Importing 3D Models

[Josh3D]

This is a quick guide for importing 3D Models Into KeyShot

KeyShot uses internal programs called "importers" to convert and import your 3D models. If these importers fail, you can still get your 3D model into KeyShot via a plugin or by converting your file to a more standard CAD format like STEP/STP.

Here are some things you can try if your import fails:

Update KeyShot
New CAD versions come out every year and CAD software developers release updates every couple months. For the latest CAD support available, upgrade to the latest KeyShot version.

Download Keyshot (Latest Release)

Note that newer KeyShot updates will support more recent CAD versions while older KeyShot software will not always support the most recent CAD version. For a current list of all KeyShot-supported file formats, click here.

If your current KeyShot version does not support the latest CAD update, then you can try installing our plugin for your CAD application. Our plugins are separate add-ons for your CAD application and they are constantly being updated.

If we don't have a plugin for your CAD application, you can always save your CAD model as a STEP file (or other standard format) and import that into KeyShot.

Use A Plugin
Please note that plugins are version-specific. For example, the KeyShot plugin for Rhino 6 will not work with Rhino 5 or an older KeyShot version. Please check the plugin requirements to make sure your software version is supported.

Download Plugins (Latest Release)
Download Plugins (Older Versions)

When you install one of our plugins (or a third-party plugin), a KeyShot menu appears inside your CAD application. Once installed, the plugin will allow you to export your model as a *.BIP file that you can open in KeyShot.

To export a *.BIP file:

• Open your model in your CAD application.
• Go to the KeyShot menu in your CAD application and select Export.

If we don't have a plugin for your CAD application, you can always save your CAD model as a STEP file (or another standard format) and import that into KeyShot.

Save As Step (Or Other Format)
If the file format that you are using is not supported and/or we do not offer a plugin for your CAD program, then you may export your model as a different file type.  Choose one from the 40+ KeyShot-supported file extensions.

• Open 3D model in your CAD application and go to File, Save As.
• Name your model.
• Change the file type/extension to STEP (or other).
• Click Save.

For a current list of all KeyShot-supported file formats, click here.

Save With The Native File Extension
KeyShot supports over 40+ different file formats. You can save your 3D model in your CAD-modeling software native's file format. Then, import this file into KeyShot.

• Open 3D model in your CAD application and go to File, Save As.
• Name your model.
• Click Save.

For a current list of all KeyShot-supported file formats, click here.

Specific Requirements for Maya, Alias, and Rhino 
Maya Files
KeyShot and Maya should both be installed and licensed on the same computer.

Alias Files
KeyShot and Alias should both be installed on the same computer. 

Rhino Files
To import Rhino files inside KeyShot save your .3dm files while in Shaded view mode. Inside Rhino, click the View tab from the main menu and select Shaded.