# Importing Alias Files

> How to import Autodesk Alias .wire files in Asset Transformer Studio

Importing an Alias file (\*.wire) in Asset Transformer Studio requires Autodesk Alias to be installed (with a valid license) on the same computer on which Asset Transformer Studio is running.

## Configuring Asset Transformer Studio

To start importing \*.wire files in Asset Transformer Studio, the software needs to be configured first from the menu Preferences:

> 1. Press `F9` or go to [Edit](../../user-interface/menu-bar/edit-menu) menu > [Preferences](../../user-interface/menu-bar/edit-menu/preferences) > `IO` > `Import` > `Alias`
> 2. Fill the path in the `AliasApiDllPath` field: browse to the `libalias_api.dll` file (most likely located in the `bin` directory).

![Alias configuration](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/NewItem365.png)

If the path is not properly configured, Asset Transformer Studio will prompt the following error message:

![Alias error](/api/media?file=/asset-transformer-studio/2026.5.0/media/NewItem272.png)

> **Important:**
>
> The `libalias_api.dll` is not the only file required to import a \*.wire file: other files located in the same directory where `libalias_api.dll` is located are also needed.

## Import preferences

The import of Alias files can be parametrized using additional import preferences:

| Preference                | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **AliasImportMode**       | - `Import by layer (one part by layer)` (default): the resulting hierarchy corresponds to the `By Layers` display mode in Alias, with each layer imported as a single Part occurrence.- `Import by object`: the resulting hierarchy corresponds to the `By Objects` display mode in Alias, with the full hierarchy of objects.- `Import by layer`: the resulting hierarchy corresponds to the `By Layers` display mode in Alias, with each layer imported as a root occurrence for all its children objects. |
| **AliasImportEmptyLayer** | If enabled, empty layers are imported as empty occurrences.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| **AliasImportSymmetries** | If enabled, symmetrized layers are imported. Each symmetrized layer is an instantiated symmetry of its prototype layer.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |