> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://armorsmith-designer.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Importing 3D Costume Models into Armorsmith Designer

> Learn how to import OBJ, STL, FBX, and PDO model files into Armorsmith Designer to start building and fitting your cosplay costume.

Armorsmith Designer supports several common 3D file formats, so you can bring in models from a wide variety of sources — whether you downloaded them from a model-sharing site, exported them from your own 3D software, or unfolded them in Pepakura. Once a model is in the scene, you can attach it to your avatar and begin fitting your costume.

## Supported File Formats

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="OBJ" icon="cube" href="#importing-a-model">
    A widely supported, geometry-only format. Most 3D modeling tools and model libraries export OBJ files. Materials may be stored in a companion `.mtl` file.
  </Card>

  <Card title="STL" icon="print" href="#importing-a-model">
    The standard format for 3D printing. STL files contain only mesh geometry — no color or material data. Common for armor pieces sourced from print-ready libraries.
  </Card>

  <Card title="FBX" icon="layer-group" href="#importing-a-model">
    A full-featured format that can carry mesh data, textures, and scene hierarchy. Useful when importing models exported from tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max.
  </Card>

  <Card title="PDO" icon="scissors" href="#importing-a-model">
    Pepakura Designer's native format. Armorsmith loads PDO files directly and can generate unfolded patterns from them — no copy of Pepakura Designer required.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Importing a Model

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Import dialog">
    In the menu bar, go to **File → Import**. The file browser will open.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your file">
    Navigate to the location of your model file. Select a file with a supported extension (`.obj`, `.stl`, `.fbx`, or `.pdo`) and click **Open**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the import settings">
    Armorsmith may present options such as unit scale or axis orientation depending on the file type. Adjust these if needed, then confirm.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the import">
    Click **Import** (or **OK**) to bring the model into your scene. The part will appear in the 3D viewport and in the Parts list in the side panel.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  PDO files are the native format for Pepakura Designer, a popular tool for creating paper-craft armor patterns. When you import a PDO file into Armorsmith, the app reads the 3D mesh and lets you generate flat patterns directly — you do not need a separate Pepakura Designer license to work with these files.
</Note>

## After Importing

<Info>
  **Coming soon:** You will be able to include imported meshes in your armor file or link to their source files. See [Linked files](/parts/linked-files) for storage choices, missing-file recovery, and portable copies.
</Info>

<Note>
  Models created in different software often use different unit scales or coordinate systems. A model that looks correct in its source app may appear very large, very small, or rotated unexpectedly after import. Use the **Scale** and **Rotate** transform tools to correct the size and orientation before attaching the part to your avatar. See [Move, Rotate, and Scale Costume Parts](/parts/transforming-parts) for details.
</Note>

<Tip>
  Looking for models to import? Several free and paid libraries host print-ready and cosplay-specific 3D files:

  * [**Thingiverse**](https://www.thingiverse.com) — large community library of free STL and OBJ files
  * [**MyMiniFactory**](https://www.myminifactory.com) — curated models, including many cosplay and prop designs
  * [**Printables**](https://www.printables.com) — Prusa's model-sharing platform with a growing cosplay section

  You can also model parts from scratch in tools like Blender, Fusion 360, or ZBrush and export them as OBJ or FBX for import into Armorsmith.
</Tip>


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