# Variants and PMI

> Using the Variants and PMI panel in Asset Transformer Studio

The **Variants & PMI** panel is where variants, and views inherited from [PMI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_and_manufacturing_information) can be managed.

## Variants

Create and display variants of the default scene, by saving the scene state regarding occurrences' position, visibility and material assignment.

![Variants](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/STUDIO_Variants.gif)

## PMI

[PMI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_and_manufacturing_information) included in some CAD files (see the [Supported File Formats](../../supported-file-formats)) can be imported within Asset Transformer Studio if necessary.

When PMI are imported, a `PMI` folder is available in the **Variants & PMI** panel, where they can be used.

> **Note:**
>
> For PMI to be imported with a CAD file, the parameter **LoadPMI** needs to be enabled, from [**Preferences** (F9)](../menu-bar/edit-menu/preferences) > **IO** > **Import** > **PMI**