Overview
Google’s Tour Creator is a free tool designed for creating virtual tours using Google Street View images or 360 photos. The tool offers a simple drag-and-drop interface to add points of interest and audio narration. Tours created can be viewed on various devices, including computers, phones, tablets, or with a Google Cardboard VR headset. Completed tours are hosted on Google Poly.
Getting Started
To begin using Tour Creator, visit g.co/tourcreator and sign in with your Google Account. The tool is user-friendly and caters to individuals who want to create immersive virtual tour experiences without requiring advanced technical skills. It finds applications in businesses such as real estate, museums, restaurants, and educational settings.
Alternatives and Free Options
Can I create a virtual tour for free?
There are several free virtual tour creator options available:
- Lapentor
- Marzipano
- Makevt
- Vtility
- Paneek
- Panoroo
- eyespy360
These software tools allow users to create virtual tours by stitching together panoramic photos. WebVR is an open-source JavaScript API that enables the creation of virtual reality tours for the web, with the possibility of adding interactive elements. Free video editing software can be used to compile and edit video footage of the tour.
- Matterport: Captures depth and 360 views for 3D tours, offering both free and paid plans starting at $9.99/month.
- Metareal Stage: Utilizes 360 images to build tours.
- My360 by Plush Global Media: Focuses on real estate tours with easy-to-use and affordable software.
- Klapty: An open-source virtual tour creator.
Additional Options
CloudPano allows the creation of tours from iPhones for free. Users can capture 360 photos using the camera, and the software automatically stitches them together.
- Concept 3D
- TeliportMe
- Panoroo
- eyespy360
These platforms offer basic functions to create tours for free, with advanced features typically requiring paid upgrades.
Conclusion
Google Tour Creator served as a valuable tool for creating virtual tours using Street View images, but it was deactivated in 2021. As alternatives, Street View in Google Arts and Culture or the Street View app can be used to craft tours using 360 photos from mobile devices. These alternatives empower users to create engaging virtual tours for various purposes, such as businesses, events, or vacation rentals, without necessitating advanced skills or significant budgets.