The present invention is a new 3D graphical user interface (3D GUI) technology that seamlessly integrates personal computer (PC) desktop, web portal, and data visualization functions in an intuitive 3D environment. This new paradigm in human computer interfaces provides a seamless and intuitive ability to create a 3D website, "walk" or navigate from one 3D website to another, and allows multiple users to collaborate and interact with each other and the website. The invention dynamically creates a customized 3D environment that allows intuitive access to complicated websites as well as seamless multi-user collaboration and interaction. --In a preferred embodiment of the invention--The 3D GUI installs as the active desktop on a PC, replacing the user's "wallpaper" with the 3D GUI. --In another embodiment--The 3D GUI is accessed via a standard web browser window (i.e. using Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer). --In either of these embodiments--, The user can simply "walk" from one 3D website to another, see and communicate with other users that are also at that website, access website information and share information with other users currently visiting the website. The invention also provides a method for reducing the file size normally associated with transmitting all the content in a 3D website.