---
title: "CAD File Import"
slug: "cad-file-import"
updated: 2026-08-14T18:01:39Z
published: 2026-08-14T18:01:39Z
canonical: "docs.vention.com/cad-file-import"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vention.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# CAD File Import

This guide explains how to import custom components into MachineBuilder for use in your designs.

## **Feature Overview**

Importing components into MachineBuilder allows users to design with custom parts, which behave like standard Vention components and work with all shortcuts. However, imported components:

- Do not appear in the Bill of Materials (BOM).
- Are not provided by Vention upon purchase of a design.

**Supported File Types:** .step, .stp, .sldprt, .stl, .iges, .igs, .prt, .catpart, .asm, .par, .ipt, .x_b, .x_t

## **Steps to Import a CAD File**

### **Step 1: Select Your CAD Model**

1. **Open the Import Window:**
  - Option 1: From the menu in the top-left corner of the navigation bar, select **CAD File Import**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3eee4d14-5ca0-4ea6-b426-1c19393e6a5e/Images/Documentation/image(669).png)
  - Option 2: Navigate to the **My Models** section of the parts library and click **Import Parts**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3eee4d14-5ca0-4ea6-b426-1c19393e6a5e/Images/Documentation/image(670).png)
2. **Upload Your File:**
  - Click **Select Your File** or drag and drop your file into the import window.
  - After selecting your file, switch to the **Add Connectors** tab to proceed. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3eee4d14-5ca0-4ea6-b426-1c19393e6a5e/Images/Documentation/image(671).png)

### **Step 2: Add Connection Points (Optional)**

1. **Add Connectors:**
  - Click the **Add Connector** icon and attach it to the desired location on your imported model. This allows the model to snap to your Vention assembly.
  - Add as many connectors as needed. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3eee4d14-5ca0-4ea6-b426-1c19393e6a5e/Images/Documentation/image(672).png)
2. **Edit Connectors:**
  - Use the arrow keys to cycle through connectors for adjustments or deletion. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3eee4d14-5ca0-4ea6-b426-1c19393e6a5e/Images/Documentation/image(675).png)
3. **Proceed to Properties:**
  - Once the connectors are added, click **Next** to switch to the **Edit Properties** tab.

### **Step 3: Edit Properties**

![](https://cdn.document360.io/3eee4d14-5ca0-4ea6-b426-1c19393e6a5e/Images/Documentation/image(673).png)

1. **Name Your Part:**
  - Provide a descriptive name for easy identification in the **My Models** library.
2. **Input Optional Details:**
  - **Weight:** Contributes to the overall design weight.
  - **Assembly Time:** Reflects in the design’s total assembly time.
  - **Privacy Settings:** Choose between personal visibility or sharing with your team on Vention’s platform.
  - **Description:** Add optional details about the part.
3. **Complete the Import:**
  - Click **Import** to finalize the process. Your model will now behave like a standard Vention part in MachineBuilder.

## **Accessing Imported Models**

All imported models can be found under the **My Models** section of the parts library, ready for use in your designs. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3eee4d14-5ca0-4ea6-b426-1c19393e6a5e/Images/Documentation/image(676).png)