Import & export basics

Importing models larger than 10 MB or from our plugins requires a paid Arkio license. You can learn more about our paid features and start a free trial to try this.

Arkio imports and exports happen locally on your device. These imports can be shared with other devices using a live meeting, or by synchronizing the imports to other Arkio devices connected to the same Arkio Cloud

Import new files to Arkio

The PC version of Arkio includes our plugins for Revit and other design tools that open your exported models directly in Arkio. You can manually import files on your device by selecting files from the Create > Import drawer. Alternatively, you can place the files in your device's import directory, located in Documents/Arkio/Import on Windows. You can learn about our supported filetypes and directories on What file types does Arkio support?

Synchronize imports with Arkio on your other devices

To synchronize your imported files across multiple Arkio devices, such as your PC, Meta Quest, and iPad, you can link your PC and other devices to the same Arkio Cloud group from Create > Imports > Cloud. After linking, new imports will automatically be synced with other linked devices.

You can also share your scenes, including all placed imports, using a live meeting or via an Arkio Cloud URL

Placing imports in the scene

Once you have some files imported to Arkio, you can sort them by name, date, or type using the top-right icon in the import overview. The top-left icon shows the status of your Arkio Cloud.

Imported models and images can be placed in the scene as a movable object by clicking anywhere in the scene with the Create > Import > Preview panel open. You can place multiple instances on other geometry.

In the right corner of the preview, you can see the number of triangles of your file and the estimated size of your imported object. For generic imported OBJ and GLB models, you can set a different unit and up-axis orientation from the dropdown menu. This is not necessary for exports from our plugins, which already contain the correct size and orientation.

Imported models and images can be placed at the origin using the two green buttons in the import panel. This will place the geometry in the current or a new Arkio scene, based on the model's origin point, and pin it, ensuring it aligns with other imported models and that it returns to the same coordinates when exported to your original tools.

After you place the imports on your desktop device, you can start a live meeting with your other device to directly share the scene with all imported geometry with that device. You can also link your PC to the same Arkio Cloud to automatically synchronize new imports to your other devices.

Importing large models

Arkio supports importing large models with millions of triangles. If you want to load large files, it's recommended to first load the model in Arkio on a more powerful device (e.g., a PC/Mac) before sharing it with a mobile device. Imported models may appear less detailed, depending on your device's triangle budget. (see Importing large 3D models)

828K/10.9M loaded on Quest 3 standalone	5.4M/10.9M loaded on Quest 3 in PC airlink mode

Loading indicators

Icons above imported models indicate whether the files are loading or have issues. Once files are synchronized via our end-to-end encrypted cloud or Arkio meetings, all data in your Arkio scene remains available on your device and can be used offline.

Loading from the cloud	Update available	File not found	Too large for the device
Downloading model	Click to replace	Click to remove	Not all geometry is shown

If you see a yellow or red warning cloud, it means the model you're trying to load is too large for your device or cannot be loaded due to a network issue. You can reduce the model size, reload your resources or use Arkio on a different device, such as a PC with a VR headset in link mode. (see Access and clear user files )

Updating imports

You can update existing imported models and images by overwriting your Arkio import files with the same name locally or in the Arkio Cloud. Arkio will then recognize and process the new version, displaying a green arrow above the model to indicate that a new version is available. You can click this arrow to replace the older file in the scene with the new version on the current coordinates.

Arkio will retain the older versions of your imported models, allowing you to revert to a previous version by selecting the desired date in your Create > Import > Placement menu and clicking "Update".

Exporting Files

Arkio scenes can be exported by opening your File browser, selecting Export, and choosing whether to make a cloud or local export, and the desired Export format. Our Revit exporter converts your Arkio geometry to native solid geometry and families. You can also export your models to Rhino, SketchUp, OBJ or glTF formats.

For local OBJ exports, all Arkio's shapes and custom-imported objects are exported as a single mesh, with their materials and textures in the Export/Models folder. The glTF export will export all individual mesh elements in their hierarchy, including materials and textures, into a single GLB file.

Models get exported in metric (1 unit = 1 meter). You can import your exports into 3D modeling software to convert them to other 3D mesh or CAD formats. (see Export from Arkio to other 3D formats )

Troubleshooting

Some 3D models may fail to load in Arkio, resulting in a warning in the import panel.

• If you experience issues loading your models, try loading the file in GLTF viewers or tools like Blender to determine if the mesh geometry is invalid.

• Avoid issues and long processing by importing only the geometry you need. You can find tips and best practices to optimize your geometry on this page

• Sometimes, failing imports affect other files from loading in Arkio. Clearing your temporary resources often resolves most issues.

• If you have models that don't load well in Arkio, we'd love to review the file to improve Arkio’s importer. You can contact us at support@arkio.is