Adding Existing Objects

You can bring existing 3D models into MatterCAD by importing files from your computer or adding content from the built-in library.

From Your Computer

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Click the Open button in the toolbar to browse and add files from your computer. MatterCAD supports the following import formats:

  • STL (.stl) - Industry standard 3D model format, widely used for 3D printing
  • AMF (.amf) - Advanced format supporting colors and multi-material objects
  • OBJ (.obj) - Wavefront 3D graphics format (mesh geometry only)
  • 3MF (.3mf) - 3D Manufacturing Format with rich metadata support
  • MCX (.mcx) - MatterCAD’s native format, preserving all design data and parameters
  • SVG (.svg) - Scalable Vector Graphics, imported as 2D paths
  • TTF / OTF (.ttf, .otf) - Font files for use with the Text tool

Drag and Drop

You can also drag and drop files directly from your desktop or file explorer into the MatterCAD workspace. Supported file types will be imported automatically.

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From the Library

The Library Sidebar

Click the Add Content button in the toolbar to open the library browser panel. From here you can:

  • Browse your saved designs
  • Navigate to the Primitives library for built-in shapes
  • Access your Cloud Library if signed in
  • Drag and drop any item from the library directly into your workspace

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The Library Tab

You can also use the Library tab to browse your collections. Right-click on any object in the library and select Add to Scene to import it into your current design workspace.

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Tips

  • MCX is the best format for re-editing designs later, since it preserves all parameters and the design tree
  • STL files contain only mesh geometry. If you import an STL, you can still apply operations to it, but you cannot edit the original parameters
  • When importing multiple files, each one becomes a separate object in your scene. Use Group to organize them