EasyEDA 3D View & Export to Fusion 360/SolidWorks for Enclosure Design: The Complete PCB Engineer’s Guide

If you’ve spent hours designing a PCB in EasyEDA only to realize you need a proper 3D model for your enclosure design, you’re not alone. As someone who’s been through this process countless times, I can tell you that the workflow from EasyEDA to mechanical CAD tools like Fusion 360 and SolidWorks isn’t always straightforward—but it’s absolutely doable once you understand the options available.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about using EasyEDA 3D view features, exporting your designs, and getting them into professional CAD tools for enclosure design. Whether you’re a hobbyist building your first project case or a professional engineer working on production enclosures, this comprehensive guide has you covered.

Understanding EasyEDA 3D View Capabilities

Before diving into exports, let’s talk about what EasyEDA actually offers for 3D visualization. The EasyEDA 3D view feature has improved significantly over the years, though there are still important distinctions between the Standard and Pro versions.

EasyEDA Standard 3D View Features

EasyEDA Standard provides a built-in 3D preview that renders your PCB with components. The system supports importing 3D models in WRL (VRML) and OBJ formats, which you can bind to footprints using the 3D Model Manager (Tools → 3D Model Manager).

Key features include:

• Real-time 3D PCB preview with component models
• Ability to import custom WRL and OBJ 3D models
• Layer visibility controls for top, bottom, and internal layers
• Board color customization to simulate different solder mask colors
• Component height visualization based on footprint attributes

The EasyEDA 3D preview is activated using the keyboard shortcut or through the View menu. You can rotate the view by holding the left mouse button and pan by holding the right mouse button—standard CAD navigation that feels familiar to most engineers.

EasyEDA Pro 3D View Enhancements

EasyEDA Pro significantly expands on these capabilities. The Pro version introduced a more robust 3D engine built on WebGL, capable of handling PCB designs with tens of thousands of pads without performance issues.

Feature	EasyEDA Standard	EasyEDA Pro
3D Preview	Yes	Yes (Enhanced)
Supported Import Formats	WRL, OBJ	WRL, OBJ, STEP, STP
Export to OBJ	Yes	Yes
Export to STEP	No	Yes
Export 3D Shell	No	Yes (STL, STEP, OBJ)
Auto-generate Component Models	Limited	Yes (Height-based)
Multiple Board Support	No	Yes

The Pro version also includes the 3D Shell feature, which allows you to design simple enclosures directly within EasyEDA—a significant time-saver for quick prototyping projects.

Exporting 3D Models from EasyEDA

Now let’s get into the practical side of things. The export process differs between EasyEDA Standard and Pro, and understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right workflow.

EasyEDA Standard OBJ Export Process

In EasyEDA Standard, the primary 3D export option is the OBJ format. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your PCB design (not the schematic)
2. Navigate to File → Export → 3D File
3. Select OBJ as the output format
4. Save the file to your desired location

There’s a critical caveat here: the OBJ file exported from EasyEDA Standard uses a non-standard format that embeds material data within the file itself. This means you’ll often need to process it before importing into other CAD software.

To split the OBJ file properly:

1. Download EasyEDA’s OBJ splitter tool from their documentation
2. Run the tool on your exported file
3. This generates separate MTL (material) and standard OBJ files
4. The split files can then be opened in FreeCAD, Blender, or other 3D software

One issue you’ll encounter: the exported unit is 0.01 inch (mil). If your CAD software uses millimeters, you’ll need to scale the imported model by 0.254 to get correct dimensions.

EasyEDA Pro STEP Export Workflow

If you have access to EasyEDA Pro, the EasyEDA to Fusion 360 and EasyEDA to SolidWorks workflow becomes much more straightforward thanks to native STEP support.

