With the introduction of the most recent beta 5.2 version, Procreate users may now access the eagerly anticipated 3D capability. Yes, with this version, Procreate becomes a 3D painting programme. Users may utilise the iPad’s LiDAR camera to view 3D models in the actual world, paint them, and add realistic illumination and shadow effects. It’s time to learn how to import and export 3D models if you have the Procreate 5.2 upgrade. After being imported, 3D models can be painted and used in artwork. On most iPad models, including the brand-new M1 iPad Pro, the functionality and procedure will function in Procreate. So let’s not put this off any longer. Learn how to import and export 3D models in Procreate with your Apple Pencil.
Import and Export 3D Models in Procreate (2022)
Procreate will provide you a few 3D assets to work with once you’ve installed the 3D upgrade. However, you can use your own 3D projects that you’ve exported from programmes like Cinema 4D, Blender, and Unity. However, keep in mind that you cannot model or manipulate 3D objects in Procreate, so make sure they are in their finished state before importing them. This tutorial’s 3D models came with the Procreate Beta 5.2 release.
The supported file types and techniques for importing and exporting 3D models in Procreate will be covered in this article.
Import 3D Models in Procreate
Make sure to use iTunes or one of its substitutes to transfer your 3D object files to your iPad before starting. As an alternative, you can directly download 3D files that are open-source and free onto your iPad. Free 3D elements are easily found online. As a result, prepare your object before we start importing and exporting 3D files into Procreate.
Supported File Formats
You can only use the OBJ, USD, and USDZ file formats with Procreate, according to the developer’s comments. Although each of these 3D file formats has its own restrictions, they are all quite trustworthy. A fundamental data file for 3D objects is called a USD, or Universal Scene Description. It is the Pixar Animation Studios’ recognised file type. Geometry, shade, animations, and surface-level data are only a few of the layers of information that are stored in USD. Outside of the Apple or Pixar ecosystem, you might not be able to find USD.
However, OBJ files are widely used and compatible with almost all 3D modelling programmes. It is a more straightforward file format that contains the object’s 3D coordinates, texture mapping, and object structure. Regarding USDZfiles, be aware that they are the only ones that support built-in material textures. As a result, when you import your OBJ and USD files into Procreate, all that will appear is a structure devoid of colour or graphics.
How to Import 3D Models Using OBJ, USDZ, or USD Files in Procreate
1. Import your 3D files into Procreate after you have downloaded or copied them to your iPad. To begin, launch theFilesapp on your iPad.
2. Find the 3D file you wish to utilise with Procreate in the Files app. If you just completed it, it will also be available under the Files app’s Recents portion of the left pane. For this lesson, we’ll be using the Skateboard.usdz file.
3. Next, tap and hold your 3D file down until a context menu pops up. Tap the “Share” button on the context menu.
4. Select Procreate by tapping on its icon in the sharing menu pop-up to import the file after scrolling through the list of accessible apps. Yes, creating 3D models on the iPad using Procreate is that simple.
5. Your 3D item will be ready to use in the Procreate app after the loading process is complete. Due to the higher size of 3D files, loading may take longer than usual when you first open it.
Export 3D Models from Procreate
Even with restricted file extension support, importing 3D models is a simple process. However, once you’ve finished creating your 3D paintings, you must be wondering how to export 3D files from Procreate. You have a lot more more file format choices, but it’s still just as simple as importing files.
Supported File Extensions
You can export 3D files from Procreate in the following list of supported file types. Let’s examine each of these choices to determine which best satisfies your requirements.
- JPEG, PNG, or TIFF: If you have used Procreate before, these are the common file formats to export your project as an image. It means you won t be able to reposition, angle, or edit your 3D object.
- Animated GIF, PNG, MP4, HEVC: If you have animated your 3D object in Procreate on your iPad, these options will help you export it as a video.
- PROCREATE: The most powerful but least shareable option is .procreate. This is the default file format, and you can only use it within the Procreate app. Your 3D object will retain all its layers, position, angle, features, textures, and more when exported with this option.
- USDZ: This Apple and Pixar ecosystem-based file format not only contains structural data of your 3D object but also basic texture and environmental information. It isn t as perfect or foolproof as the .procreate file format. But this is the closest you can get to it without losing compatibility.
- OBJ: The most popular and compatible 3D object format will export it as a structure object. Unless you angled or rotated it, it will be identical to the imported OBJ file.
- PNG texture: If you choose to export your 3D model as an .OBJ file, you must also export its texture files as a PNG. It can later be imported into other modeling software and applied directly to the model.
How to Export 3D Models from Procreate on iPad
1. Open the 3D artwork that you want to export first. On the Procreate home screen, you may tap any of your 2D or 3D works of art to open it. I’m going to export the modified Skateboard 3D file for this tutorial.
2. Tap the actions icon after loading your 3D file or after editing it. It may be found next to the Gallery option in the top left corner of the screen as the wrench icon. Next, click the Share button located in the pop-up menu.
4. Several options to export the file will now be available to you. You can select a file format based on your requirements. Remember to select the option at the bottom of the list to export the textures as PNG if you choose to export your file as OBJ. In Procreate, simply tap on a file extension to export your 3D creations.
5. The iPad will open the share sheet and prompt you to act after a brief loading screen. The exported file can be shared with any installed app, or you can choose to keep it locally on your iPad by selecting Add to Photos or Save to Files.
6. Tap the Save button in the top-right corner after selecting the appropriate folder location under the Save to Files option. Even better, you can upload the 3D file you created in Procreate to iCloud or other cloud storage services.
Import and Export 3D Objects in Procreate in a Few Clicks!
This is how Procreate makes it simple to import and export 3D models. You might have to wait for the official update if the aforementioned options aren’t available in the Procreate app on your iPad. You can use the aforementioned procedures to import and export 3D models once the Procreate 5.2 update is widely accessible. Now, as many of you may already know, Procreate has no official plans for an Android release. So, you will have to stick with one of thesebest Procreate alternativesfor Android. Similarly, PC users can pick from thesebest Procreate alternatives for Windows 10. These are sure to work onWindows 11as well.
Do not forget to share your artwork with us if you are one of the few users who have access to the new 3D Procreate beta update. We might not be able to help with your art, but if you feel stuck with new options, drop your query in the comments below. It will soon be resolved with assistance from our team.