Uploading Assets

Upload images, audio, video, and 3D models into your ShapeBox project from your computer, a URL, or the Marketplace.

Uploading Assets

ShapeBox gives you several ways to bring external files into a project. All uploaded assets are private to your project unless you explicitly share them.

From your computer

Drag and drop

The fastest method — drag files directly from your file browser onto the Asset Panel. You can drop one file or an entire folder.

Upload button

  1. Open the Asset Panel at the bottom of the editor.
  2. Click Upload (or the + icon).
  3. Select one or more files from the file picker.
  4. The files appear in the Uploads tab once processing is complete.

Large files (over 50 MB) show a progress bar. Do not close the browser tab until the upload finishes.

From a URL

Import publicly accessible files directly by URL — useful for shared design assets, CDN-hosted textures, or stock photo links:

  1. Click Upload → Import from URL.
  2. Paste the direct link to the file.
  3. Click Import.

ShapeBox downloads and stores the file inside your project. It is no longer linked to the source URL — if the original changes, your copy stays the same.

Supported drag targets during upload

Drop targetResult
Asset PanelUploads file to the Uploads tab
Viewport (on empty space)Uploads and places the model or image in the scene
Viewport (on an object)Uploads and applies as a texture or material
Inspector material slotUploads and assigns directly to that slot

File size limits

File typeMax size per file
Images50 MB
3D models (GLTF/GLB)200 MB
3D models (OBJ/FBX)100 MB
Audio50 MB
Video500 MB

Need to upload files larger than these limits? Contact support@shapebox.io — Enterprise plans can enable custom limits.

Importing 3D models

When you upload a .gltf, .glb, .obj, or .fbx file, ShapeBox processes it automatically:

  • Materials are extracted and made available in your project's material library.
  • Textures embedded in the model are unpacked and added to the Uploads tab.
  • Animations (GLTF/GLB and FBX) are imported and appear under the model in the Animation timeline.
  • Hierarchy is preserved — parent/child object relationships are maintained.

Processing time depends on file complexity. A progress indicator appears in the Asset Panel. The model is ready to use once the indicator clears.

Replacing an asset

If you update a file externally and want to bring in the new version:

  1. Right-click the asset in the Asset Panel.
  2. Select Replace.
  3. Upload the new file.

All references in the scene update automatically — you do not need to re-assign materials or re-import.

Troubleshooting

ProblemSolution
Upload fails silentlyCheck your file size against the limits above
3D model appears pink / untexturedTextures are missing from the file; embed them before exporting from your 3D tool
Audio does not play in previewEnsure the file is .mp3, .wav, or .ogg and under 50 MB
FBX animations are missingRe-export from your 3D software with "Bake animations" enabled