--- title: "How to import 3D models from Maya and 3DS Max into DaVinci Resolve Fusion" author: "Cutsio Team" date: "2026-05-15" lastmod: "2026-05-15" category: "DaVinci Resolve Advanced Workflows" excerpt: "DaVinci Resolve Fusion imports 3D models from Maya, 3DS Max, and other DCC tools via FBX and Alembic files. This guide covers import setup, model placement, texturing, and rendering within a 3D tracked scene." tags: ["DaVinci Resolve","Fusion","3D Models","FBX Import","Alembic","Maya","3DS Max","3D Rendering"] --- ## How do you import 3D models from Maya or 3DS Max into DaVinci Resolve Fusion? Use the FBX import menu in Fusion to import FBX (Filmbox) scenes or Alembic animated geometry files. Go to File > Import > FBX or drag an FBX/Alembic file directly into the Fusion node editor. Fusion creates a node tree with the model's geometry, materials, and animation. Connect the imported scene through a Merge3D node with your camera and renderer. ![Import 3D Models](https://images.blackmagicdesign.com/images/products/davinciresolve/fusion/import/import-lg@2x.jpg?_v=1603275032) FBX is the most widely supported format for transferring 3D scenes between applications. Alembic is better for animated geometry and complex simulations because it bakes the animation into the geometry cache. Both formats preserve vertex animation, UV coordinates, and material assignments. ## How do you prepare a 3D model for Fusion from Maya or 3DS Max? Before exporting, clean up the model. Apply and freeze all transforms so the pivot points are at world origin. Name all objects clearly — the names transfer to the Fusion node tree. Export with default FBX settings. For Alembic, select the animation range and export as a single file. When importing into Fusion, the model appears as a hierarchy of nodes. FBXImport or AlembicImport nodes at the top, with child nodes for each object group, geometry, and material. You can replace materials inside Fusion using ReplaceMaterial3D nodes connected to the imported geometry. For models with complex materials or textures, export the texture maps separately and reconnect them in Fusion using the Material nodes. Fusion supports standard PBR workflows with diffuse, roughness, metalness, and normal maps. ## How do you composite a 3D model into live footage in Fusion? Track your footage with the 3D Camera Tracker first. Create the 3D scene, import your model, and connect it to the same Merge3D as the tracked camera. Position the model in 3D space using a Transform3D node so it aligns with the scene geometry. Render with the Renderer3D and merge over the original footage. Use the tracking reference points in the scene to position the model accurately. If the model appears at the wrong scale, adjust the Transform3D Scale parameters. If it floats above the ground plane, adjust the Y position. For models that need to cast shadows on the live footage, enable shadow casting in the Renderer3D settings. ## FAQ ### What file formats does Fusion support for 3D models? Fusion supports FBX and Alembic (`.abc`) file formats for 3D model import. ### Does Fusion support animated 3D models? Yes. Alembic imports preserve vertex animation, skeletal animation, and deformers. FBX imports preserve skeletal animation and transform keyframes. ### Can I export Fusion 3D scenes to other applications? Exporting native 3D from Fusion is limited. Fusion is primarily a compositing tool — use it to render 3D scenes into 2D composites rather than as a 3D export pipeline. ### How do I add textures to imported models in Fusion? Connect a ReplaceMaterial3D node to the imported geometry. Connect image nodes for diffuse, roughness, metalness, and normal maps to the material inputs. ### What GPU is needed for 3D model rendering in Fusion? Models with moderate polygon counts render on most modern GPUs. High-polygon models benefit from GPUs with 8 GB VRAM or more.

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