Model requirements.

What do we need from you?

Getting started with Lightforge doesn’t need to be complicated. If you already have a suitable 3D model, you’ve got the most important part of what we need.

There are two ways to work with us.

1. Your 3D scene is already prepared.

If you’ve already created a complete scene with materials, textures and other necessary assets, we can take it through to the agreed final renders or animations.

We’ll check the files first to make sure everything is compatible and ready for production.

or

2. You supply the model. We do the rest.

Supply your existing 3D model with its individual components as separate, selectable parts, correctly assembled and positioned. We’ll take care of applying materials and finishes, setting up the lighting and camera angles, and creating your finished product images or animations.

Not sure whether your files are suitable?

Just tell us what you’ve got. We can help you establish whether they’re suitable before you send anything.

Preferred file formats

We commonly work with these file formats:

  • STEP: .stp, .step
  • SolidWorks: .sldprt, .sldasm
  • OBJ: .obj
  • FBX: .fbx
  • GLB/glTF: .glb, .gltf

All files are subject to assessment before we confirm that we can undertake your project.
A supported file format doesn’t necessarily mean the model is suitable for the work required.

Additional CAD and design applications

  • 3ds Max (.max) [plugin only; Windows only]
  • Adobe Swatch Exchange (.ase)
  • ALIAS 2026 and prior (.wire) [Windows only; requires licensed installation of software]
  • AutoCAD (.dwg, .dxf)
  • CATIA v5-6 / 3D Experience R2026 and prior (.cgr, .catpart, .catproduct, .catdrawing)
  • Cinema 4D 2024 and prior (.c4d)
  • Creo 12.0 and prior (.prt, .asm) [Windows only]
  • Creo View (.pvz, .pvs, .edz, .ed, .c3di, .ol) [Windows only]
  • Inventor 2026 and prior (.ipt, .iam)
  • Maya 2024–2027 (.ma, .mb) [requires licensed installation of software]
  • NX 12 and prior (.prt)
  • NX Continuous Release 2512.4000 and prior
  • Onshape [plugin only]
  • Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 2–5 (.prt, .asm)
  • Revit 2011–2026 (.rvt)
  • Rhinoceros 8 and prior (.3dm)
  • SketchUp 2025 and prior (.skp)
  • Solid Edge 2026 and prior (.par, .asm, .psm)

Additional interchange formats

  • ACIS 2023 1.0 (.sat)
  • Alembic (.abc) [includes animation]
  • 3DS (.3ds)
  • 3MF (.3mf)
  • 3DXML (.3dxml)
  • Collada (.dae)
  • IFC (.ifc)
  • IGES (.igs, .iges) [Windows: 2021.3 and prior; macOS: 2019.0 and prior]
  • JT 10.10 and prior (.jt)
  • Parasolid V38.1 and prior (.x_t)
  • STL (.stl)
  • USD (.usd, .usda, .usdc, .usdz)

Notes: FBX, GLB/glTF and Alembic can include animation. This does not mean every file contains usable animation or that Lightforge can deliver every animation type. Some application formats require plugins or installed licensed software. Other formats may import with missing textures, references or component structure.

Please contact us to confirm compatibility and any file preparation requirements before sending your files.

Confidentiality matters.

We understand that your designs may be commercially sensitive. If required, we’re happy to sign a confidentiality agreement (CA) before any files are exchanged.

Got something in mind?

Whether you know exactly what you need, have a rough idea or haven’t the faintest clue where to start, we’d love to hear from you. Tell us a little about what you’ve got in mind, and we’ll take it from there.