A preview system previews 3D content without providing complete 3D model content data. The preview system includes at least one processor that receives a request for a 3D model for preview. The processor generates at least one representation of the 3D model based on a portion of the 3D model content data associated with the requested 3D model. The processor generates a preview scene by combining the at least one representation of the 3D model with a scene from a user image environment. The preview scene included incomplete 3D model content data. The processor outputs the preview scene for display in the user image environment.