# Import Mode

> Understanding import modes in Asset Transformer Studio

![Import Mode](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/STUDIO_ImportModePreference.gif)

Importing a [3D/CAD](../../data-preparation-fundamentals/about-3d-models-types) file is generally the very first action to start working with Asset Transformer Studio, as importing, converting and optimizing a 3D model is the most common use case!

When opening Asset Transformer Studio for the first time, the user is asked to choose an `Import mode` preference.

The Import mode defines **how a model is imported in Asset Transformer Studio**, and 2 modes are available: `Raw import` and `Guided import`.

### Raw import

#### All the raw data included in the 3D model is simply imported without any other process

The Raw import mode is basically the legacy mode: when a model is imported in Asset Transformer Studio, all the raw data included in the 3D model is simply imported without any other process.

The import options (like `Load Hidden` or `Import Animations`) used with this import mode are the ones defined by the user prior to import, in [Preferences (F9)](../../user-interface/menu-bar/edit-menu/preferences) > `IO` > `Import`.

Using this mode, the user has full control over how the imported model will be data-prepared. In this regard, the Raw import mode is intended for advanced and legacy users, with a good knowledge of 3D model import and conversion, as well as a good knowledge of Asset Transformer Studio data preparation features and algorithms.

After importing the model, the user still needs to prepare it using all the features of Asset Transformer Studio, giving them more control.

### Guided import

#### Let Asset Transformer Studio help you convert and ready your 3D model with guided parameters

Compared to the Raw import, the Guided import is a simplified, guided method to import a 3D model in the scene.

In this regard, the Guided import mode is intended for novice users, who want to quickly convert any 3D model without requiring advanced data preparation knowledge.

But it is also convenient for advanced users that want to rely on Asset Transformer expertise, embedded in the data preparation recipe, or want to leverage the embedded features in order to gain time and productivity.

> **Note:**
>
> To learn more about the Guided import mode, and the data preparation recipe it embeds, please check out [this page](./guided-import.md)!

## How To

### Setting the preference

The `Import mode` window is displayed when opening Asset Transformer Studio for the first time, and will be displayed every time the software is launched until the `Do not show again` option is ticked.

To define your Import mode, simply click the dedicated picture, and click `OK`.

Depending on the Import mode chosen, the `Import` icon used in the main toolbar will be set to either Raw import or Guided import:

![Import mode toolbar icon](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/STUDIO_ImportMode_ToolbarIcon.gif)

### Changing the preference

The `Import mode` preference can be changed in 3 different ways:

> 1. Every time Asset Transformer Studio is launched, the `Import mode` window will be displayed, allowing to modify the Import mode, until the `Do not show again` option is ticked (go to [Preferences (F9)](../../user-interface/menu-bar/edit-menu/preferences) > `Dialogs` and disable the `Hide Import Mode Dialog` preference to show it again at startup).
> 2. To change the general preference for the `Import mode` set by the user at startup (without restarting Asset Transformer Studio to display the `Import mode` window again), two possibilities:
>    * Clicking the arrow on the right-side of the import icon in the [Main Toolbar](../../user-interface/toolbars/main-toolbar) and choosing the mode:![Import mode select](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/STUDIO_ImportMode_SelectMode.gif)
>    * Going to [Preferences (F9)](../../user-interface/menu-bar/edit-menu/preferences) > `Studio` > `Import Mode`, and change the mode with the drop-down list.