How to insert a .3ds file?

[lemelman]

I got some .3ds files of gemstones onto my computer. I used the Upload button and selected one of the files (it's name is pear.3ds) and, after a while it appeared in my master folder (see screenshot). How do I get it from there into my model?

I'm sure its simple but I just don't see how to do it.

[lichtzeichenanlage]

• Open or create your target design. Save it, if it's not saved
• Right click your imported design in the data panel and choose "Insert into Current Desgin"
• Use the "free" move to place it in your target design
• Be happy 😉

[lichtzeichenanlage]

Sorry - I guess my answer doesn't help. I just realized, that Autocad files are not in the list of supported types that could be converted. So F360 just uploaded it natively. IMHO that's the reason, why you can see the suffix in the data panel.

So I guess you have to convert it into another format.

[lichtzeichenanlage]

Here is the list of supported formats.

[I_Forge_KC]

For files that Fusion can't import (which are typically mesh files like this), I use converters like this one:

http://www.greentoken.de/onlineconv/

[lemelman]

Thanks. I guess that explains it.

Since Autodesk makes both Autocad and Fusion, it seems absurd that that .3ds isn't supported in Fusion.

[I_Forge_KC · Accepted solution]

To be clear, 3ds files are not AutoCAD files. They were the default format of 3DS Max prior to the mid 90s. Today the 3ds file format is essentially a neutral format (many programs open it and save it) for triangular mesh data. Max is a mesh modeler for the gaming and entertainment industry - not a CAD tool. Is it really that far fetched that a modern CAD tool would not directly open a long-abandoned file format from a different industry altogether? To me, this equates to trying to play classic Atari games on an Xbox. Yeah, they are both video game platforms but times and tech have dramatically changed...