> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://thebitcave.gitbook.io/magicavoxel-resources/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://thebitcave.gitbook.io/magicavoxel-resources/exporting-models/importing-3d-models.md).

# Importing 3D Models

## 1. Importing Complex Models (i.e.: 3D Scans)

This is a simple workflow I use when transforming high-poly models to voxel models.

### Problem

You want to import a 3D scan model into MagicaVoxel.

![A 3D scan from threedscans.com](/files/-M3kd1XfQQERQrWackVq)

### Solution

I use a 3-steps procedure:

1. Simplify the mesh through [MeshLab](http://www.meshlab.net/)
2. Create a *.vox* model through [FileToVox](https://github.com/Zarbuz/FileToVox)
3. Open the file in MagicaVoxel

#### Simplifying the Model

**MeshLab** (<http://www.meshlab.net/>) is an amazing open-source tool for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes. What we need here is its ability to cleanup and reduce triangle numbers.

* Download and install the software
* Open the software
* Import (*File > Import Mesh*) the 3D mesh you need to simplify

![The imported mesh in MeshLab](/files/-M3kdw2SgNkkLKTuFa7A)

You are now ready to simplify the model:

1. *Select, from the main menu Filters > Remeshing, Simplification and Reconstruction > Simplification > Quadric Edge Collapse Decimation*

You will get the following simplification window:

![The Quadric Edge Collapse Decimation window](/files/-M3kf8rer1LbE2zacWTB)

For our purpose, we just need to decrease the number of faces

* Lower the *Target number of faces value* (it is usually already halved) or use the *Percentage reducion value* (0 to 1)
* Click *Apply*
* Repeat the process until you are happy with the results
* Export the mesh in your favourite format

![The simplified model](/files/-M3krsrgyxymZdAjdCzs)

#### Create the .vox Model

For this step you will need a command line tool called **FileToVox** (<https://github.com/Zarbuz/FileToVox>):

* Download the tool from the GitHub repository
* Unzip the package in your file system
* Execute the FileToVox command:&#x20;

  ```
  ./FileToVox.exe --i mymodel.obj --o mymodel
  ```

Note: if you are not comfortable with the commnad line tool, you can use FileToVox-LazyGUI (<https://github.com/patrikroy/FileToVox-LazyGUI>).

![The FileToVox LazyGUI tool](/files/-M3ktewePB4yhauDQ-Iq)

#### Open the File in MagicaVoxel

You are now ready to open the file in MagicaVoxel.

![The model opened in MagicaVoxel](/files/-M3kuX06lCjS5DQLiwrj)