# Guided Import > Using the Guided Import mode in Asset Transformer Studio ![Guided Import](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/STUDIO_GuidedImport.jpg) In Asset Transformer Studio, the user chooses **how a 3D model is imported within the application**: using the Raw import mode, or the Guided import mode (see [Import mode preference](/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/manual/working-with-asset-transformer-studio/importing-files/import-mode.md)). Compared to the Raw import mode, the Guided import mode is a **simplified, guided method to import a 3D model in the scene**. ## What it does The Guided import mode is an automatic import process, and is essentially the promise of **easily getting a perfectly converted 3D model, from any 3D source/format, be it a CAD, polygonal or point cloud model**, without needing to heavily retouch the imported model through a complex suite of data preparation features, and without needing to preconfigure the software's import options. When importing a 3D model through the Guided import mode, the user simply **defines a few input options**, before triggering the import. Then, Asset Transformer Studio automatically runs a universal data preparation scenario, which analyzes the model and processes it to **get a perfect 3D model, with 100% quality, ready to be exported, or to be furthermore optimized** using Asset Transformer Studio's optimization features ([Decimation](/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/manual/data-preparation-fundamentals/about-decimation.md), [Remove Occluded Geometries](/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/api/python/algo_functions.md#removeoccludedgeometries), [Remove Holes](/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/manual/user-interface/menu-bar/optimize-mesh-menu.md)…) ## Who is it for? The Guided import mode is intended for **novice users**, who do not have much knowledge about 3D data preparation, and in need of a simple conversion solution. But it is **also convenient for advanced users** that want to rely on Asset Transformer expertise, embedded in the data preparation scenario run with the Guided import, or want to leverage the embedded features **to gain time and productivity**. ## Any limitations? The Guided import scenario is not entirely magical, so **the imported model might still require some fine-tuning afterwards**, whether it's mesh face orientation fixing, parts merging, parts renaming, materials assignment, UVs adjustments… pretty much any data preparation step required to obtain a 100% quality model, fitting your project's requirements. Also, the Guided import process might take a bit of time in some cases, as it involves a succession of functions potentially time-consuming with very large models. The important thing being the result! ## Comparison with the Raw import Find below a comparison between the Guided import mode and the Raw import mode, with a simple CAD model example. Beside the speed of the Guided import compared to the Raw import, this example shows that it can be **tricky for novice users to find the good data preparation recipe**, meaning the correct sequence of features to run in order to obtain a model with the same level of quality: | Guided import | Raw import | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | \*\*2 steps \\ | \~3 seconds process\*\*1. Define import options in the **Guided import** window (Snap to ground, Center to origin, Tessellation = Medium quality, other options = default).2. Click the **Execute** button. | \*\*+20 steps \\ | \~3 minutes process:\*\* Import the file, analyze open shells, delete unwanted lines and points, merge separated surfaces, run RepairCAD, tessellate, run RepairMesh, apply UVs, reposition the model, and more. | | ![Guided import result](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/STUDIO_ImportModeCompare_GuidedImport.gif) | ![Raw import result](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/STUDIO_ImportModeCompare_RawImport.gif) | | | ## How To Once the [Import mode preference](/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/manual/working-with-asset-transformer-studio/importing-files/import-mode.md) is set as the Guided import, import a 3D model in Asset Transformer Studio using all the available possibilities: * By dragging and dropping the file in the interface * From the Guided import icon in the Main toolbar * By doing [**File** menu](/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/manual/user-interface/menu-bar/file-menu.md) > **Guided import** Once you chose the files to import, **a dialog box appears**, allowing to set the import options: ![Guided Import UI](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/STUDIO_GuidedImportUI.jpg) For more information about each option available to define the Guided import process, please have a look at the [dedicated documentation page](/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/manual/working-with-asset-transformer-studio/importing-files/guided-import/guided-import-parameters.md).