DipTrace 3D Models: How to Add, Create & Export 3D Components

Working with DipTrace 3D visualization changed how I approach PCB design. Being able to preview boards with components installed catches mechanical interference issues before manufacturing, and exporting STEP files lets mechanical engineers integrate PCBs into enclosure designs seamlessly. This guide covers everything about DipTrace 3D models—from adding existing models to creating your own and exporting complete assemblies.

Understanding DipTrace 3D Model Capabilities

Before diving into procedures, let’s clarify what DipTrace offers for 3D visualization:

Feature	Description
Real-time 3D Preview	View PCB with all components at any design stage
Model Import	Support for STEP, IGES, VRML, and 3DS formats
Model Export	Export complete board to STEP or VRML 2.0
Auto-generation	Create models automatically via IPC-7351 or component outline
Standard Library	11,000+ pre-made models available free

The DipTrace 3D system works through patterns (footprints). Each pattern can have a 3D model attached. When you place components on your PCB, their associated 3D models appear in the preview. This pattern-based approach means you set up 3D models once, and they’re available for all future designs using that footprint.

Installing the DipTrace 3D Models Library

DipTrace’s installation package doesn’t include 3D models by default—they’re a separate 1.5 GB download. Without this library, your 3D preview will show flat rectangles instead of realistic components.

Downloading and Installing the 3D Library

Step 1: Visit diptrace.com/download/libraries-and-3d-models/ and download the 3D library installer (1.5 GB for Windows).

Step 2: Run the installer and point it to your DipTrace installation folder (typically C:\Program Files\DipTrace).

Step 3: The installer creates or populates the models3d folder with over 8,000 STEP models and 3,500 VRML models.

Configuring Custom 3D Model Locations

If you store custom 3D models in a different location, tell DipTrace where to find them:

1. Open PCB Layout
2. Go to Tools → 3D Preview → Patterns and Models Search
3. Click Add to include additional folders
4. Click OK to save

DipTrace searches all configured folders when attaching models to patterns.

Adding Existing 3D Models to Patterns

The most common task is attaching a 3D model from the library to a pattern that doesn’t have one yet.

Method 1: Through Pattern Editor (Recommended)

This method permanently attaches the model to your pattern library:

1. Launch Pattern Editor from the DipTrace Launcher
2. Open your user pattern library containing the target footprint
3. Select the pattern that needs a 3D model
4. In the Pattern Properties panel, click the 3D Model button
5. Click All Models to browse the library
6. Select the appropriate model (sorted by categories in tree view)
7. Adjust position and rotation using the X/Y/Z Shift and Angle controls
8. Click OK to attach
9. Save the pattern library (Ctrl+S)

The model is now permanently linked to that pattern.

Method 2: Quick Attachment in PCB Layout

For one-off adjustments without modifying libraries:

1. In PCB Layout, right-click a component
2. Select 3D Model from the context menu
3. Choose from attached model, All Models, or IPC Generator
4. Adjust positioning as needed
5. Click OK

This attachment exists only in the current PCB file unless you update the source library.

Positioning 3D Models Correctly

Getting models aligned with footprints requires adjusting several parameters:

Parameter	Function
X Shift	Move model left/right
Y Shift	Move model forward/back
Z Shift	Adjust height (usually 0 for bottom of component on board)
X Angle	Rotate around X axis (tilt forward/back)
Y Angle	Rotate around Y axis (tilt left/right)
Z Angle	Rotate around Z axis (spin on board plane)
Scale	Resize model if dimensions don’t match

The 3D preview window shows changes in real-time. Most models from the standard library are pre-scaled correctly, but models from external sources often need adjustment.

Creating 3D Models with the IPC-7351 Generator

DipTrace 4.0 introduced automatic DipTrace 3D models generation through the IPC-7351 Pattern Generator. This creates both the footprint and a matching 3D model simultaneously.

