The long-awaited release of 3D painting for Procreate has creators giddy with anticipation and eager to get going. Finding and carrying 3D assets for usage with Procreate 5.2 is more difficult. Don’t worry; we’ll show you how to import 3D models created in Blender and Forger into Procreate on an iPad. In this article, we’ll cover everything from the step-by-step procedure to dependable extensions. As a further reminder, they are compatible with all recent iPad models from the past three to four years, including the new iPad mini 6 and M1 iPad Pro. These 3D objects can be painted and used in your artwork after being imported. But first, let’s examine the proper export procedures for 3D models from Blender and Forger to utilise in Procreate.
Export 3D Models from Blender and Forger to Procreate (2021)
Popular on Windows and macOS, Blender is a leading free 3D modelling, sculpting, and development application. Forger, one of the most used 3D sculpting apps on the iPad and a member of the Cinema 4D family, is preferred by iPad users. The table below will assist you in locating the appropriate exporting procedure depending on the programme you use.
List of 3D Extensions Supported by Procreate
Procreate only supports the OBJ, USD, and USDZ file formats for 3D models as of November 2021. These are common 3D file formats, however each one has its own restrictions.
- USD or USDZ: Universal Scene Description is the official file format of Pixar Animation Studios. They store important layered data, including geometry, UV mapping, shade, animations, and surface-level data. Finding 3D files and software that support this format isn t easy due to their limited ecosystem. The USDZ format for 3D files comes with built-in support for material textures.
- OBJ: Unlike USD, 3D files in this geometry definition format are pretty common and easy to find. It s a simpler file format that includes object structure, texture mapping, and 3D coordinates of the object. When exported or imported, the OBJ files don t come with existing colors or textures. But due to the ease and compatibility, most users focus on this extension while exporting.
How to Export 3D Files from Blender to Procreate
Open Blender on your Mac or Windows computer and load the 3D file you want to export before we start. If you didn’t know, the Procreate programme is only capable of being used to paint, not to model three-dimensional objects. Therefore, please make sure that your object is in its final form. For the purposes of this tutorial, we are utilising a generic 3D figure as our example.
1. Click the File button in the top left corner of the screen to get started. The Blender icon is next to it.
2. Next, hover your cursor over the Export option in the File menu to view the export file types that are accessible. Both USD and OBJ file options are present here. Choose Wavefront (.OBJ) if you wish to export your 3D file with only structural data. Users can use the Universal Scene Description (.USD) option if they also want to export environmental data and maps.
3. Selecting one of the choices will trigger a pop-up window. From the pop-up window, select the desired save place. The 3D file will then be saved in either the OBJ or USD file format, depending on what you chose, by selecting the Export button. The file name textbox is close to the Export button. Now you can use iTunes or one of its equivalents to transfer the exported file to your iPad.
Note:Blender also provides more customizable file-related property options, ranging from its scale to UV mapping.
How to Export 3D Files from Forger to Procreate [Easiest Method]
You are free to select them based on your preferences.
Forger makes it considerably simpler to export files than Blender does for two reasons. Its user interface is simpler and cleaner, for starters. Second, since Forger is an iPad app, you don’t need to move files between devices. In order to begin, open or generate the 3D file you wish to paint in Procreate.
1. Open the Forger app on your iPad and tap the Export icon in the top left corner. The fourth icon from the left is it (next to the save icon).
2. A pop-up box with export options will now display. From the list of export options, tap and select 3D Model.
3. After that, Forger will inquire about the file type and name you intend to use. Because only these are supported by Procreate, choose either the USD or OBJ file type below. Next, press the Export button.
4. A new pop-up window will now appear and prompt you to select a spot on your iPad where you want to save the 3D file. Either use the Save to Files option to save the 3D file locally or share the exported file with any of the installed apps.
Export 3D Objects from Blender and Forger to Procreate
5. Tap the Save button in the top-right corner after selecting the appropriate folder location under the Save to Files option. Even better, you may store your 3D models in iCloud or other cloud storage services.
You are now halfway there thanks to the ability to export 3D models from Blender and Forger for Procreate. You must learn how to import and export 3D models in Procreate in order to paint 3D files with the programme. The detailed explanation of the entire process in the accompanying guide will be beneficial. Procreate 5.2’s famous 3D update has opened up a world of possibilities for its customers. One of them is the ability to see 3D models in augmented reality using Procreate.