How to Import Files into the CAD Viewer

Use Import Files to temporarily add another supported 3D file to the CAD Viewer — either from your computer or from anywhere in your Workspace. Position the imported model to visually assess a proposed change without modifying the original CAD files.

For example, you can import a STEP file for a replacement bracket, position it within the current model, and review its approximate fit.

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Note: Import Mode in the CAD Viewer is temporary and does NOT edit anything. Moving or removing an imported model does not modify the original project files or CAD data.

What Import Files Does

Import Files allows you to:

Preview a replacement or alternative component in the current model
Reposition the imported model in the CAD Viewer
Visually assess approximate fit, placement, and spatial relationships
Compare design options without editing the source CAD files

Importing a file does not replace an existing project file, modify geometry, or update the source CAD files.

Before You Begin

Open any CAD file in a given Project Drive in the CAD Viewer.

In the Desktop App, right-click any CAD file in the Cloud Drive of a given project and select View to open it in the CAD Viewer.
In the Browser, simply click the given CAD file or assembly to view it in the CAD Viewer.

Import a File

Open the part or assembly you want to review in the CAD Viewer.
Click Import Files from the top-right import icon inside the CAD Viewer.

Import Files button in the CAD ROOMS Viewer used to add an existing project file for temporary visual review

You have the option of uploading a new part or searching for a part across your Workspace:

Project file search in the CAD ROOMS Viewer for selecting a supported 3D file to import

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While the CAD file you have open might be in a specific format, you can import files in any CAD format we support.

Once the file loads into the CAD Viewer, right-click and choose Select Handles to orient the part to the location or position you want for your review.

When loading is complete, the imported model appears in the CAD Viewer and CAD ROOMS automatically enters Import Mode.

Imported 3D model displayed in Import Mode for positioning and visual fit review

Work with the Imported Model in Import Mode

In Import Mode, you can reposition the imported model and visually assess its position relative to the model already open in the CAD Viewer. You can:

Review a component’s position within an assembly
Compare the imported model with the current model
Assess approximate fit and spatial relationships
Use the imported model as a visual reference before making changes in native CAD software

Import Mode is intended for visual review only. It does not modify geometry or permanently update the assembly.

Remove the Imported Model or Exit Import Mode

When you finish reviewing the imported model:

Remove the model from Import Mode if you no longer need it in the current CAD Viewer session.
Exit Import Mode to return to the standard viewing experience.

Removing an imported model or exiting Import Mode does not delete the source file from the project.

When to Use Import Files

Use Import Files when you need to:

Compare an alternative component with the current model
Review approximate placement or spatial relationships
Use another file from your Workspace as a temporary visual reference

Import Files vs. Upload or Replace

Action	Purpose
Import Files	Temporarily add another model to the CAD Viewer for visual review
Upload	Add a new file to the project
Replace	Upload a new version of an existing project file

Use Import Files for temporary visual evaluation. Use Upload or Replace when you intend to change the files managed in the project.

How to Import Files into the CAD Viewer Overview What Import Files Does Before You Begin Import a File Work with the Imported Model in Import Mode Remove the Imported Model or Exit Import Mode When to Use Import Files Import Files vs. Upload or Replace Related Articles