Import CAD & BIM models

Modified on Sat, 13 Jul at 1:29 PM

Import overview

  • Navigate to File > Import, select Drawing 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. For beginners, we recommend the default Auto unit conversion.
  • From the Use case drop-down, choose 
    • Fast Rendering for high-performance rendering. This mode supports nearly all entities. If you are aiming to visualize models, choose this option. Be aware that in this mode, you won't be able to snap to model parts.  
    • Editing mode for special cases like importing custom grids or small and simple drawings. In Editing mode, only point, line, arc, and circle entities are supported. 
  • Choose the option Split by blocks to break the imported model into blocks. This option allows you to interact with individual parts of the model, but the rendering is slower.
  • Then, press Open to import the model. 


The imported model will be listed in the Object List. Not supported entities of your model will be listed in the Console window. 


For a list of supported DWG/DXF entities, see here.


Explore our guidelines for the best practices when importing DWG/DXF files alongside your point clouds.