the public. Click "Publish" which is located on the top right of the screen.

# Sharing your Project ## Publish: When your project is finished and is ready to be released to the public. Click "Publish" which is located on the top right of the screen.

## Share: To get to the Sharing section, first click on the Synode logo located on top left of the Builder. Then click "Sharing"

Once you have clicked "sharing", you can now preview your options to share. Sharing options include QR Code, URL links, and Embedding Code.

# Environment Controls If you would like to see a video covering the Mesh Highlights and Opacity. You can watch it here: {% embed url="" %} With the new highlight mesh feature, you'll be able to show specific meshes better during steps.

## Adding Highlights: To add highlights to your mesh, click on the mesh/meshes you want to highlight. Then click the "Highlight" tab which is located in the object properties. Then click “Highlight Selection”.

## Highlight Selection: Here is where we can change the highlight settings. We have the first option which is the Highlight selection. You can check or uncheck the box depending if you want the highlighting on or off.

## Highlight Color: We can change the color of the highlight. You can slide the color bar to get different colors, then drag the circle around to get your desired color value. You also have the option to import color codes if your brand has specific colors.

## Opacity: You can change the opacity of your meshes in the Synode Builder. Underneath the color bar is where you can change the opacity. Slide the opacity bar to get your desired opacity.

## Flash Highlights: Flash highlighting draws attention to the viewer from the mesh that is flashing. To enable Flash Highlighting, check the box that says “Flash Highlight”.

## Highlight Duration: To Control the duration of your Highlights, firstly open the Layers section by clicking "Open Layers" at the top right of the timeline. You can then drag your highlight anywhere you would like it to end.

# Edit Pivot Point If you would like to see a full video covering the Edit Pivot Point. You can watch it here: {% embed url="" %} The Edit Pivot Point allows to move the pivot to another location that will effect the movement, scale, and rotation of meshes. Click Confirm when you are finished.

To start editing the pivot point, Go to top right of the mesh heirarchy and click the 4 vertical dots. Click Edit pase pose. This brings you to a state where instead of animating, your start editing your mesh.

Once you click Edit Pivot Point, a small menu will be brought up in the bottom left of the viewport. You are now in a state where you can freely move the pivot point around.

## Snap to Geometry Center: Clicking the Snap to geometry center button will immediately place the pivot point to the center of the mesh you selected.

## Position Tabs: If you have specific values you want the pivot point set on, you can do so by setting your values in the position tabs.

# Edit Step Options In the Edit Step Options, you can input information that correlates with that step such as text.

You can add text in the white box at the center.

For the text that you create, you have the options to bold, italics, or hyperlink.

You have 8 languages to choose from. Currently, you have to integrate the different language text manually.

To listen to the text you created, press “Play Text to Speech”

# Onboarding and Registration To watch the full video on how to setup Onboarding, watch it here! {% embed url="" %} With the new Onboarding features you can give users accurate information such as how long this project will take, the tools needed and people that are needed. To get to the Onboarding menu, go to the top left of the screen and click the Synode logo to drop down the menus. You will then see Onboarding.

## Overview: The Overview gives all the necessary information on your guide such as the name of the Procedure, Product ID, Attach a PDF version of the guide, Image thumbnail, People needed for this project and Time needed for this project. You can click “Generate Translations” after you have filled out all the info to translate to different languages such as French, Japanese, Dutch, German, Spanish, Swedish, Finnish and Italian.

## Warnings: The Warnings are used so at the start of your project users will see the potential risks or hazards associated with using/assembling the product. They help prevent accidents, misuse, or legal liability by communicating safety information. Once users have read the warning, they have to confirm they read it by ticking the box at the bottom. Then they can continue with the instruction.

## Tools: You can add the Tools necessary for this instruction so users are prepared when they're ready to start. Simply click Add tool to start the process. You can click Upload image to add an image thumbnail for that tool. Below the image you can enter the name for the tool. Then below that you can add the quantity for how many of that tool you need.

## Product Registration: With Product Registration, you can allow users to register their product for warranty directly through your products 3D Guide. When users get to the end of your 3D guide, they can choose to register with your product. They must accept the terms and conditions by checking the box.

## Feedback: If Feedback is activated, users can rate the experience of your 3d guide on a scale of 1-10. They can also leave a review in the text box below.

