User Manual#

Supported CAD file formats#

The following file formats are supported by CAD Converter:

  • CATIA V5 Files (*.CATPart, *.CATProduct, *.CGR)

  • CATIA V6 Files (*.3DXML)

  • IFC Files (*.IFC, *.IFCZIP)

  • Siemens NX Files (*.PRT)

  • Parasolid Files (*.XMT, *.X_T, *.X_B, *.XMT_TXT)

  • SolidWorks Files (*.SLDPRT, *.SLDASM)

  • STL Files (*.STL)

  • Autodesk Inventor Files (*.IPT, *.IAM)

  • AutoCAD 3D Files (*.DWG, *.DXF)

  • Creo - Pro/E Files (*.ASM, *.PRT)

  • Revit Files (*.RVT, *.RFA)

  • Solid Edge Files (*.ASM, *.PAR, *.PWD, *.PSM)

  • Step/Iges (*.STEP, *.IGES)

  • JT Files (*.JT)

  • DGN (*.DGN)

Note

The file formats *.fbx, *.obj, *.gltf, *.glb, *.lxo, *.md5, *.e57 and *.pts are supported by Asset Converter and also available by default.

Note

If expert tools such as PTC Creo, Autodesk Revit or Autodesk Alias are installed, we recommend using the corresponding connectors. These provide more extensive options for conversion.

Note

CAD Assemblies may not work when converting files from Nucleus. When converting assemblies with external references we recommend either working with local files or using Omniverse Drive.

Usage#

There are two different entry points to import CAD files using the CAD Converter.

File -> Import#

To import a CAD file into Omniverse, choose Import in the File menu. Use this method to import CAD Data into your scene - either by reference or directly into your stage.

CAD Converter File Import

Content Browser -> Convert To USD#

To convert a CAD file to USD, select the file in the Content Browser and choose Convert to USD in the context menu with right mouse button.

CAD Converter Convert to USD

Converter Options#

The available options for CAD Converter vary per file format and the underlying converter.

All CAD Converters support Generate Projection UVs and Enable Instancing.

CAD Converter options

Generate Projection UVs#

This option will enable the automatic generation of UVs on your assets. Use this if you intend to use materials that require texture mapping.

Enable Instancing#

This option will determine whether or not instancing will be used in the USD.

Tessellation Level#

Tessellation level may be set when converting BREPs to geometry.

The available presets are:

  • ExtraLow : ChordHeightRatio=50, AngleToleranceDeg=40,

  • Low : ChordHeightRatio=600, AngleToleranceDeg=40,

  • Medium : ChordHeightRatio=2000, AngleToleranceDeg=40,

  • High : ChordHeightRatio=5000, AngleToleranceDeg=30,

  • ExtraHigh : ChordHeightRatio=10000, AngleToleranceDeg=20.

CAD Converter options

Destination Options#

The entry points for conversion expose different destination options.

File -> Import#

File -> Import is recommended for importing data into your stage. You may Import to Stage, or Import as Reference in this context.

Import to Stage#

Import to Stage

Use this option to import directly into your stage.

Note

Not all converters support Import To Stage. In this case, only the Path field will be visible and Import as Reference behavior will be used.

Warning

Import to Stage is not recommended while in a Live session is active.

Import as Reference#

Import as Reference

Using Import as Reference, the output USD file will be written to the chosen Destination Path.

Set the Destination Path to determine where the converted files will be written. If left blank, files will be written in the same folder as the source files.

Convert to USD Destination Options#

Convert To USD is recommended to convert files to external USD files only. You may choose to Reference in Current Stage or not.

Convert to USD

Set the Destination Path to determine where the converted files will be written. If left blank, files will be written in the same folder as the source files.

Enable Reference in Current Stage to automatically add references after conversion.

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