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

This guide explains how to import 3D models from A23D into Adobe Substance 3D Stager for product visualization and scene composition.

1. Download and Extract the Model

  1. Sign in to your A23D account.
  2. Browse to the asset you want to use.
  3. In the Software dropdown on the asset page, select Substance 3D.
  • A23D automatically delivers the model in the format best suited to Substance 3D Stager (.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 file to a known location on your computer.
  2. Extract (unzip) the archive to access the .fbx model and its texture folder.

2. Import the Model into Stager

  1. Open Adobe Substance 3D Stager.
  2. Create a new scene (File > New) or open an existing one.
  3. Go to File > Import 3D Model... (or press Ctrl+I / Cmd+I).
  4. In the file browser, navigate to your extracted .fbx file, select it, and click Open.
  5. Alternatively, drag the .fbx file from Windows Explorer or macOS Finder directly into the Stager viewport - Stager accepts drag-and-drop imports.
  6. Stager loads the model into the scene. Apply A23D's PBR texture maps via the Material panel for full PBR fidelity (see the PBR Textures in Stager guide).

3. Position and Scale the Model

  1. Click the model in the viewport to select it. A transform gizmo appears.
  2. Use the Selection Tool (shortcut V) to move, rotate, and scale the model interactively:
  • Move: Drag the arrow handles on the gizmo.
  • Rotate: Click and drag the rotation ring.
  • Scale: Drag the corner handles or use the Scale tool (S shortcut).
  1. For precise values, open the Scene panel (right side) and expand the Transform section. Enter exact X, Y, Z position, rotation, and scale values.
  2. Use Object > Place on Ground to snap the model to the ground plane automatically.

Additional Resources

Adobe Substance 3D Stager - Import and Export Formats
Adobe Substance 3D - Import and Export Formats

Need some help?

Contact our team at support@a23d.co