# Scene Tree Editing To see a video breakdown on how to use the Scene Tree Editing features, watch it here: {% embed url="" %} ## Edit Base Pose: Before you can start editing your mesh heirarchy, First go to the top right of the mesh heirarchy and click the 3 vertical dots. Then click "Edit base pose".

## Rename: With rename, you can change the names of your meshes and groups.

## Add Empty Folder: With Add Empty Folder, you can add an empty group folder below the mesh or group you have selected. So any mesh we drag in to this folder will be apart of the mesh or group you previously selected.

## Group Meshes: You can now directly group meshes together in the Builder. simply shift click meshes in the scene tree or viewport, then right click and select group.

## Ungroup: You can ungroup your group into individual meshes.

## Show/Hide: You now have another option to hide and reveal meshes by clicking Show/Hide when you select multiple meshes.

## Reset Transforms: By clicking Reset Transforms you reset your Transforms, scale and rotation to its original position. This is useful if you want to animate meshes going back into place instead of doing it manually.

## Duplicate: You can now duplicate meshes by clicking Duplicate.

## Delete: You can delete meshes from your scene. You can redo if you change your mind but once you exit the project you cannot bring it back. So be extra sure whatever you want to be deleted isn't needed.

## Restore All Visibility: You can restore the visibility of all meshes by clicking Restore All Visibility.

## Restore Model Transforms: Restore Model Transforms act the same way as the Reset Transforms we mentioned earlier. Except with Restore Model Transforms, it resets the entire model instead of a singular mesh.

## Save as Bind Pose: With the Save as Base Pose. This sets the model into it default state. If I were to move some meshes around then click “Save as Bind Pose”. Move some meshes again then click “Restore Model Transforms”. It now goes back to our bind pose we just saved.

# Visualizer Overview ## Overview: To see a detailed overview video on the Visualizer, you can watch it here. {% embed url="" %} # Creating a Project To start a new project, choose the software you would like to start a project in. In this example we are going to be using the Builder.

Once you have clicked "New Project" on your selected software. You will get taken to the project page. Here is where you can fill out the information such as the name of your project, product ID, supporting documents and project photo thumbnail. Once you have filled out your information, Click "Create New Version" to get started.

# Duplicating Projects and Versions To watch the full video on Duplicating Projects and Versions, watch it here: {% embed url="" %} With the new Duplicate Project and Version feature, you'll be able to save your projects as different projects and versions. This is great if you have similar procedures so you can can continue from where you saved.

## Duplicating Project: To duplicate your Project, go to the top left of the screen and click the Synode logo. In the dropdown menu you will see “Save as”. Hover over it and then you will see “New Project”.

Once you click “New Project” you can change the name of your project. Once done, click “Save”

The duplicated project will show up on your dashboard.

## Duplicate version: Duplicating as a seperate version is the same process as duplicating projects. Instead of your new project being in the dashboard, its now a new version in the same project you duplicated from.

# Project Information ## Overview: Here is where you can add/update any information that involves your product such as the Name, Product ID, Supporting Documents, etc. You can edit the Project information at any time. ## Supporting Documents: If you have any existing documentation for your product such as a PDF assembly instruction you can add them here.

## Version History: In the version history section, you can see what version your project is using, the date it was created, and the current status of your project.

You can delete a project version by clicking the 3 dots under "Options" and click Delete Version.

## Creating and editing a version of your Project: If you wish to create a new/updated version for your project, click "Create New Version" located at the bottom right of Version History. If you wish to edit your current existing project, click the version of the project you want to edit. Then click "Edit Selected Version" located at the bottom right.

# Project List The Projects section is used to organize all of your projects in one place. ## Project Filter: You can separate your project list into two categories, Grid view and List view. **Grid View:**

**List View:**

## Project Thumbnail: The thumbnails tell you the necessary information on your projects. Such as which app the project is using, what version that project is in, and the current status of the project.

## Status: If your project says "Active" and is marked in green. This means your project is published and is ready to see by the public. If your project says "Offline" and is marked in red. This means your project is not yet published and is private only to you.

# General Analytics ## Overview: The Analytics section is used to see how your projects are getting received. Analytics is only accessible for users with the Enterprise plan.

## Viewing Project Statistics: By default, the analytics will be based off your total projects. If you wish to see the analytics based on each project. Scroll down to Projects and click "Details" on the selected project you want to see the Analytics on.

