Optimizing Spline 3D Files for Fast-Loading Websites in Webflow and Framer

Hey guys! Today, we’re tackling something that’s tripped up way too many web designers—getting your Spline 3D assets to load at warp speed. If you’ve ever exported a beautiful 3D object, dropped it into Webflow or Framer, and suddenly felt like you were watching paint dry as it loaded, this guide is for you! 🎨🚀

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Step 1: Do You Even Need a 3D Embed? 🤔

Before you go full throttle on optimizing, ask yourself: Do I actually need to embed this?

Sometimes, a GIF or MP4 does the job just as well with way less load time. For example, in The Humble Strawberry project, I swapped out multiple 3D embeds for GIFs and saw a massive reduction in load times—while keeping the design just as interactive!

👉 Pro tip: Record a GIF or MP4 in Spline, compress it, and upload it to GitHub for easy embedding. Your users (and your site speed) will thank you.

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Step 2: Reduce Polygons and Subdivisions 🔪

If you do need a 3D embed, let’s trim the fat!

✅ Reduce polygons – Fewer polygons = lighter file. If your model is small on the screen, no need for ultra-detail.✅ Lower subdivision levels – If you're using a subdivision modifier, keep it at 1 instead of 2 to see instant performance gains.

A little awareness while building = a huge performance boost later.

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Step 3: Use Matcap Materials Instead of Heavy Lighting 💡

Want a glossy or metallic effect? Instead of adding a gazillion light sources, use Matcap materials—they fake reflections without killing performance.

🎨 How to do it in Spline:

Apply a Matcap material.
Adjust settings for the effect you want.
(Optional) Upload custom Matcaps for even more control.

This trick gives you pro-level visuals without the lag.

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Step 4: Add a Fresnel Layer Instead of Extra Lights 🌟

Want that nice glowy edge effect? Instead of piling on more lights, add a Fresnel layer to simulate light interactions with the edges.

✨ Why use Fresnel?

Creates a natural glow effect.
Doesn’t impact performance as much as extra lights.
Works great for shiny objects!

Just don’t overdo it—too many layers still add data. Balance is key!

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Step 5: Merge Objects to Reduce Scene Complexity 🎭

If your project has a ton of separate objects, merge them.

🔹 Why?

Multiple objects increase load time.
A single combined object = faster performance.

💡 How to merge in Spline:

Select multiple objects.
Click Merge Geometries.
Watch your scene get way more efficient.

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Step 6: Reuse Materials Instead of Creating New Ones 🎨

Every extra material adds more data to load. Instead of making slightly different materials for each object, duplicate and reuse them.

🛠 How to do it:

Select an object with an existing material.
Click the four dots next to it.
Apply the same material to another object.

Tiny change, huge impact!

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Step 7: Consider 2D Alternatives for Performance ⚡

Sometimes, you don’t really need 3D. If all you want is interactivity, 2D solutions like Rive can do the job way better.

🔹 Why Rive?

Smooth animations.
Tiny file sizes.
Fully interactive.

If you do need 3D, PeachWeb is another amazing option. It specializes in fully optimized 3D web experiences, built for performance from the ground up.

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