# Importing models and components into other models

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/importing-models-and-components-into-other-models/35204>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [November 18, 2024, 12:45pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/importing-models-and-components-into-other-models/35204 "2024-11-18T12:45:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![TMG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@TMG](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TMG)\
**Post date:** [November 18, 2024, 12:45pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/importing-models-and-components-into-other-models/35204/1 "2024-11-18T12:45:45Z")

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I’m an old Autocad guy - been on Shapr3d for about a month. Enjoying the advancements of the software but need to figure out how to get some of the components that I’m making into other models - the idea of “blocks” from cad. I’ve read that the answer may lie in a “project” file but I don’t understand the concept or how to do it. Surely there is a way to use model components in other models? Any help would be much appreciated.

[https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new)

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**Author:** ![PEC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/67e7ee/32.png) [@PEC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/PEC)\
**Post date:** [November 18, 2024, 2:23pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/importing-models-and-components-into-other-models/35204/2 "2024-11-18T14:23:42Z")

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Hi @TMG,

Welcome to the forum.

You can import files using Add-\>File menu.  
You can export bodies that you have created with Shapr3D in various format to reimport them in an other project.

.shapr file is the proprietary format of Shapr3D. It will save bodies, plans, sketches, etc.  
.xt is the prefered format do exchange bodies as it is the parasolid native format  
.step is the most universally supported to import standard parts from web sites like [https://www.mcmaster.com/](https://www.mcmaster.com/)

> **[Import](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/7874501645724-Import#before-you-begin)**
>
> You can import a wide range of file formats into Shapr3D, allowing you to easily bring in designs from other CAD software. From sketches to 3D models and technical drawings, this article guides you...

> **[Export](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/7874524196764-Export#before-you-begin)**
>
> You can export your designs to other software, collaborate seamlessly with your team, or bring your models into Apple’s AR ecosystem for immersive visualization. Whether you need to gather feedback...

Best  
PEC

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**Author:** ![TheBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@TheBum](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TheBum)\
**Post date:** [November 18, 2024, 5:36pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/importing-models-and-components-into-other-models/35204/3 "2024-11-18T17:36:44Z")

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> [@PEC](#):
>
> .xt is the prefered format do exchange bodies as it is the parasolid native format

It’s actually .x\_t, just to dispel any confusion.