Projects and Model Import
Import OBJ and STL models and save editable render projects.
Updated
A render project stores the scene you are preparing for an image. Use model import to bring in geometry, and save a render project to continue the work later.
Import geometry
Choose File > Import Model..., or press Ctrl+I, and select an OBJ or STL file. Dragging an OBJ or STL into the viewport provides another entry point.
After import, select the model and use View > Frame Selected. Apply View > Instant Look if you want a prepared presentation setup.
OBJ and STL are the supported external model formats in this import dialog. An imported mesh is the starting point for material and lighting work; a HardCuts modeling project is transferred through HardCuts Handoff.
Save and reopen a project
| Command | Use |
|---|---|
| File > New Render Project | Start a new render document. |
| File > Open Render Project... | Open a saved .hcrender file. |
| File > Open Recent | Return to a recently opened project. |
| File > Save Render Project | Save the current project; Ctrl+S. |
| File > Save Render Project As... | Save under another name or location. |
Use Save Render Project As... before developing a separate presentation variant.
Render projects include the scene geometry, material setup, lighting, camera, output settings, and imported texture image data. Keep your original model files and HardCuts project as the modeling source.
Understand the file types
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
.obj / .stl |
External geometry to import. |
.hcproj |
A modeling project opened in HardCuts. |
.hcrender |
An editable HardCuts Render project. |
.png |
A rendered image. |
Saving a PNG does not replace saving the render project.
Work with a transferred scene
Use File > Import HardCuts Scene... for a HardCuts scene transfer file. The direct Open in HardCuts Render command in HardCuts handles the normal transfer workflow for you.
See HardCuts Handoff for what happens when the modeling scene is sent again.