Using the IPC-7351 Pattern Generator

1. Open Pattern Editor
2. Select Pattern → Add New or create from the Pattern Properties panel
3. Choose IPC-7351 as the pattern style
4. Select the component family (QFP, BGA, Chip, etc.)
5. Enter package dimensions from the component datasheet
6. In the 3D Model Preview section, select IPC-7351 Model Generator
7. Enable “Use Recovery Code for auto-generating of package 3D Models”
8. The 3D model generates automatically based on entered dimensions

Supported IPC-7351 3D Model Families

The generator creates automatic DipTrace 3D models for these package types:

Family	Examples
Chip Components	Resistors, capacitors, inductors (0201-2512)
QFP/QFN	LQFP, TQFP, QFN, DFN packages
SOP	SOIC, SSOP, TSSOP, MSOP
BGA	Ball grid arrays of various sizes
Through-hole	DIP, SIP, TO packages
Connectors	Headers, sockets
Discrete	SOD, SOT, DPAK, D2PAK

Not all families have 3D generation yet, but coverage expands with each DipTrace update.

Creating Models from Component Outline

For patterns without IPC-7351 support, DipTrace can generate a basic 3D model from the component outline:

1. In Pattern Properties, click 3D Model
2. Select By Component Outline option
3. DipTrace creates a rectangular extrusion based on the courtyard or component outline layer
4. Adjust height to match component specifications

This produces simple box shapes rather than detailed models, but it’s better than nothing for mechanical clearance checking.

Importing External 3D Models

When neither the standard library nor IPC generator has what you need, import models from external sources.

Supported Import Formats

Format	Extension	Notes
STEP	.step, .stp	Recommended format, preserves colors (AP214)
IGES	.iges, .igs	Older standard, widely compatible
VRML	.wrl	Smaller files, good for display
3D Studio	.3ds	Legacy format support

STEP (AP214) is the recommended format because it maintains color information and works well for subsequent export to mechanical CAD packages.

Step-by-Step Import Process

1. Download the 3D model from manufacturer website or component database
2. Place the file in your custom 3D models folder
3. Open Pattern Editor and select the target pattern
4. Click 3D Model button in Pattern Properties
5. Click the […] button to browse for the file
6. Select your downloaded model and click Open
7. Click Load Model to preview
8. Adjust position/rotation/scale as needed
9. Click OK and save the pattern library

Sources for External 3D Models

These websites provide free DipTrace 3D models compatible files:

Manufacturer Websites: Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, Analog Devices, and other major manufacturers provide STEP models on component product pages.

3D ContentCentral: www.3dcontentcentral.com — Large database of user-contributed and manufacturer-certified models. Register for free access.

TraceParts: www.tracepartsonline.net — Extensive component library with multiple format options including VRML.

GrabCAD: grabcad.com — Community-uploaded models, variable quality but good coverage.

SnapEDA: Built into DipTrace 4.1+, provides symbols, footprints, and 3D models for millions of parts directly within the software.

Using 3D Preview in PCB Layout

The DipTrace 3D preview helps verify your design before manufacturing.

Accessing 3D Preview

In PCB Layout, access 3D preview through:

• View → 3D Preview
• Tools → 3D Preview → Show Preview
• Keyboard shortcut (customizable)

3D Preview Controls

Action	Control
Rotate board	Click and drag
Zoom	Mouse scroll wheel
Pan	Shift + drag or middle mouse button
Reset view	Double-click

Customizing Preview Appearance

Go to Tools → 3D Preview → Colors to adjust:

• Board color (green, blue, red, black, etc.)
• Copper color
• Solder mask transparency
• Silkscreen color
• Background color

Different color schemes help visualize different aspects of your design.

Finding Missing Models

The Pattern and Models Search tool identifies components without 3D models:

1. Go to Tools → 3D Preview → Patterns and Models Search
2. Click Search 3D Models
3. The Attached 3D Models window shows all components and their model status
4. Components without models appear with empty model paths

You can then systematically add models to these patterns.

Exporting 3D Board Assemblies

Exporting your complete board to STEP or VRML enables mechanical integration and documentation.

