PreForm supports a wide variety of 3D model file formats. To open a single file or multiple files to print on the same build platform:

1. Open PreForm.
2. In the menu bar, click File > Open. The Open File window appears.
3. Select at least one file. To select multiple models:
   • Press and hold the Command key on macOS or the CTRL key on Windows.
4. Click Open. The selected models appear in PreForm.

Adjusting tessellation options for imported CAD files

When importing 3D models from computer-aided design (CAD) software, you can control the quality at which the model is imported:

1. Open PreForm.
2. Open the Preferences menu.
• Windows: In the menu bar, click File > Settings > Preferences.
• MacOS: In the menu bar, click PreForm > Preferences.
3. Click Import Model Quality Settings.
4. Adjust the available model quality settings:

5. Click Apply. PreForm saves your import quality preferences and the Preferences window closes.
6. Import a CAD file into PreForm as described above.

Starting with PreForm version 3.43, import all compatible models within a folder into the build scene in PreForm.

To import a folder into PreForm:

1. Update PreForm to version 3.43 or later.
2. Click File > Import Folder. The Open File window opens.
3. Select the folder you wish to import into PreForm.
4. Click Select Folder. PreForm imports all the compatible model files within the folder into the build scene. As FORM files consist of the entire build scene, they are not compatible with the Import Folder feature.
   • PreForm automatically groups the models together. The model group has the same name as the imported folder.
   • If no compatible models are found, PreForm displays the error message Error Loading Files.

Starting with PreForm version 3.52.0, you can import an assembly and print it either as a single part or as its constituent parts.

To import an assembly into PreForm:

1. Open PreForm.
2. In the menu bar, click File > Open. The Open File window appears.
3. Select at least one assembly file. To select multiple assemblies:
• Press and hold the Command key on macOS or the CTRL key on Windows.
4. Click Open. PreForm recognizes the assembly file and displays the File contains multiple models dialog box.
5. Select the Separate models box to separate the assembly into its constituent models. Otherwise, leave the box unselected.
6. Click OK. PreForm imports the assembly. If PreForm encounters any issues with the separated models, such as model integrity or scaling issues, it displays the appropriate message.

To import a model and add it to a specific build within a project:

1. Hover over a project in the Project panel. The Add Models and Edit Job Settings buttons appear.
2. Click Add Models. A window appears.
3. Select at least one file. To select multiple models:
   • Press and hold the Command key on macOS or the CTRL key on Windows.
4. Click Open. PreForm switches to the build you selected and the selected models appear.
   • If you selected a FORM file, PreForm adds the models within the file to the build without supports, even if they were present in the original FORM file.

PreForm can open 3D models in following formats: