Autodesk® Showcase™ automatically installs the latest Autodesk DirectConnect CAD file translators to enable the import of CAD data.

You can import CAD files into Showcase in several ways:

• From the Open/Create Scene dialog box. (Autodesk recommends this method.)
• By selecting File > Import > Import Models.
• By dragging the file into Showcase.

Currently, you can import the following CAD geometry into Autodesk Showcase software:

• Autodesk packet apf files
• Autodesk® Alias™ wire files (Version 10 or later)
• Autodesk® Inventor® parts or assemblies (Version 2008 or later)
• Autodesk® AutoCAD® drawing and model dxf, dwg files
• STEP stp files
• IGES igs files
• Items from other Autodesk Showcase sceneA3S files
• Other formats depending on your machine’s configuration and entitlements. (Use the Files of Type pull-down menu in the Import Models window to review the formats available to you.)

When you import geometry into a scene, it is translated automatically into one or more APF files that are then read into the Autodesk Showcase scene. These APF files are not saved unless you save the scene.

You cannot import CAD files unless you have a "Power User" or Administrator account. If you are using a restricted “User” account, you can open existing Showcase scenes but cannot import files.

Once you import a model into a scene file and save the scene, you can import the model into other scenes without needing to convert again. See Import from other scenes.