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 OCCT-native BREP files import as exact solid bodies — true cylinders, planes, and curves straight into the OpenCascade kernel, ready for booleans, fillets, and everything else you'd do to native geometry.

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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