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ArchiCAD guide

How to import generated OBJ files in ArchiCAD

Import generated OBJ furniture files into ArchiCAD as GDL objects with textures, meter units, and clean 2D and 3D representation settings.

Generate a model firstImage to 3D feature
ArchiCAD 29
OBJ

How to import the generated OBJ files

Follow this sequence after downloading the generated archive. The key details are using meter units, importing textures into the Embedded Library, and disabling visible 3D edges before placement.

Source file
model.obj
Units
meter, Y-Up
Textures
Embedded Library
  1. Step 1File menu

    Start the OBJ import

    After unzipping the generated .zip, open File > Libraries and Objects > Import OBJ as GDL Object. Keep the extracted files together while importing so ArchiCAD can bring textures into the embedded library.
  2. Step 2Extracted folder

    Select model.obj

    In the unzipped folder, find model.obj and double-click it to begin the import.
  3. Step 3Import settings

    Keep the OBJ open options

    Use these settings exactly, then click OK to continue with the import.
    • Import textures to Embedded Library: on
    • Length unit: meter
    • Up direction: Y-Up (standard)
    ArchiCAD OBJ Open Options dialog with embedded textures enabled, meter units, and Y-Up selected.
    OBJ Open Options for ArchiCAD 29.
  4. Step 4Object Tool

    Load the imported object

    Go to the Object Tool and double-click it to open the Object Default Settings. Select the imported model object from the Embedded Library if it is not already active.
    ArchiCAD toolbar with the Object Tool highlighted.
    Open the Object Tool to load the imported library object.
  5. Step 5Object settings

    Set 2D and 3D representation

    Before placing the object, adjust the line colors so the object reads cleanly in plan and does not show unwanted 3D edges.
    • In 2D Representation, set Contour Pen to the color you want for the floor plan.
    • In 3D Representation, set Contour Pen to white.
    • Turn off Show edges.
    • Click OK, then click where you want to insert the object.
    ArchiCAD Object Default Settings with 2D Representation and 3D Representation options.
    Object settings before placing model.obj.
Done. The imported OBJ is now a GDL object in ArchiCAD, ready to place in the project and reuse from the Embedded Library.

Need the SketchUp workflow too?

If your generated furniture model needs to move into SketchUp, use the GLB and USDZ import guide and turn off Profiles for a cleaner model view.

Open SketchUp guide