How to use A23D 3D Models in Substance 3D Modeler

This guide explains how to import A23D 3D models into Adobe Substance 3D Modeler as reference meshes. In Modeler, imported geometry serves as a sculpting base or positional reference - you can sculpt on top of it, use it to guide proportions, or export it for further work in Painter or Stager.

1. Download and Extract the Model

Sign in to your A23D account.
Browse to the asset you want to use.
In the Software dropdown on the asset page, select Substance 3D.

A23D automatically delivers the model in the format best suited to Substance 3D Modeler (.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.

2. Import the Model into Modeler

Open Adobe Substance 3D Modeler (desktop mode or VR mode).
In the Scene panel, click Import or go to File > Import.
Navigate to the extracted A23D .fbx file and click Open.
Modeler imports the mesh and places it in the scene as an object. It appears in the Scene hierarchy panel.

Note: Substance 3D Modeler also accepts .obj and .glb formats. If the FBX import produces unexpected results, try converting to OBJ using a free tool such as Blender before importing.

3. Verify Scale

A23D models are built to real-world meter scale. Modeler's default scene unit is also meters, so the model should import at the correct size.

If the mesh appears too large or too small:

Select the mesh in the Scene panel.
Use the Scale handles in the viewport gizmo to resize it.
Alternatively, enter an exact scale value in the Transform properties panel.

4. Use the Mesh as a Reference or Sculpting Base

Once imported, you can use the A23D mesh in several ways:

As a reference: Keep the mesh visible in the background to guide proportions while you sculpt a new piece alongside it.
As a sculpting base: Select the mesh and enter Sculpt Mode to directly sculpt on the surface using Modeler's voxel-based tools.
As a positional anchor: Lock the imported mesh and build new geometry around it using Modeler's primitives and shape tools.

To lock the reference mesh (prevent accidental editing):

Select the mesh in the Scene panel.
Click the lock icon next to the object's name.

5. Export for Use in Painter or Stager

After sculpting or modifying the geometry:

Select the finished mesh in the Scene panel.
Go to File > Export and choose FBX or OBJ as the output format.
Import the exported file into Substance 3D Painter to paint textures on it, or into Substance 3D Stager for scene composition and visualization.

Additional Resources

Substance 3D Modeler - Supported File Formats
Substance 3D Modeler FAQ
Adobe Substance 3D - Import and Export Formats