How to use A23D 3D Models in Nuke

This guide explains how to import 3D models downloaded from A23D into Foundry Nuke (Nuke 13+) for use as reference geometry, environment elements, or textured surfaces inside compositing scenes.

1. Download and Extract the Model

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

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

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

   Keep the texture folder alongside the FBX. Nuke's ReadGeo node resolves texture paths relative to the FBX file location, so do not move them separately.

2. Import the Model with ReadGeo

1. Open your Nuke script (or create a new one).
2. In the Node Graph, press Tab and type ReadGeo - select it from the list, or go to 3D > Input > ReadGeo.
3. In the ReadGeo node properties, click the file field browse button and navigate to the extracted .fbx file.
4. Configure the import options:

• Read on each frame: leave disabled unless you need per-frame geometry updates.
• Normals: enable to import surface normals from the FBX (recommended).
• Textures: enable to read FBX-embedded texture paths and link them automatically.

5. The model loads into Nuke's 3D scene graph. Connect the ReadGeo output to a Scene node to combine it with other 3D elements.

3. View the Model in 3D

1. Create a Viewer node and connect it downstream of your Scene node.
2. In the Viewer, press S (or click the 3D icon) to switch to the 3D viewport.
3. Use:

• Alt + Left-drag to orbit
• Alt + Middle-drag to pan
• Scroll wheel to zoom

4. The imported A23D model appears at the origin. Use a TransformGeo node between ReadGeo and Scene to reposition, rotate, or scale the geometry.

4. Scale and Position

A23D models are authored in meters. To position or scale:

1. Insert a TransformGeo node between the ReadGeo and Scene nodes.
2. In the TransformGeo properties, adjust:

• Translate (X, Y, Z): move the model to its correct position in the scene.
• Rotate (X, Y, Z): rotate to match the scene's orientation.
• Scale (X, Y, Z / Uniform): scale uniformly if unit conversion is needed.

3. Connect the TransformGeo output to the Scene node.

5. Apply Textures (via Shader nodes)

A23D 3D models come with PBR texture references. To wire textures in Nuke's 3D system:

1. Add a Texture node (3D > Shader > Texture) and point its file field to A23DTEX_Albedo.png.
2. Add a Principled BRDF shader node (3D > Shader > PrincipledBRDF) - or a Phong shader for simpler workflows.
3. Connect the Texture node's output to the diffuse / base color input of the shader.
4. Repeat for additional maps (Roughness -> roughness, Normal -> normal, Metalness -> metallic). See the PBR Textures guide for the full map connection reference.
5. Add an ApplyMaterial node between the ReadGeo and Scene nodes, and connect the shader to ApplyMaterial's material input.

Additional Resources

For more details on Nuke's 3D system, refer to Foundry's official documentation:
Nuke Reference Guide - ReadGeo
Nuke User Guide - Importing Objects from Other Applications
Nuke Supported File and Camera Formats