Exporting to STEP Format

STEP export creates a file compatible with SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, and other mechanical CAD packages:

1. In PCB Layout, go to File → Export → 3D Image → STEP
2. Choose export options:
   1. Include components (recommended)
   1. Include pad holes
   1. Board color settings
3. Select destination folder and filename
4. Click Save

The resulting STEP file contains the board body and all component 3D models as a complete assembly.

Exporting to VRML Format

VRML exports are useful for visualization and presentations:

1. File → Export → 3D Image → VRML
2. Configure options similar to STEP export
3. Save the .wrl file

VRML files are typically larger than STEP and less useful for engineering purposes, but work well in web viewers and presentation software.

Export Considerations

File Size: Boards with many components produce large STEP files. A moderately complex board (100+ components) can generate 50-100 MB STEP files.

Model Quality: Export quality depends on your source models. STEP-based component models export cleanly; VRML component models may produce larger files with conversion artifacts.

Missing Models: Components without 3D models export as flat rectangles or are omitted entirely.

Useful Resources for DipTrace 3D Models

Official DipTrace Resources

3D Library Download: https://diptrace.com/download/libraries-and-3d-models/

3D Modeling Documentation: https://diptrace.com/diptrace-software/3d-modeling/

DipTrace Forum (3D Topics): https://diptrace.com/forum/

External 3D Model Sources

SnapEDA (Integrated): https://www.snapeda.com/diptrace/

3D ContentCentral: https://www.3dcontentcentral.com/

TraceParts: https://www.tracepartsonline.net/

Component Search Engine: https://componentsearchengine.com/

Ultra Librarian: https://www.ultralibrarian.com/

Conversion Tools

FreeCAD: Free, open-source CAD with format conversion capabilities

CAD Exchanger: Commercial tool for converting between 3D formats

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t my components show 3D models in preview?

Several causes are possible. First, verify you’ve installed the 3D library from the DipTrace website—it’s a separate download from the main installer. Second, check that DipTrace knows where to find your models: Tools → 3D Preview → Patterns and Models Search should list the correct folders. Third, the specific pattern may not have a model attached; use the Pattern and Models Search tool to identify patterns without models and attach them manually.

Can I use STEP files directly as 3D models?

Yes, DipTrace supports STEP format natively for DipTrace 3D models. In Pattern Editor, click the 3D Model button, browse to your STEP file, and attach it directly. STEP AP214 is recommended because it preserves color information. The imported model may need position/rotation adjustment to align with your footprint.

How do I create a 3D model for a custom component?

You have three options. First, use the IPC-7351 Pattern Generator if your component matches a standard package type—it generates both footprint and 3D model automatically. Second, download a STEP model from the manufacturer’s website and import it. Third, create a basic model using the “By Component Outline” option, which extrudes a box shape based on your pattern’s outline layer.

Why are my exported STEP files so large?

Large STEP files result from VRML-based component models being converted during export. VRML models contain tessellated geometry (many triangles) while STEP uses mathematical surfaces. When possible, use STEP-format source models for components. Also, simplifying the export by excluding pad holes or using lower-detail models can reduce file size.

Can I update 3D models across multiple existing designs?

Yes, but it requires updating at the library level. Modify the 3D model attachment in Pattern Editor and save the library. Then, for each existing PCB: open the schematic, select affected components, right-click and choose “Update from Library,” then renew the PCB layout from schematic. The updated 3D models propagate through this chain.

Conclusion

Effective use of DipTrace 3D models transforms your design workflow. The real-time preview catches mechanical problems before fabrication, and STEP export enables smooth handoff to mechanical engineering teams. Start by installing the standard 3D library, then gradually build your custom model collection as projects require specific components.

The combination of IPC-7351 automatic generation, SnapEDA integration, and external model import means you rarely need to create models from scratch. Most components have models available somewhere—it’s just a matter of finding and attaching them. With over 11,000 models in the standard library and millions more accessible through SnapEDA, the DipTrace 3D ecosystem covers the vast majority of design needs.