Using the Integrated Web Server

The integrated web server default settings are set to be used when viewing the output within an HTML page. It was included to allow local viewing of the HTML5 output (something most browsers do not allow for security reasons).

When you generate an HTML5 output in the Output panel the project’s HTML file will open in the computer’s (local host) default web browser 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. However, you cannot share this link to someone who is not on the same local network. To do this, you must upload your project to a web server like Amazon Web Services (AWS). Or, if their computer or device is on the same network, you can share the adderess(s) displayed in the web server. See Connecting Multiple Device.

You can also test features of your project that require a secure or encrypted version version of HTTP which is HTTPS. Enable HTTPS in Pano2VR’s settings (preferences) in the Web Server tab. Once that’s done, you should now see an SSL address.

Testing Network Speed

Sometimes we need to test our projects for slower internet speeds and this can easily be done by changing the Speed.

In the field, Speed, enter the speed to test in Kilobytes (kB) and hit Enter/Return. The server will restart.

To return back to None, enter 0 and hit Enter/Return. The server will restart.

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 files, deselect Only local host under the Web Server tab in Pano2VR’s Settings or Preferences. Then follow the following steps to test the output on something other than the local host:

  1. Open the Integrated Web Server (ToolsIntegrated 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; these are all the devices on the network. If there is no log in the log window, re-output your project.
    Webserver with Log

  2. Enter any of the addresses in the web browser of any device.
    Locations of all open projects will be displayed.

  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 (my-pano.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, go to View ➝ Developer ➝ Developer Tools. The bottom part of the window will open the tools. 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, go to Tools ➝ Web Developer ➝ Responsive Design View. From there, you can specify screen sizes.


See also