Import OBJ models

Modified on Mon, 29 Jan 2024 at 02:46 PM

Contents


Import overview

  • Navigate to File > Import, select Mesh File Format from Files of type, and select your file. 
  • From the Offset drop-down, choose: 
    • A point cloud that shares the same coordinate system as the model. 
    • Origin, if the model and point cloud are not in the same coordinate system.  
  • Select the relevant Unit conversion option to display the model in the same unit as the point cloud.
  • Finally, press open to import the model. 
  • If your model covers a large area, you may need to increase the Far plane of the active camera.


Specific import scenarios

If your model and point clouds are exported from separate software packages, they may be in different coordinate systems or units. Please review the scenarios below for the right import setup.



Same Unit
Different Units
Same Coordinate System
Offset to point cloud
Unit conversion None
Alignment automatic
Offset to point cloud
Unit conversion X-> Meter
Alignment automatic
Different Coordinate System
Offset to Origin
Unit conversion None
Alignment manual
Offset to Origin
Unit conversion X-> Meter
Alignment manual


Same coordinate system and the same unit 

  • From the Offset dropdown, choose the point cloud with the same coordinate system as the model. 
  • Leave Unit conversion at None. 
  • The model will then be automatically positioned during import. 

Same coordinate system and different units 

  • From the Offset dropdown, choose the point cloud with the same coordinate system as the model. 
  • Choose the right Unit conversion
  • The model will then be automatically positioned and correctly scaled during import. 

Different coordinate systems and the same unit 

  • From the Offset dropdown, choose Origin. 
  • Leave Unit conversion at None. 
  • Manually align the model after import. 

Different coordinate systems and different units 

  • From the Offset dropdown, choose Origin. 
  • Choose the right Unit conversion
  • Manually align the model after import. 


Explore about manual alignment.


If you imported a model with the Offset > Reference point cloud, but the model is not displayed in the right location, then it is not in the same coordinate system as your point cloud. In this case, re-import the model with Offset > Origin and manually align your model.  


Explore Object Inspector

The model will be listed in the Object List as a group object. To view the individual mesh parts, expand the group object. 

In the Object Inspector, you can find more information about the selected mesh's transform, object, and material attributes. 


Transform Attributes 

The Transform Attributes list the mesh's translation, rotation, and scaling parameters.


Object Attributes

Expand the Object Attributes to view the number of vertices, edges, triangles, and faces.


Material Attributes

You can view, edit and re-assign materials to meshes from the Material Attributes.


Learn more about mesh display modes