Solidworks

The asset collections from A23D integrate with SOLIDWORKS for product design, mechanical engineering, and visualization workflows. For SOLIDWORKS CAD, use OBJ as the direct mesh import format; SOLIDWORKS can open mesh files such as OBJ through File > Open. Use SOLIDWORKS Visualize when you need native PBR material support: Visualize supports PBR material appearances with metallic/roughness and specular/glossiness texture workflows. FBX is useful for SOLIDWORKS Visualize and some visualization pipelines, but it is not the correct native import format for SOLIDWORKS CAD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about using A23D assets with SOLIDWORKS

Do I need a plugin to use A23D assets in SOLIDWORKS?

No. SOLIDWORKS' built-in File > Open mesh import workflow and the Appearances library handle the core workflow. No third-party A23D plugin or extension is required.

Which file format should I download for use in SOLIDWORKS?

You don't need to pick a format manually - just select Solidworks in the Software dropdown on the asset page and A23D delivers the right format automatically. For SOLIDWORKS CAD, that should be .obj, accompanied by the PNG texture folder. Use FBX only for SOLIDWORKS Visualize or another tool that explicitly supports FBX import.

How do I open A23D 3D models in SOLIDWORKS?

Go to File > Open, change the file filter to Mesh Files or All Files, and select the .obj. In the import options, choose Graphics Body for fastest visual reference, Solid Body if you need mesh-body behavior in the part, or Surface Body if your workflow requires surfaces.

How do I use A23D PBR textures with SOLIDWORKS materials?

Open the Appearances, Scenes, and Decals task pane on the right side and create or edit an Appearance:

• Albedo / Diffuse -> Color (Image)
• Normal map -> Surface Finish / Bump Map where supported
• Roughness -> Roughness or glossiness-related controls
• Metallic -> Illumination / Metallic where supported
• Opacity -> Transparency / Cutout

SOLIDWORKS CAD appearances are best treated as an appearance/preview workflow. Render with SOLIDWORKS Visualize when you need native PBR material fidelity.

Can I use A23D Decals in SOLIDWORKS?

Yes. SOLIDWORKS has native Decal appearances. Drop the A23D decal color and opacity maps onto a face and set the mask/alpha image so the decal trims to its outline. SOLIDWORKS Visualize also renders decals with proper transparency.

How do I use A23D IES lighting profiles in SOLIDWORKS?

SOLIDWORKS Visualize supports IES profiles on point and spot lights. In Visualize, add a light, open its Properties, and load the A23D .ies file into the IES Profile slot. PhotoView 360 inside SOLIDWORKS itself does not provide the same photometric-light workflow.

What texture resolution should I use in SOLIDWORKS?

Use 4K maps for hero parts in product hero shots, 2K for sub-assemblies, and 1K for fasteners or background props. Keep textures in the asset's library folder so SOLIDWORKS resolves them on subsequent opens.