3D Model Import

Updated v2.3.6

At a glance

STEP, IGES, and BREP import as exact solid bodies — real B-Rep geometry, not a mesh
File units are honored automatically — a metric STEP lands at true size
STL, OBJ, and glTF import as mesh bodies for reference and re-export
One multi-select dialog handles every format: right-click a component → Import

Right-click any component in the browser panel and choose Import to bring outside 3D files into your model. One dialog handles every supported format, multi-select included.

Exact formats — STEP, IGES, BREP

STEP (.step/.stp), IGES (.igs/.iges), and BREP files import as exact solid bodies — true cylinders, planes, and curves come in as native geometry, ready for booleans, fillets, and everything else you'd do to a part you modeled from scratch.

The unit declared inside the file is honored automatically: a part modeled in millimeters comes in at its real size whether your preferred units are metric or imperial. No scale prompt, no 25.4× surprises.

Mesh formats — STL, OBJ, glTF

STL, OBJ, and glTF (.glb/.gltf) files import as mesh bodies — the triangle geometry shows up in the tree, renders, selects, and re-exports like any other body. Use them for scanned parts, downloaded brackets, and print models you want alongside your design.

STL and OBJ don't declare a unit, so a quick mm-or-inches prompt (pre-set from Settings → Preferred Units) makes sure the part lands the right size. glTF is defined in meters and converts automatically.

Mesh bodies carry no exact surfaces, so B-Rep operations like booleans and fillets don't apply to them — they're reference and export geometry. Need to machine one? Export it back out as STL/OBJ/ glTF, or remodel the faces you need.

Each import is a feature in the component's history, so the file re-imports with the part — sketches import separately as DXF/SVG: see Sketch Import / Export. Exporting bodies is covered in Solid Body Export.

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