How to Import a 3D Model into 3ds Max for Free

Short answer: 3ds Max imports FBX and OBJ natively, while glTF/GLB only works from version 2023+ (or with the free Babylon glTF plugin). The easiest route is the free MorfVision plugin: it finds the model in the catalog and drops it into your scene in one click — and if your 3ds Max can't import glTF, it converts the model to FBX on the server automatically.

Which formats 3ds Max imports

3ds Max opens FBX and OBJ natively on every version. Built-in glTF/GLB import only arrived in 3ds Max 2023; earlier versions need the free Babylon glTF plugin. If importing a GLB leaves an empty scene (“0 objects”), it's almost always the missing glTF importer.

Option 1. The MorfVision plugin — one click

The fastest path. The plugin searches the catalog right inside 3ds Max, shows previews and imports the chosen model into your scene:

1. Run the script from the MorfVision plugins page (Scripting → Run Script → pick the .py).
2. In the floating MorfVision panel, type a query (e.g. “chair” or “sofa”) and select a model.
3. Hit Import — the model lands in the scene with attribution attached.

If the model is GLB and your 3ds Max lacks glTF import, the plugin automatically uses the FBX version (server-side conversion), which imports natively. Details on the MorfVision for 3ds Max page.

Option 2. Manually

If you're importing from another source or want control:

1. Download the model as FBX or OBJ (a GLB can be converted to FBX — e.g. in Blender: import GLB → export FBX).
2. In 3ds Max: File → Import → Import → choose the file; keep default units and axes in the FBX dialog.
3. Check the model's scale and position relative to the origin.

What imports from the MorfVision catalog

The catalog has thousands of CC0/CC-BY models. Both GLB assets (Amazon) and FBX models (Polyhaven) work in 3ds Max. Start from the sofas, chairs and tables categories, grab PBR materials for surfaces and HDRIs for lighting, or open the full catalog.

Licensing and next steps

Every model is CC0 or CC-BY and usable commercially (CC-BY with an author credit; see the license breakdown). For the same guide in another package, see importing into SketchUp. To lay out a scene without heavy software, open a model in the browser-based Vision-AI editor.

Next: install the MorfVision 3ds Max plugin or open the morfvision.store catalog.