Tips & Tricks: Import & Export in Freestyle with Creo 4

Need to work with geometry created in other applications? We’ve added geometry in Freestyle to our import and export support. Here’s what you need to know to get started using it:

Import a Mesh

You can import a Wavefront OBJ file that was created in any application. With this open format, you can share simple data, including vertex positions, normal, and faces—all of which can be edited in Creo. Just follow these steps:

1. In the Operations group on the Freestyle tab, click Shapes.
2. Click Import Mesh.
3. Select a Wavefront OBJ file and click Import.
4. In the Facet Units list, change the units for the imported mesh.
5. Select the Flip normal direction check box if desired.
6. Click OK.

Edit an Imported Mesh

Now that you’ve imported a mesh, you can treat it just like a freestyle object created directly in Creo. For example, you could mirror about a center plane and make changes to both sides of the object.

1. Select one side of the mesh, including the points along the center plane.

   
   Drawing a box to select the left half of the mesh.

2. In the Symmetry group on the Freestyle tab, select Mirror.
3. Select an edge, point, or surface patch.

 


Selecting a surface patch.

 

4. Use the dragger to manipulate the patch.

Both sides of the center plane change as the patch is dragged.

Export a Mesh

You can also export a Wavefront OBJ file to share data with other applications.

1. In the Operations group on the Freestyle tab, click Operations.
2. Click Export Mesh.
3. Enter a file name, and click Export.

Collaboration with external applications is easier and less painful because now you don’t have to repeat design changes made outside of Creo.

Watch the Demo

You can see a brief demo of these tips in the video below.

To learn more, read the PTC Creo Help Center page, Importing from and Exporting to Object Files in Freestyle.

You'll find Creo 4.0 packed with breakthrough capabilities—on top of hundreds of core enhancements. Download The Best of Creo 4 today to make sure you discover “best of the best,” then link to some quick “how-to” articles and videos, so you can make the most of Creo 4.0 and start designing smarter.