# Asset Library ## Overview: To see a detailed overview on how to use our Asset Library, watch the video below. {% embed url="" %} # Marketing Analytics ## Overview: The Marketing section for Analytics is based off client reviews and registrations. ## NPS: NPS (Net Promoter Score) is a graph that shows you how many users filled out your satisfaction sheet and if they left a comment.

## Product Registration: The product registration graph shows how many users have registered their product so they can obtain registration for a warranty. Users have the choice to add a "register product" at the end of each Synode animation.

# Account ### Profile Picture If you would like to change your accounts profile picture. You can click 'Change Photo' underneath your current profile picture. ### Organization You can change your organization name here. ### Name You can change your first and last name here. ### Title You can change your Job/Occupation title here. ### Email You can change your Email here. You will be sent an verification email to confirm you are switching Emails. If you are not receiving a verification email, please contact a Synode team member at . ### Password You can change your password here. In order to change your password, you have to type your old password first. Then you can enter your new password.

# Payment/Plan To see what plan you are currently on, click "Settings" which is located at the bottom left of the dashboard. then go to "Subscription".

If you ever wish to upgrade your plan. You can click "Upgrade Plan" located on the top right of the dashboard home page.

# FAQ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) **1. How would Synode integrate within an existing product catalog/workflow on transactional websites like Amazon?** While Amazon and similar platforms don’t allow external code to be directly integrated, we provide an effective workaround by embedding a GIF of the interactive instructions along with a QR code. Customers can scan the QR code to access the full interactive experience. This method ensures seamless customer engagement without requiring platform-level integration. **2. How do we ensure we do not lose a lead source from client surveys with existing paper instructions?** Synode allows you to embed interactive surveys and feedback forms within the digital instructions. Customers can submit feedback at the end of the process, and the data is consolidated in a centralized dashboard for easy analysis. Additionally, features like product registration for warranty purposes and links to competitions or promotions can be included, maintaining or even enhancing the lead generation process. **3. Can you show me some examples of successful Synode implementations?** Here are a few examples of how Synode has been successfully implemented: [Livingchy](https://livingchy.com/pages/installation-guide-designer-murphy-bed): Interactive installation guides for Murphy beds. [Boff Wall Beds](https://boffwallbeds.ca/pages/assembly?srsltid=AfmBOoo-AMk-NER0t5-4xxwZPjXZb4flxvj5453N0_Y-YECeIfcy5PHl): Engaging assembly instructions that simplify the customer experience. [Coolaroo](https://www.coolaroousa.com/resources/instruction-manuals): Easily accessible instruction manuals for outdoor shades. [La Place](https://www.la-place.ca/en/configure-your-murphy-bed): Configurator for Murphy beds tailored to customer preferences. **4. How does pricing work?** Our pricing is custom and tailored to each partner’s needs. It typically depends on: Number of Projects: Higher project volumes result in lower costs per project. Contract Duration: Longer-term contracts often come with more favorable pricing. File Quality: If optimization or processing of files is required, an additional implementation fee may apply. Add-ons: If implementing Visualizer, Localizer, Customizer, AR, VR, MR. Additional costs may apply. We’re happy to provide a detailed pricing estimate based on your specific requirements and project scope. **5. What are lead times for implementation?** Implementation times depend on the complexity and volume of the projects. • Smaller-scale projects with optimized files can be completed in a few weeks. • Larger-scale or more complex implementations requiring file optimization may take 4-6 weeks or more. We work closely with our partners to ensure realistic timelines that meet their business needs. **6. Do you offer free trials?** Yes! Try our Starter plan for free and explore everything Synode has to offer. **7. When do we need to pay?** Payment is not required for creating an account you do not need to pay for your Free account as well. Payment is required when you subscribe to a Pro or Enterprise plan. An automated charge will be made every month, or year, depending on your subscription. For Organization plan subscribers, we have manual invoice and bank transfer payment options available. **8. What Devices can Synode work on?** Synode works on all devices! **9. What are the public view limits and how can I increase them?** We generally do not charge extra fees for traffic to your projects. This policy, however, is subject to fair use: if your Starter workspace total traffic usage (across all your projects) exceeds 10,000 monthly views, you may be required to upgrade to a Pro plan. If you anticipate having more than 100,000 views, please contact our Sales team in advance to find the best Custom plan solution for you.