Using the Integrated Web Server

The integrated web server's default settings are set to be used when viewing the output within an HTML page. It was included to allow local viewing of the web output (something most browsers do not allow for security reasons).

When a Web Output is generated, the project’s HTML file will open in the default web browser (localhost) using the Integrated Web Server. To view the output in another web browser copy the local address and paste it in the other web browser on the same computer.

This link (localhost) cannot be shared externally to someone who is not on the same local network. If the other computer or device is on the same network, you can share the addresses displayed in the web server. See Connecting Multiple Device.

To share the project externally, you must upload your project to a web hosting service like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Gnome Cloud.

You can test features of your project that require a secure or encrypted version of HTTP which is HTTPS. Enable HTTPS in the Web Server settings. Once that’s done, you should now see an SSL address.

Testing Network Speed

To see how your project behaves on a slow internet connection, limit the speed of the web server. Choose Tools > Integrated Web Server, and in the window that appears, enter a value for Speed Limit in kilobytes per second. The limit applies right away to everything the server sends, without a restart, and Pano2VR keeps it for the next time. Enter 0 to turn the limit off again; the field then shows None.

Restart Server – Click to restart the web server, for example after you changed the Web Server settings.

Connecting Multiple Devices

Other machines and devices connected to the same network can also view the output without having to upload it to a server. For a connected device to view the output, deselect Only local host under the Web Server tab in the Settings. Then follow these steps to test the output on something other than the local host:

1. Choose Tools > Integrated Web Server. The web server window opens with the local address needed to enter in the device’s web browser. You should see multiple IP addresses; one is not secure (http), and the other is (https). If there is no web server log, in the log window, re-output or save your project.

   

2. Enter any of the addresses in the web browser of any device. There are many ways to share a URL, but for added convenience use the QR code added to the web server page to open it on other devices.

   

3. Click any path to display the project’s folder contents which will include any subfolders, HTML pages, and images.

4. To open the output click on the HTML file (index.html).

   

   The operation and function of the project can now be tested before being uploaded.

Test Using a Simulator

Browsers like Chrome and Firefox have built-in tools that simulate handheld devices.

1. Open your output in the Integrated Web Server.

2. In Chrome, choose View > Developer > Developer Tools. The tools will open. In the toolbar, click the phone-like icon (second from left). From there you can toggle through virtually any device on the market.

   In Firefox, choose Tools > Browser Tools > Responsive Design Mode. From there, you can specify screen sizes.

See also…

• Web Output