The STEP export process:

1. Open your PCB in EasyEDA Pro
2. Go to File → Export → 3D File
3. Select STEP as the file type
4. Choose export options:
   1. PCB Only: Just the bare board
   1. PCB + Component Model: Full assembly with all components
5. Click Export

Important considerations for STEP export:

• Components must have STEP format 3D models bound to their footprints for complete export
• Components without 3D models can auto-generate simple cubic shapes based on their Height property
• If component models fail to load during export, a prompt will appear letting you reload or skip them

For components that don’t have STEP models bound, EasyEDA Pro can automatically generate placeholder geometry based on the component’s rectangular footprint outline and height attribute. This isn’t perfect, but it gives you something to work with for enclosure clearance checks.

EasyEDA Pro 3D Shell Export

One of the most practical features in EasyEDA Pro for enclosure design is the built-in 3D Shell functionality. This allows you to create simple enclosures directly in EasyEDA and export them for 3D printing.

To create a 3D shell:

1. Navigate to Place → 3D Shell → Outline
2. Draw the enclosure outline around your PCB
3. Configure shell properties:
   1. Type: Upper/Lower shell or Push cover
   1. Overall height of shell
   1. PCB height from bottom surface
   1. Wall thickness
   1. Inner height alignments
4. Preview using View → 3D Shell Preview
5. Export via File → Export → 3D Shell File

Shell export formats include STL, STEP, and OBJ. For 3D printing, STL is typically the preferred format since most print services and slicers work best with STL files.

Importing EasyEDA Designs into Fusion 360

Getting your EasyEDA design into Fusion 360 requires different approaches depending on which export format you’re working with. Let me walk you through both scenarios.

EasyEDA to Fusion 360 via STEP (Pro Users)

If you exported a STEP file from EasyEDA Pro, the import process is straightforward:

1. Open Fusion 360
2. Go to File → Insert → Insert MESH or Import
3. Navigate to your STEP file
4. Click OK to import

The STEP file imports as a component with proper dimensions and structure. You can immediately start designing your enclosure around it.

EasyEDA to Fusion 360 via OBJ (Standard Users)

The OBJ workflow requires more steps but is definitely workable:

Method 1: Direct OBJ Import

1. Split the EasyEDA OBJ file into standard OBJ + MTL files
2. In Fusion 360, go to Insert → Insert Mesh
3. Navigate to your OBJ file
4. After import, scale the mesh by 0.254 (Tools → Scale)
5. Note: OBJ imports as mesh geometry, not solid bodies

Method 2: DXF + Component Extraction (Recommended)

This method, popularized by various community tutorials, gives you more usable geometry:

1. Export DXF of board outline from EasyEDA
2. In Fusion 360, create a new component and activate it
3. Import the DXF file: Insert → Insert DXF
4. Create a new sketch on the same plane called “PCB”
5. Project relevant sketch features into the new sketch
6. Extrude to create the board geometry
7. For critical components (connectors, buttons), extract their 3D models separately from EasyEDA

For individual component models, you can extract them from EasyEDA using browser developer tools:

1. Open the PCB view in EasyEDA
2. Open browser developer tools (F12)
3. Go to the Network tab
4. Click on a component’s 3D Model field in Custom Properties
5. Right-click the downloaded file and “Open in new tab”
6. Save and rename with .obj extension
7. Import each component into Fusion 360 and position using alignment tools

Fusion 360 Enclosure Design Best Practices

Once your PCB is in Fusion 360, here are some tips for effective enclosure design:

Design workflow:

1. Insert your 3D PCB as an external reference
2. Create the board outline sketch by projecting from the PCB
3. Build your enclosure walls around the projected sketch
4. Add clearances (typically 0.5mm for 3D printing)
5. Create cutouts for connectors and buttons using projection references
6. Design mounting posts and standoffs based on mounting hole positions

Critical considerations:

• Account for 3D print shrinkage (add 0.5mm clearance on each side)
• Design snap-fit features or screw bosses for assembly
• Include cable routing channels if needed
• Add ventilation holes for heat dissipation where necessary

Importing EasyEDA Designs into SolidWorks

EasyEDA to SolidWorks workflows follow similar principles but with some SolidWorks-specific considerations.

