Uploading 3D Models

Learn how to upload, organise, and manage your 3D model assets in Simplio3D. Understanding file limits and best practices will ensure your configurators load fast and look great.

Supported Formats

Format	Extension	Recommended For	What happens on upload
glTF Binary	.glb	Most use cases	Recommended. Stored as-is — no conversion step.
glTF	.gltf + .bin	Multi-file assets	Packed into a single GLB. Upload a ZIP containing the .gltf with its .bin and texture files, or select them together.
FBX	.fbx	Animated models from 3D tools	Converted to GLB. Animations and materials are preserved.
OBJ	.obj (+ .mtl + textures)	Simple static meshes	Converted to GLB. Materials are preserved when the .mtl and its textures are included alongside.
STL	.stl	CAD / 3D-print sources	Converted to GLB with a neutral default material (STL carries no materials).
Collada	.dae	Legacy exchange files	Converted to GLB. Animations and materials are preserved.
ZIP package	.zip	Multi-file models	A package containing ONE model plus its dependencies (.mtl, .bin, textures).

Whatever format you upload, Simplio3D converts it to a single GLB internally, so every model behaves identically in the editor, Preview, and Share view. The original file is kept on the asset, and a small format badge (e.g. "OBJ") on the asset card shows what was uploaded — you can download either one later (see Downloading Your Assets). Use a ZIP package to bundle a model with its material and texture files — the converter resolves them automatically. Any conversion errors or warnings (a missing .mtl, a texture that could not be found) are shown per file in the upload dialog.

USDZ is not uploaded here — it belongs to the separate static AR upload in Project Settings → AR (the iOS AR Quick Look fallback) and is not renderable in the configurator viewport.

Uploading FBX, OBJ, STL or DAEThese formats are accepted directly and converted to GLB automatically at upload — no manual conversion step is needed. Exporting GLB straight from Blender (File → Export → glTF 2.0) is still the best option: it skips the conversion entirely and keeps you in full control of materials.

Best format: We strongly recommend .glb (glTF Binary) for the best balance of quality, file size, and compatibility — it uploads without any conversion step; every other format is converted to GLB automatically. Export from Blender, 3ds Max, or any major 3D tool.

File Limits & Recommendations

Limit	Value	Recommendation
Maximum file size	50 MB	Keep models under 20 MB for fast loading.
Maximum polygons	No hard limit	Target 50k-200k polygons for web. Use decimation for CAD models.
Texture resolution	Up to 4096x4096	Use 1024x1024 or 2048x2048 for best balance.
Animations	Preserved from glTF/GLB, FBX and DAE (converted to GLB on upload); OBJ/STL have none	Keep animation clips short and purposeful.

How to Upload

1Navigate to the Dashboard and click "Assets" in the sidebar.
2Click the "Upload" button in the top-right corner of the Assets page.
3Select one or more 3D model files from your computer. You can drag-and-drop files directly into the upload area.
4Wait for the upload and processing to complete. A thumbnail preview will be generated automatically.
5Once uploaded, you can rename the asset, add tags, and assign it to a category.

Free sample models: on Assets > 3D Models, Add 3D > Sample models opens Simplio3D's curated starter library — from the Khronos glTF samples, Kenney, Quaternius and Poly Haven, and Simplio3D's own Jewelry models: a solitaire ring and four loose stones (round brilliant, oval, princess and emerald cut), made for gemstone materials. Most models import into your assets in one click; the others link to their source page to download. See . To search thousands more free models online, use Browse Online — see .

Organising with Categories

Categories help you organise large asset libraries. You can create categories like "Furniture", "Hardware", "Accessories", etc.

1Go to the Assets page and click the "Categories" tab or the folder icon.
2Click "New Category" and give it a descriptive name.
3Select an asset and choose its category from the details panel.
4Use the category filter in the asset browser to quickly find models when building projects.

Upload Workflow

Prepare ModelApply transforms, clean geometry

Export Model.glb preferred; other formats auto-convert

Upload to AssetsDrag & drop or click Upload

CategoriseAssign to a category

Use in ProjectLoad from asset browser

Optimisation Tips

Reduce Polygon Count

Use Blender's Decimate modifier or simplify meshes in your 3D tool before exporting. Target 50k-200k polygons for web.

Compress Textures

Use JPEG for diffuse maps and PNG for transparency. Avoid uncompressed TGA or BMP formats.

Clean Geometry

Remove hidden faces, internal geometry, and duplicate vertices. Apply transforms (location, rotation, scale) before export.

Proper Naming

Name your mesh objects descriptively (e.g., 'chair_seat', 'chair_leg'). These names appear in the Objects panel.

Common issue: If your model appears too small or too large, make sure you've applied scale transforms in your 3D software before exporting. In Blender, use Ctrl+A > Scale.

Model versions: When you upload a new model with the same filename as an existing one, Simplio3D automatically creates a version chain (v1, v2, v3…). You can then replace older versions in your projects while preserving all option block configurations. See for the full guide.

Modular projects: When preparing models for the Modular project type, ensure each module has its origin point set correctly. The origin determines where the module snaps and connects with others. See the for details.

More in Assets

Importing Free 3D Models from Online LibrariesSearch Poly Haven, Sketchfab and the Smithsonian from Assets → Browse Online, check the license, import a model in one click and read its Configurator Readiness score.Uploading TexturesImport seamless PBR and non-PBR textures from your library or the built-in CDNs to use in materials and option blocks.Uploading GraphicsUpload logos, patterns, and image graphics for design-canvas, pattern-designer, and text-input customization.3D Model VersionsReplace a 3D model with a new version while keeping option blocks, pricing, and conditional-logic references intact.Downloading Your AssetsDownload any 3D model, texture or graphic from your Assets library — one file at a time, the original file you uploaded, or several at once as a .zip.