# Import Feature

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [March 8, 2017, 3:29am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822 "2017-03-08T03:29:15Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 8\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![perlmunger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/perlmunger/32/696_2.png) [@perlmunger](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/perlmunger)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2017, 3:29am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822/1 "2017-03-08T03:29:15Z")

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I’ve tried several times to import .step and .iges files without any luck. I created the files using AutoDesk Fusion 360 on my Mac. I then use AirDrop to share them. I’m prompted by Shapr3d to load the file and tell it to load it in a new workspace. I have yet to see it pull it in at all. The workspace remains empty after import.

There are several possibilities here including the possibility/likelihood I’m not saving the files correctly from Fusion 360. I’ve tried starting from an STL file import. That doesn’t work. I’ve also tried creating a new simple sketch and extruding it in Fusion and then exporting that as .iges and .step. Those don’t work either. Any suggestions?

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**Author:** ![Istvan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/istvan/32/23668_2.png) [@Istvan](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Istvan)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2017, 5:18am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822/4 "2017-03-08T05:18:12Z")

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Interesting, it shouldn’t move anything at all, I will check. It should place the object where it was in the source modeler.

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**Author:** ![perlmunger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/perlmunger/32/696_2.png) [@perlmunger](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/perlmunger)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822/6 "2017-03-08T16:10:14Z")

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So this morning I tried it again after reading the responses and I was able to load a .step file that I created from scratch in Fusion. However, the files where I imported an .stl into Fusion and then exported as .step, didn’t work.

Also, I checked the groups popover and there was nothing in there.

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**Author:** ![Istvan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/istvan/32/23668_2.png) [@Istvan](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Istvan)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2017, 8:11pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822/8 "2017-03-08T20:11:54Z")

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Yes, that’s correct. I should write a blog post about the differences of mesh modeling and boundary representation.

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**Author:** ![perlmunger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/perlmunger/32/696_2.png) [@perlmunger](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/perlmunger)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2017, 9:14pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822/9 "2017-03-08T21:14:26Z")

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Yeah. That might help, Istvan, as I would bet many people, like me, are new to 3D modeling and are using Shapr3D precisely because it is far more intuitive than other apps including Fusion. Understanding differences like that would be helpful. Thanks for the feedback. I have gotten another .step file to load correctly in the mean time, btw. Thanks again.

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**Author:** ![Istvan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/istvan/32/23668_2.png) [@Istvan](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Istvan)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2017, 6:21am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822/10 "2017-03-09T06:21:07Z")

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I have been planning to do this for a while, I just didn’t have time for it yet ☹

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**Author:** ![Gabor\_Shapr3D](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/gabor_shapr3d/32/235_2.png) [@Gabor\_Shapr3D](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Gabor_Shapr3D)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2017, 9:41am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822/11 "2017-03-09T09:41:06Z")

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We wrote a post on this topic last year:

[http://blog.shapr3d.com/export-import-formats-supported-by-shapr3d/](http://blog.shapr3d.com/export-import-formats-supported-by-shapr3d/)

It was also discussed on the forum:

> [@Explanation of export/import formats supported by Shapr3D](http://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/explanation-of-export-import-formats-supported-by-shapr3d/279):
>
> Export: Medium quality [STL:](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_(file_format)) STL is a mesh format, which means that it contains triangles, and nothing else (in case of Shapr, otherwise you could store color and lighting information in this format). This format is intended to be used for 3D printing at home with your filament based printer. This is why we are giving this for free: we are 3D printing enthusiasts, and we believe that Shapr will be one of the easiest and most affordable tools for hobbyists. High quality [STL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_(file_format)): Format is the same…

If you feel that anything is missing from these, just let me know and I’ll extend the posts with extra info.

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**Author:** ![perlmunger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/perlmunger/32/696_2.png) [@perlmunger](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/perlmunger)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2017, 4:34pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/import-feature/822/12 "2017-03-09T16:34:43Z")

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Cool. That’s helpful!