How to use A23D 3D Models in Rhino

This guide explains how to import 3D models downloaded from A23D into Rhino (Rhino 7 and Rhino 8) for use in design, modeling, and rendering projects.

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 Rhino.
  • A23D automatically delivers the model in the format best suited to Rhino (.fbx) - no manual format selection required. Keep the .fbx file and texture files together because the model references its dependent files.
  1. Click Download and save the .zip to a known location on your computer.
  2. Extract (unzip) the archive to access the .fbx model.

2. Import the A23D Model

  1. In Rhino, open your project (or start a new one).
  2. Go to File > Import... (or run the Import command).
  3. Navigate to the extracted .fbx file, select it, and click Open.
  4. In the FBX Import Options dialog:
  • Enable Map .fbx Y to Rhino Z so the model arrives upright in Rhino's Z-up coordinate system.
  • Confirm that Materials import is enabled to bring in the embedded PBR textures.
  • Set the import unit scale to match your Rhino document units (A23D models are authored in meters).
  1. Click OK. Rhino imports the geometry and creates Physically Based materials in the document automatically.

3. Materials and Textures

A23D 3D models ship with embedded PBR (Physically Based Rendering) textures. When you import an A23D model, Rhino creates Physically Based materials and assigns them to the imported object.

To inspect or modify materials:

  1. Switch a viewport to Rendered or Raytraced display mode (top-left viewport label) so you can preview the material live.
  2. Open the Materials panel via Panels -> Materials (or run the Materials command).
  3. Select an imported material to expose its channels:
  • Color (Base Color / Albedo)
  • Metallic
  • Roughness
  • Bump (Normal Map)
  • Displacement
  • Opacity
  • Emission
  1. Adjust values or replace texture paths to suit your scene. Changes update in real time in the Rendered viewport.

Additional Resources

For more details on Rhino's PBR system, refer to McNeel's official documentation:
PBR Materials - Rhino 3D
Materials - Rhino Documentation

Need some help?

Contact our team at support@a23d.co