Import 3D content

When you import a 3D object (.obj file), it is important that you import any associated materials file (.mtl), and all image files that are used in the material file, at the same time that you import the .obj file. If any image files are missing, they cannot be added later.

To import a 3D object

1. In the Projects panel, right-click the name of your project, and then click Add Existing Item or Link to Existing Item.

2. Browse to the location of the 3D content (.obj file) that you want to import and any supporting materials (.mtl files and the image files that are used in the .mtl files), select all of the files at the same time (hold the Ctrl key while selecting the files), and then click Open.

   The 3D object data is now available to your project.

   In the Projects panel, right-click the .obj file name, and then click Insert to add the 3D content to the artboard. Alternatively, you could double-click the .obj file name.

   The 3D object appears on the artboard, and a Viewport3D object is created in the Objects and Timeline panel. Within the Viewport3D object are containers for the cameras and lights. A perspective camera, an ambient light, and a directional light are created by default.

   For instructions about how to manipulate the 3D object, see Move a 3D object.

   You can work with 3D objects in the same way that you can work with any other object on the artboard. For example, you can group 3D objects together.

   For more information, see Working with objects and properties.

   Tip

   If you import an object that is very large, the light handles and adorners might appear very small. To see the light handles and adorners, select the light and zoom in on the artboard using the Zoom drop-down box at the bottom of the artboard.

   To see all of the lights acting on your object at once, point to 3D on the View menu, and then click Toggle Lights.

See Also

Tasks

Add or remove a material