How to Import and Export 3D Models in Procreate

Oct. 21, 2021

The much-awaited 3D support is reaching Procreate users with the release of the latest beta 5.2 version. Yeah, Procreate is upgrading to a 3D painting app with this update. It enables users to paint 3D models, add realistic lights and shadow effects, and view 3D models in the real world usingiPad’s LiDAR camera. So if you have got the Procreate 5.2 update, it’s time to figure out how to import and export 3D models. Once imported, you can paint and use 3D models in your artwork. The feature and process will work in Procreate on most iPad models, including thenew M1 iPad Pro. So, let’s not delay this any further. Grab your Apple Pencil and learn how to import and export 3D models in Procreate.

After installing the 3D update, Procreate will provide you with a few 3D assets to work with inside the app. Though, you can easily use your own 3D creations exported from software like Unity, Blender, and Cinema 4D. But remember that you can’t model or mold 3D objects in Procreate, so make sure they are in their final form before you go ahead and import them. The 3D models used in this tutorial are part of the Procreate Beta 5.2 update.

In this article, we will cover the supported file formats and methods you can use to import and export 3D models in Procreate.

Before beginning, make sure to transfer your 3D object files to your iPad usingiTunes or any of its alternatives. Alternatively, you can also download open-source and free 3D files directly onto your iPad. Free 3D assets are just a search away. So, get your object ready before we begin to import and export 3D files in Procreate.

On the other hand, OBJ files are mainstream and can be used on virtually any 3D modeling software. It’s a simpler file format that includes object structure, texture mapping, and 3D coordinates of the object. As forUSDZfiles, note that they are the only ones that have support for in-built material textures. That means your OBJ and USD files will just be a structure with no color or images when imported into Procreate.

1. Once you have transferred or downloaded 3D files to your iPad, it’s time to import them to Procreate. Open theFilesapp on your iPad to get started.

2. In the Files app, locate the 3D file you want to use in Procreate. If you did it recently, it will also be accessible from the “Recents”section on the left pane in the Files app. We will be using the “Skateboard.usdz” file for this tutorial.

3. Now, tap and hold down on your 3D file until a pop-up context menu appears. On the context menu, tap the“Share”button.

4. From the share menu pop-up that appears,swipethrough the available apps tofind Procreate and tap on its iconto import the file. Yeah, it is that easy to loud up 3D models in Procreate on iPad.

5. Once the loading finishes, your 3D object will be ready for use within the Procreate app. While opening it, the loading can take longer than your usual because of the larger size of 3D files.

Importing 3D models is an easy process, even with limited file extensions support. But once you are done with your 3D painting creations, you must be wondering – how to export 3D files from Procreate? Well, it’s just as easy as importing files, but you have a lot of additional file format options.

Here is a list of support file formats that you can use to export 3D files in Procreate. Let’s go over each of these options to understand which one best suits your needs.

1. To begin, open the 3D artwork you want to export. All your 2D and 3D artworks are visible on the Procreate home screen, and you can tap to open them. For this tutorial, I am going to export the edited Skateboard 3D file.

2. Once your 3D file loads up or once you have edited it,tap the actions icon. It’s the wrench icon at the top left corner of the screen, next to the “Gallery” option. Then, tap on theSharebutton in the pop-up menu.

3. Now, you will see several options to export the file. You can choose a file format as per your needs. Do keep in mind that if you export your file as OBJ, don’t forget to also export the textures as PNG, which is the option at the end of the list.Tap on a file extension to export your 3D artwork in Procreate.

4. After a short loading screen, the iPad will open up the share sheet and ask you to take action. You can either share the exported file to any of the installed apps or choose the “Save to Files” or “Add to Photos” option to save it locally on your iPad.

5. Under the “Save to Files” option, you will have to choose an appropriate folder location andtap the “Save” buttonat the top-right corner. You can even save your 3D file painted in Procreate toiCloud or other cloud storage platforms.

Import and Export 3D Objects in Procreate in a Few Clicks!

That is how you can easily import and export 3D models in Procreate. If you don’t see the above-mentioned options in the Procreate app on your iPad, you might need to wait for the official update. Once the Procreate 5.2 update the widely available, you can use the steps above to import and export 3D models. Now, as many of you may already know, Procreate has no official plans for an Android release. So, you will have to stick with one of thesebest Procreate alternativesfor Android. Similarly, PC users can pick from thesebest Procreate alternatives for Windows 10. These are sure to work onWindows 11as well.

If you are among the limited userbase with the new 3D Procreate beta update, don’t forget to share your artwork with us. We might not be able to help with your art, but if you feel stuck with new options, drop your query in the comments below. Our team will help resolve it at the earliest.

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