Exploring the Top 3D NFT Marketplaces: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

Picture this: You're engrossed in a mesmerizing, digital 3D artwork—a new form of digital asset that you can actually own. A lofty idea, right? Not anymore. Welcome to the revolutionary world of 3D NFT Marketplaces. This comprehensive guide aims to take you on a journey through the leading platforms in this realm, making it easier for you to navigate the bustling and exciting 3D NFT marketplace.

Get to Know NFT Marketplaces

Before we jump into exploring the top 3D NFT marketplaces, it's important to understand the basic concept. So, let's start by defining NFT, figuring out how these marketplaces work, and why they are becoming such a big deal.

Defining NFT

NFT or Non-Fungible Token is a special type of digital asset. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum which are fungible (interchangeable), each NFT is unique—think of it like a digital snowflake. This uniqueness has turned NFTs into the perfect solution for digitizing ownership and provenance of online artworks, particularly in the 3D space.

How NFT Marketplaces Work

Think of a 3D NFT marketplace as an online bazaar. But instead of fruits, vegetables, or clothes, you're buying and selling digital assets like 3D art, virtual real estate, or even digital sports cards. Here's a simple 3-step rundown:

You create or mint an NFT, which confirms it as a unique digital asset.
You list your NFT for sale in the 3D NFT marketplace.
Someone buys your NFT, and the ownership is transferred to them.

Remember, the marketplace is simply the platform that facilitates this process—like a digital auction house for your unique 3D creations.

Benefits of NFT Marketplaces

So, why are these 3D NFT marketplaces gaining so much traction? Here's the deal:

Ownership: No more doubts about who owns a digital asset. The blockchain technology behind NFTs ensures that ownership is publicly verifiable.
Monetization: Artists and creators can now directly monetize their digital creations without the need for intermediaries.
Permanence: Once an NFT is on the blockchain, it's there forever—providing a permanent record of ownership.

Now that you're familiar with NFTs and their marketplaces, it's time to dive deeper into the world of 3D NFT marketplaces. Buckle up, as we're about to explore OpenSea, Rarible, and SuperRare—three of the biggest players in this digital universe.

Explore OpenSea

Considered as the eBay of NFTs, OpenSea is one of the largest and most versatile 3D NFT marketplaces. Here's what you need to know about getting started, buying and selling, and some savvy tips for using this platform.

Creating an OpenSea Account

Getting started on OpenSea is surprisingly easy. All you need is a digital wallet (like MetaMask) and some Ether (ETH), the cryptocurrency used on this platform. Here are the steps:

Install the digital wallet extension on your browser.
Create your wallet, write down your secret recovery phrase, and secure it.
Buy some ETH from an exchange and transfer it to your digital wallet.
Visit OpenSea, click on 'My Profile' and then 'Sign In' to connect your wallet.

And voila! Now you're ready to dive into the vast ocean of 3D NFTs in OpenSea.

Buying and Selling on OpenSea

OpenSea offers a vibrant and bustling marketplace for 3D NFTs. Whether you're looking to buy a rare 3D digital artwork or sell your own unique creation, here's how you do it:

Buying: Navigate to the 'Explore' tab, find an NFT you like, click on it for more details, and hit 'Buy Now' to purchase. It's as simple as online shopping.
Selling: Click on 'Create' at the top right of the site, upload your 3D file, fill in the details, set your price, and list it for sale.

Remember, buying an NFT means you're buying the ownership rights to a unique piece of digital art. It's an investment, so do your research and tread wisely!

Tips for Using OpenSea

Like any marketplace, the more you know about it, the better your experience. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the OpenSea 3D NFT marketplace:

Verify Before You Buy: Look for NFTs with a blue checkmark. This signifies that it's been verified by OpenSea and can be trusted.
Check the History: Every NFT has a history. Check it to see previous owners and price changes. It can help you make a more informed decision.
Research the Artist: Just like in the traditional art market, knowing about the artist can add context to the artwork and affect its value.

So there you have it, a beginner's guide through the open waters of OpenSea. Up next, let's dive into another popular 3D NFT marketplace—Rarible.

Dive into Rarible

Let's now shift our focus to Rarible, another giant in the world of 3D NFT marketplaces. Often known for its democratic approach, Rarible offers a distinctive experience. From setting up your account to navigating this extensive platform, let's dive right in.

Setting Up a Rarible Account

Similar to OpenSea, getting started on Rarible requires a digital wallet and some Ether. Here's how to set up your account:

First, if you have not done so already, set up your digital wallet. Rarible supports MetaMask, WalletConnect, and Fortmatic.
Next, acquire some Ether. Remember, this is the currency you'll use to buy and sell on Rarible.
Then, visit Rarible's website, click the "Connect Wallet" button, follow the prompts, and connect your digital wallet.