STEP Import into SolidWorks

STEP files from EasyEDA Pro import cleanly into SolidWorks:

1. Open SolidWorks
2. File → Open
3. Change file type filter to STEP files
4. Select your exported file
5. Click Options to configure import settings
6. Import as solid body or surface (solid is usually preferred)

OBJ/STL Import into SolidWorks

SolidWorks handles mesh files differently than Fusion 360:

1. File → Open
2. Select the STL file type in the open dialog
3. In Options, choose to import as:
   1. Solid body (for simple geometry)
   1. Surface body (for complex meshes)
   1. Graphics body (for reference only)
4. The mesh imports for reference purposes

Since SolidWorks prefers working with solid geometry, you might need to use an intermediate conversion:

Recommended conversion workflow:

1. Open OBJ in FreeCAD
2. Export as STL from FreeCAD
3. Open STL in SolidWorks
4. Or use the OBJ → STEP conversion through tools like CAD Assistant or online converters

Import Method	Geometry Type	Editability	Best For
STEP Direct	Solid/Surface	High	Full enclosure design
OBJ via FreeCAD	Mesh	Low	Reference only
DXF + Extrude	Solid	High	Board outline design
STL Import	Mesh	Medium	3D print verification

Alternative Tools and Conversion Utilities

When direct import doesn’t work or produces poor results, these tools can help bridge the gap between EasyEDA and your mechanical CAD software.

CAD Assistant (Free)

CAD Assistant from Open Cascade is a free tool that handles multiple CAD formats:

• Supports STEP, IGES, OBJ, STL, glTF, and more
• Can convert between formats
• Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
• Useful for OBJ to STEP conversion

FreeCAD with StepUp Workbench

FreeCAD is a powerful open-source option:

• Native STEP import and export
• KiCad StepUp workbench for ECAD-MCAD collaboration
• Can open EasyEDA OBJ files and export to STEP
• Free and cross-platform

Blender for Mesh Cleanup

For problematic OBJ exports that won’t import elsewhere:

1. Import OBJ into Blender
2. Perform mesh cleanup and decimation
3. Export as STL or OBJ
4. Import the cleaned file into your target CAD

Online Conversion Tools

Several online services can convert between formats:

• ImageToStl.com: OBJ to STEP conversion
• GrabCAD converter: STL/OBJ to STEP
• eMachineShop converter: Multiple format support

EasyEDA to Fusion 360/SolidWorks: Complete Workflow Summary

Let me put together a complete workflow table for quick reference:

Starting Point	Target	Recommended Path	Quality
EasyEDA Pro	Fusion 360	Direct STEP export → Import	Excellent
EasyEDA Pro	SolidWorks	Direct STEP export → Import	Excellent
EasyEDA Std	Fusion 360	DXF outline + OBJ components	Good
EasyEDA Std	SolidWorks	DXF outline + STEP via FreeCAD	Good
EasyEDA Pro	3D Print	3D Shell STL export	Excellent
EasyEDA Std	3D Print	OBJ → FreeCAD → STL	Fair

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Over the years, I’ve encountered (and solved) most of the common problems engineers face when working with EasyEDA 3D exports.

Scale Issues

Problem: Imported model is too large or small.

Solution: EasyEDA Standard OBJ uses 0.01 inch units. Scale by:

• 0.254 to convert to mm
• 0.01 to convert to inches

Missing Components in STEP Export

Problem: Exported STEP file missing some component 3D models.

Solution:

• Ensure components have STEP format models bound (not just WRL/OBJ)
• Check the 3D Model Manager for unbound components
• Enable auto-generation based on Height property

Corrupted OBJ Files

Problem: CAD software reports corrupted or invalid OBJ file.

Solution:

• Use the EasyEDA OBJ splitter tool
• Import through FreeCAD first, then re-export
• Try Win10 3D Viewer which handles EasyEDA’s OBJ format natively

DXF Import Sizing Problems

Problem: DXF outline imports at wrong size or slightly off (often ~0.127mm smaller).

