Import geometry into your scene

What can you import?

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

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.

Currently, you can import the following model 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.)

CAD files are converted into separate APF files before import (this is an automatic process).

NoteYou 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.

NoteOnce 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.

Import general workflow

It is good practice to clean up your model files before importing them.
Prepare Alias geometry
Create a new scene to import the model files into, or open an existing scene.
Create and open an Autodesk Showcase scene
Select File > Import Models to import the model files.
You can select more than one file; all are converted to APF if needed during this step.

Import models into your scene

Import from other scenes
Save the scene if you want to keep the APF files.
Save your scene
Assign names to the models, change their up-axis, and resize them to fit into the scene.
Change model settings
Use Maya if you wish to enhance the model in the APF file.
Enhance the APF model in Maya 2009

How imported model files work

Model files (APF files) are referenced by the Autodesk Showcase A3S scene file. APF files are stored in a companion folder with the scene file and need to be copied along with the A3S file when moved off-network. (See Copy a scene to an off-network location.)
For best results when viewed with Autodesk Showcase materials and environments, models should be built in real world size in their original modeling package.
If you change model files in their original modeling package, your changes are not reflected in the Autodesk Showcase scene. You can use the Import Status window (File > Show Import Status) to track changes to original models and reload them when required. For more information, see Reload models.

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