How to use A23D 3D Models in Marvelous Designer

This guide explains how to import 3D models downloaded from A23D into Marvelous Designer as avatar meshes or reference geometry for cloth simulation and garment design.

1. Download and Extract the Model

Sign in to your A23D account.
Browse to the asset you wish to use.
In the Software dropdown on the asset page, select Marvelous.

A23D automatically delivers the model in the format best suited to Marvelous Designer (.fbx) - no manual format selection required. Keep the .fbx file and texture files together because the model references its dependent files.

Click Download and save the .zip to a known location on your computer.
Extract (unzip) the archive to access the .fbx model and the accompanying texture folder.

2. Import the Model as an Avatar

Use this method when importing a body/character mesh that garments will drape against.

Open Marvelous Designer.
Go to File > Import > OBJ / FBX (the exact label varies by version - look for the FBX option in the Import submenu).
Navigate to the extracted .fbx file and click Open.
In the Import Options dialog:

Unit: set to cm or mm depending on your project scale (A23D models are authored in meters; Marvelous Designer typically works in centimeters, so set Scale to 100 if importing as meters).
Load as Avatar: enable this option so the imported geometry is treated as a simulation target with collision detection.

Click OK. The model appears in the 3D Window as the avatar/reference geometry.

3. Import as Reference / Prop Geometry

Use this method for furniture, vehicles, or props that garments interact with via collision:

Go to File > Import > OBJ / FBX.
Select the A23D .fbx file and click Open.
In the Import Options, disable Load as Avatar - the geometry is treated as a static prop in the scene.
Click OK. The prop appears in the 3D Window. Enable Collision on the object via the Object Browser to allow cloth to interact with its surface.

4. Adjust Scale and Position

Select the imported object in the Object Browser panel.
In the Property Editor (right side), adjust the Transform values:

Position (X, Y, Z): move to the correct location in the scene.
Scale: apply a uniform scale factor if the model imported at the wrong size.

A23D models are in meters. Marvelous Designer's default scene is in centimeters - enter a scale factor of 100 to convert from meters to centimeters if it was not applied during import.

5. Set Up Collision Detection

For garments to simulate correctly against the imported geometry:

Select the imported model in the Object Browser.
In the Property Editor, confirm that Collision is enabled.
Adjust the Collision Offset (a small positive value, e.g., 3-5 mm) to prevent cloth from penetrating the surface.
Run a simulation (Simulate button or spacebar) - the cloth garment will now drape and interact with the A23D geometry.

Additional Resources

For more details on importing geometry in Marvelous Designer, refer to the official documentation:
Marvelous Designer Help - Compatible File Format
Marvelous Designer Help - 3D File (FBX) Import/Export