How to use A23D 3D Models in Vectorworks

This guide explains how to import 3D models from A23D into Vectorworks for use in architectural, landscape, and entertainment design projects.

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 Vectorworks.

A23D automatically delivers the model in the format best suited to Vectorworks (.obj) - no manual format selection required. Keep the .obj, .mtl, and texture files together because the model references its dependent files.

Click Download and save the .zip file to a known location on your computer.
Extract (unzip) the archive. You will find an .obj file, a .mtl material file, and a texture folder - keep all three together in the same directory.

2. Import the OBJ Model

In Vectorworks, open your project document.
Go to File > Import > Import OBJ...
In the file browser, navigate to the extracted .obj file, select it, and click Open.
In the OBJ Import Options dialog:

Import textures: Ensure this is checked so the .mtl file is read and textures are linked automatically.
Convert to: Choose Mesh for a single object, or Group to preserve the model's material-group hierarchy. Group is generally more flexible for applying textures per part.
Import UVs: Ensure this is checked to preserve the UV mapping for texture application.
Scale: Set the import scale to match your document units. A23D models are in meters - if your Vectorworks document uses millimeters, enter a scale factor of 1000 to convert correctly.

Click OK. The model appears in the current design layer.

3. Position and Scale the Model

Select the imported object with the Selection Tool.
Use the Object Info palette (OIP) on the right side to set the exact X, Y, Z position and Width, Height, Depth dimensions.
If the model imported at the wrong scale, use Modify > Scale Objects, choose Symmetric by Distance, and enter the correct factor to resize it uniformly.

4. Check and Assign Textures

After import, Vectorworks creates texture resources automatically if the .mtl file was found and the texture images were in the same folder.

Open the Resource Manager (Window > Palettes > Resource Manager).
Look in the current document under the Textures category to confirm the A23D textures were imported.
If any texture slot is missing, select the object, open the Object Info Palette, and manually assign textures from the Resource Manager.
To preview textures in the design viewport, switch the Render Mode to Shaded using the view bar at the top of the viewport. In older Vectorworks versions, this render mode may be labeled OpenGL.

Additional Resources

Vectorworks Help - Importing OBJ Files
Vectorworks Help - Working with Textures