How to import files into Shapr3D

Importing files into Shapr3D lets you work with designs and geometry created in other applications without starting from scratch. You can bring in existing CAD models to modify or build on, import 2D sketches for further modeling, or use images as visual references.

The imported content and how you can work with it depend on the file format.

Before you begin

Before importing files into Shapr3D, consider the following:

• Check that your file is included in the supported file types.
• Make sure the source file is not damaged or corrupted.
• Ensure your device has enough available memory to process the file.
• Check that the source model fits within Shapr3D's design space of 1 km³.
• Avoid importing files containing sketches with polylines, as some lines and curves from other software may not display accurately in Shapr3D.

Import files into Shapr3D

Import external CAD files to continue working on existing designs, reuse components, or combine geometry from different projects.

Import a file

To import a file into your current project:

1. From the Insert menu, select File.
2. Choose the file you want to import.
3. Optional: Use Move/Rotate or Translate to reposition the imported geometry.

Import an image

Import photos, sketches, or scanned drawings as visual references for tracing, matching proportions, or aligning design features.

To import an image:

1. From the Insert menu, select Image.
2. Choose an image file or, on iPad, capture a new image using your device's camera.
3. Use the gizmo to move, rotate, or scale the image.
4. Adjust Opacity to make the image easier to trace or use as an overlay.
5. To finish, select Done.

Import from your Shapr3D projects

Import an existing Shapr3D project into your current design to reuse models, combine projects, or continue working with previously created geometry.

Imported projects appear in the Items Manager, and their features are added to your project's History.

To import a Shapr3D project from the Dashboard:

1. From the Insert menu, select Project.
2. Choose a Shapr3D project from your Dashboard. 
   NoteTo select multiple projects, tap Select (iPadOS), hold Ctrl (Windows), or hold Shift (macOS).

3. Select Import.

   

Advanced import preferences

You can configure advanced import preferences in Settings or Preferences to control how Shapr3D processes incoming geometry.

These settings are available for supported CAD formats, including STEP, IGES, CATIA, SolidWorks, and Solid Edge. They can help improve import processing and the quality of imported geometry.

The available settings include:

• Simplify Geometry – Remove redundant topology, simplify smaller details. This might change the model’s shape.
• Advanced Healing (Parasolid Bodyshop Repair) – Precisely recalculate all edges based on face intersections and replace tolerant edges with accurate ones.
• Healing (HOOPS) – Controls adjustment of topological tolerances, removing geometric discontinuities, eliminating slicer faces, etc.
• Accurate Edge Computation – Analyze bodies and attempt to rectify any geometry problems found.
• Sewing – Joins touching surfaces during import to form valid bodies. Improves editability and downstream modeling results.
• Import Planar Curves as Sketches – Convert planar curves (circles, lines, splines) into editable sketches in History.

Manage imported content

Imported files and projects are added to Shapr3D's Items Manager. Their import actions are also recorded in History.

How imported files appear in History

The way imported content appears in History depends on the file format:

• Shapr3D projects (.shapr) with unmerged history steps: These retain their original feature history, allowing you to continue editing their existing steps in your current project.
• Other imported formats: Files such as STEP, IGES, STL, DWG, DXF, and images are added as a single Import step rather than individual feature steps. Their editing capabilities depend on the imported geometry.

Manage an import step

To manage an imported file or project in History:

1. Open History.
2. Find the import step you want to modify.

3. Select Settings (…) to adjust the available settings for that import step.