Last updated on Apr 24, 2026.
Import 3D brings external mesh geometry into Revit as DirectShape elements.
Use it when you need to place OBJ, DAE, GLTF, or GLB content in a Revit project or family and keep control of scale, placement, and material handling.
Getting started
Overview
Import 3D is intended for Revit users who need to bring external 3D content into a model without rebuilding it natively first. It supports a standard import workflow for supported file formats and a separate workflow for reassigning materials on imported DirectShape elements.
Use it for manufacturer geometry, context models, visualization assets, or other external mesh content that needs a controlled place in the Revit model.
Requirements
- Supported Revit installation with Import 3D installed.
- A writable Revit project or family document.
- A supported source file: DAE, OBJ, GLTF, or GLB.
- All sidecar files present for GLTF files and OBJ material files when used.
- A clear understanding of the source model units and orientation.
- A destination Revit category for the imported DirectShape elements.
Install and uninstall
Deploying to multiple machines? This section covers standard local installation. For automated deployment by IT administrators or BIM managers, see the Silent Installer Guide.
Install
- Close Revit.
- Run the Import 3D installer with administrator rights.
- Complete the installer steps and any license activation that applies to your setup.
- Start Revit.
- Confirm that Import 3D and Reassign Material are available on the Archi tab in the Utilities panel.
Uninstall
- Close Revit.
- Open the Windows uninstall entry for Import 3D.
- Confirm removal.
- Open Revit again only after the uninstall is complete.
Uninstalling the plugin does not remove DirectShape elements that are already present in your models.
Quick start
- Open the target project or family in Revit.
- Run Import 3D from the Archi tab.
- Click Browse File and select an OBJ, DAE, GLTF, or GLB file.
- Review the detected file information, then confirm the unit and up-axis settings.
- Choose a destination Revit category.
- Keep automatic centering for the first test import, then click Generate Geometry.
- Confirm that the imported model appears as DirectShape geometry in the selected category.
Import workflow
Import a model
Use this task when you need to bring a supported external model into the active Revit document.
Before you begin
- Open the target project or family.
- Confirm that the source file is one of the supported formats.
- If you are using GLTF, keep all referenced files in the same folder.
Steps
- Open Import 3D.
- Browse to the source file.
- Review the detected size, point count, and mesh information.
- Set the unit and up-axis values to match the source file.
- Select the Revit category that should receive the geometry.
- Click Generate Geometry.
Result
The file is converted into DirectShape elements in the selected category.
Notes
- OBJ imports can create Revit materials from the matching MTL file when it is present.
- Very small or irregular geometry can fail during tessellation.
Adjust placement and units
Use this task when the imported model needs to land at a specific location or when the first preview indicates a unit mismatch.
Before you begin
- Load the file in the Import 3D window first.
- Know whether the source model uses millimeters, centimeters, meters, inches, or feet.
Steps
- Open the import window and load the source file.
- Choose the correct unit for the source model.
- Confirm the up-axis interpretation so the model is not rotated on import.
- Choose automatic centering for a quick placement, or switch to manual coordinates when the model must land on a known point.
- Enter manual X, Y, and Z coordinates if required.
- Generate the geometry.
Result
The imported geometry is created with the chosen scale and placement method.
Notes
- The plugin remembers the last-used coordinate and unit settings between runs.
- Trial mode does not preserve the real scale of the source file.
Load the demo file
Use this task when you want to verify the workflow before testing your own files.
Before you begin
- Confirm that the plugin was installed completely.
Steps
- Open Import 3D.
- Use the demo or sample-file option in the create workflow.
- Review the loaded demo file settings.
- Generate the geometry.
Result
A bundled sample object is prepared for import so you can test the workflow without your own source file.
Notes
- If the bundled sample file is missing from the installation, this option is not available.
Material workflow
Reassign materials
Use this task when imported geometry needs to follow project material standards after the initial import.
Before you begin
- Import the model first.
- Select one or more imported DirectShape elements in Revit.
Steps
- Select the imported DirectShape elements.
- Run Reassign Material.
- Search or browse the available Revit materials.
- Select the target material.
- Apply the material.
Result
The selected DirectShape elements use the chosen Revit material.
Notes
- If no DirectShape element is selected, the command cannot continue.
- In trial mode the window remains available for review, but the material is not applied.
Settings and output
Settings and options
- Input and file settings: Browse to a supported source file and review the detected file information before generating geometry.
- Units and orientation: Choose the source unit and up-axis so the model scales and rotates correctly.
- Placement settings: Use automatic centering for quick placement or manual coordinates for controlled positioning.
- Category and output settings: Select the Revit category that should receive the imported DirectShape elements.
Results and output
- Import 3D creates DirectShape elements in the active Revit document.
- The plugin can create new Revit materials from imported source materials or colors.
- Material reassignment updates selected DirectShape elements to a chosen Revit material.
- The plugin remembers the last selected file path and several import settings between runs.
- Imported elements remain in the model even if the plugin is later uninstalled.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
The file loads but geometry generation fails
Cause: The mesh can be malformed, too small for reliable tessellation, or missing required support files.
Fix: Retry with the demo file, confirm the source model is valid, ensure GLTF sidecar files are present, and test a larger unit if the source geometry is extremely small.
Materials are missing on OBJ import
Cause: The MTL file is missing or does not match the material references in the OBJ file.
Fix: Keep the MTL file beside the OBJ file and reimport. If needed, use Reassign Material after import.
GLTF import will not start
Cause: Required sidecar files are missing or the file uses unsupported extensions.
Fix: Restore all referenced files beside the GLTF file, or use GLB when available.
Reassign Material does not open correctly
Cause: No imported DirectShape element is selected.
Fix: Select one or more imported DirectShape elements first, then run the command again.
The imported model size is wrong in trial mode
Cause: Trial mode intentionally changes the scale.
Fix: Use a licensed installation when you need the final scale to match the source file.
Which file formats are supported?
Import 3D supports DAE, OBJ, GLTF, and GLB in the confirmed public workflow.
Can I use Import 3D in both projects and families?
Yes. The documented workflow supports importing into Revit projects and families.
Why does Reassign Material only work on some elements?
The command is intended for imported DirectShape elements. It does not apply to arbitrary Revit elements.
Does the plugin remember my settings?
Yes. The plugin stores the last used file path and several import settings, including placement-related values.