Solution:

• This is a known issue when transferring between EasyEDA Std and Pro
• Compensate in your source DXF or scale after import
• Use the Pro version web interface for better DXF handling than desktop client

Board Thickness Not Matching

Problem: Exported 3D model has wrong board thickness (often ~2.3mm regardless of setting).

Solution:

• In EasyEDA Std, board thickness in 3D viewer doesn’t affect OBJ export
• In EasyEDA Pro, check Layer Manager → Layer Stack settings
• May need to manually adjust in CAD after import

Useful Resources and Downloads

To help you on your journey, here’s a collection of resources:

Official EasyEDA Resources

• EasyEDA Standard Documentation
• EasyEDA Pro Documentation
• EasyEDA Forums
• EasyEDA OBJ Splitter Tool

3D Model Libraries

• EasyEDA Library.io – User-contributed 3D models
• KiCad Packages3D – STEP/WRL models
• GrabCAD Library – Extensive component library
• 3D ContentCentral – Manufacturer models
• TraceParts – Industrial component models

Conversion and Viewing Tools

• CAD Assistant – Free format converter
• FreeCAD Download – Open-source CAD with STEP support
• Blender – Mesh editing and conversion
• eMachineShop Online Converter – Browser-based conversion

3D Printing Services

• JLCPCB/JLC3DP – Integrated with EasyEDA ecosystem
• Direct STL upload from EasyEDA Pro for seamless ordering

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export STEP files directly from EasyEDA Standard?

No, EasyEDA Standard only supports OBJ export for 3D models. STEP export requires EasyEDA Pro. However, you can use intermediate tools like FreeCAD or CAD Assistant to convert OBJ to STEP, though the result will be mesh-based rather than true solid geometry.

Why are my component 3D models missing after STEP export from EasyEDA Pro?

Components only appear in STEP exports if they have STEP format 3D models bound to their footprints. Components with only WRL or OBJ models won’t export with the board. Check Tools → 3D Model Manager to verify model bindings. You can also enable auto-generation of placeholder models based on the Height attribute.

How do I fix the scale problem when importing EasyEDA OBJ into Fusion 360?

EasyEDA Standard exports OBJ files in units of 0.01 inches (mils). When importing into Fusion 360 (which typically uses mm), scale the imported mesh by 0.254. In Fusion 360, use Modify → Scale and enter 0.254 as the scale factor.

Can I design enclosures directly in EasyEDA without exporting to another CAD tool?

Yes, EasyEDA Pro includes a 3D Shell feature that lets you create simple rectangular enclosures with configurable wall thickness, height, and mounting features. Access it via Place → 3D Shell → Outline. For complex enclosure designs with curves, snap-fits, or intricate features, you’ll still need dedicated CAD software like Fusion 360 or SolidWorks.

What’s the best workflow for 3D printing an enclosure designed around my EasyEDA PCB?

The recommended workflow depends on your EasyEDA version:

EasyEDA Pro: Use the built-in 3D Shell feature to create a basic enclosure, then export directly as STL. Upload to JLC3DP or your preferred 3D printing service.

EasyEDA Standard: Export your board outline as DXF, import into Fusion 360 or FreeCAD, design your enclosure around the imported outline, then export as STL for printing.

Conclusion

The path from EasyEDA 3D view to a finished enclosure in Fusion 360 or SolidWorks has gotten significantly smoother with EasyEDA Pro’s STEP export capability. While EasyEDA Standard users face more hurdles with OBJ conversions and workarounds, the workflow is still achievable with the right tools and techniques.

For anyone serious about ECAD-MCAD collaboration, upgrading to EasyEDA Pro is worth considering just for the STEP export functionality alone. The ability to export a complete 3D PCB assembly directly into your mechanical CAD tool eliminates hours of manual work and reduces errors in enclosure design.

Whatever your setup, the key is understanding what each export format provides and using the right intermediate tools when direct import isn’t possible. With the workflows outlined in this guide, you should be able to get any EasyEDA design into Fusion 360 or SolidWorks and create professional enclosures for your projects.