And that's it! You're now an active participant in the Rarible 3D NFT marketplace.

Navigating the Rarible Platform

Rarible's interface is fairly user-friendly. Still, here are some pointers to help you get around:

Exploring: Use the 'Explore' tab to browse the vast collection of 3D NFTs on Rarible.
Buying: If you find an NFT you like, click on it, review the details, and click 'Buy Now' to make a purchase.
Selling: To sell your NFT, click on 'Create', upload your 3D file, provide the necessary details, set your price, and list it for sale.

Remember, the key to a successful experience in any 3D NFT marketplace is to research and stay updated. So, keep an eye on trending artists and pieces!

Strategies for Using Rarible

Here are some tips to make the most out of your Rarible experience:

Stay Active: Rarible rewards active users with its native token, RARI. The more you buy, sell, and interact, the more you can earn.
Use Filters: Use the filter options to narrow down your search. You can sort by price, date added, and more.
Join the Community: Rarible has a strong community. Engage in discussions and forums to stay updated and learn from other users.

Alright, that's your deep dive into Rarible. Next, let's navigate through another exciting 3D NFT marketplace—SuperRare.

Navigate through SuperRare

Another player in the 3D NFT marketplace arena is SuperRare. This platform prides itself on being a social network that connects artists and collectors through single-edition digital artworks. Let's find out how you can be a part of this unique community.

Establishing a SuperRare Account

It's straightforward to set up an account on SuperRare. Here's how to get started:

First, you'll need a digital wallet. SuperRare supports MetaMask, so make sure you've got that set up.
Next, you'll need to stock up on some Ether. This is the currency you'll use for transactions on SuperRare.
Then, head to the SuperRare website, click 'Join', and connect your wallet. Follow the prompts and you'll be part of the SuperRare community in no time.

Just like that, you're ready to explore the dynamic world of 3D NFTs on SuperRare.

Buying and Selling on SuperRare

Now that you're all set up, let's take a look at how to buy and sell on this platform:

Buying: Browse through a diverse range of 3D NFTs. When you find one you like, click on it, review the details, and hit 'Buy Now'.
Selling: To sell your NFT, click on 'Submit Work', provide the necessary details about your artwork, and list it for sale. Remember, SuperRare only accepts single-edition works.

As with any 3D NFT marketplace, doing your homework is key. Stay informed about popular artists and trending pieces to make smart decisions.

Best Practices for SuperRare

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your SuperRare experience:

Engage: SuperRare is a social platform. Share, comment, and engage with other users to enhance your experience and learn more about the market.
Quality over Quantity: SuperRare is all about unique, single-edition works. So, focus on the quality of your submissions if you're an artist.
Do Your Research: Stay updated on market trends. The more you know, the better your buying and selling decisions will be.

And there you have it! Your tour of the SuperRare 3D NFT marketplace is complete. But wait, how does it stack up against Rarible and OpenSea? Let's find out in the next section.

Compare and Contrast

Now that we have a good understanding of OpenSea, Rarible, and SuperRare, let's put these three 3D NFT marketplaces side by side and see how they stack up against each other.

Comparison of Features

Each of these platforms offers a unique set of features. Here's how they compare:

OpenSea: Known for its vast collection of 3D NFTs. It supports a wide range of digital assets and offers a user-friendly interface.
Rarible: Rarible stands out with its decentralized approach. It offers RARI, a native token, that allows users to participate in platform governance.
SuperRare: SuperRare is unique in its focus on single-edition works. It's also a social platform where artists and collectors can connect.

So, whether you're an artist, a collector, or just an enthusiast, there's a 3D NFT marketplace out there that's just right for you.

Comparison of User Experiences

Now, let's take a look at how these platforms fare when it comes to user experience:

OpenSea: OpenSea's interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. It's great for both beginners and seasoned users.
Rarible: Rarible's decentralized nature might require a bit of a learning curve. But once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless.
SuperRare: SuperRare's social features make for a truly engaging user experience. However, its focus on single-edition works might limit options for some users.

Remember, the best platform for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Choosing the Right Marketplace for You

At the end of the day, choosing the right 3D NFT marketplace comes down to what you're looking for.

Are you a budding artist? SuperRare's focus on single-edition works might be just what you need.
Are you a collector who loves variety? OpenSea's extensive collection could be your playground.
Or, are you someone who values decentralization and community participation? Rarible could be your best bet.

So, do your research, evaluate your needs, and dive into the 3D NFT marketplace that suits you the best. Happy exploring!

If you're fascinated by the world of 3D NFT marketplaces and want to learn how to sell your own creations, don't miss the workshop 'Sell Your Creations As NFTs' by Tom Glendinning. This workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the NFT space and successfully sell your digital art as NFTs.