Importing 3D models into Unreal Engine is a fundamental step for bringing your custom assets into your game or project. The primary method involves using the engine's built-in import functionality accessible through the main menu.
Importing 3D Models into Unreal Engine
To import a 3D model into your Unreal Engine project, you typically use the engine's integrated import feature. This process allows you to select model files from your computer and add them to your project's Content Browser.
Here are the general steps to import your 3D model files:
- Open or Create a Project: Launch Unreal Engine and either create a new project or open an existing one where you intend to use your 3D models.
- Access the Import Function: From the main menu, select "File > Import" to open the Import window.
- Select Your Model Files: In the Import window, browse to the location of your 3D model files and select the ones you want to import. You can often select multiple files at once.
- Configure Import Options: After selecting your files, an "Import Options" dialog box will appear. This window allows you to customize various settings related to how the model is imported, such as:
- Mesh settings (normals, tangents, collision)
- Material and texture handling
- Animation import options (if applicable)
- LOD (Level of Detail) settings
Review these options and adjust them as needed based on your model and project requirements. For many basic imports, default settings are sufficient.
- Initiate Import: Click the "Import" or "Import All" button in the options dialog. Unreal Engine will then process the files and add the imported assets (meshes, materials, textures, etc.) to your Content Browser, usually within a folder structure you specify or relative to the imported files.
Common 3D Model File Formats
Unreal Engine supports several common 3D model file formats. The most widely used and recommended format for importing static and skeletal meshes (including animations) is FBX (.fbx). Other supported formats may include OBJ (.obj), STL (.stl), and glTF (.gltf/.glb), though FBX generally offers the most robust support for features like materials, textures, animations, and complex hierarchies.
Why Import Directly into the Engine?
Importing directly through the engine's File > Import menu ensures that Unreal Engine correctly processes your assets, creating the necessary UAsset files that the engine uses. This method handles mesh data, material assignments, textures, and potentially animations and skeletal structures, integrating them seamlessly into your project's content pipeline.
By following these steps, you can effectively bring your external 3D models into Unreal Engine, making them available for placement in your levels or use in blueprints and sequences.
