How Do I Add a 3D Model to Unreal?

To add a 3D model to Unreal Engine, you typically import an exported file into the Content Browser.

Adding a 3D model to your Unreal Engine project involves importing the model file from your computer into the engine's Content Browser. This makes the model available for use in your levels.

Here's a straightforward guide on how to import your 3D assets:

Step-by-Step Import Process

Before you begin, ensure your 3D model is exported in a format compatible with Unreal Engine, such as .FBX (recommended for its support of meshes, materials, textures, and animations), .OBJ, or .STL.

1. Open Your Project: Launch Unreal Engine and open the project you want to add the model to.
2. Navigate to the Content Browser: The Content Browser is the primary window for managing project files. You can usually find it at the bottom of the editor window. If not visible, you can open it via Window > Content Browser > Content Browser 1.
3. Initiate the Import: Locate the folder within the Content Browser where you want to place your model (e.g., within Content, or a subfolder like Models). Right-click in the Content Browser panel (not on an existing file or folder) and select 'Import to /Game'. This specific action, triggered by the right-click context menu, is the standard way to bring external files into your project.
4. Select Your Model File: After selecting 'Import to /Game', a file dialog window will appear. This window allows you to browse your computer's file system. Navigate to the location where you saved your exported 3D model file. Select the file (e.g., my_awesome_model.fbx).
5. Confirm File Selection: Click the 'Open' button in the file dialog after selecting your model file.
6. Configure Import Settings: Once you click 'Open', an import dialog pop up will appear. This dialog is crucial for configuring various settings for your model, such as:
   • Import Mesh (checked by default for models)
   • Import Materials
   • Import Textures
   • Static Mesh vs. Skeletal Mesh
   • Scale, Rotation, and other transformations
   • Collision settings
   • Generation of LODs (Levels of Detail)
7. Finalize Import: Review the import settings in the dialog. For most basic imports, the default settings might be sufficient, but adjusting them allows you to control how the model behaves in Unreal. Click the 'Import' or 'Import All' button in the dialog window to bring the model (and associated assets like materials and textures, if imported) into your Content Browser.

Your 3D model will now appear as a new asset (typically a Static Mesh or Skeletal Mesh asset) in the Content Browser folder you selected. You can then drag and drop this asset from the Content Browser directly into your game level viewport to place it in the world.

Remember to always save your project (File > Save All) after importing new assets.