Kicad 6 3d Models Not Showing
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Edit
Kicad 6 3d Models Not Showing? Here’s How To Fix It
Kicad is an open-source software used for the creation of electronic schematic diagrams and printed circuit boards. The most recent version, Kicad 6, is the first version to incorporate 3D models. 3D models allow users to view their design in an actual 3D image and can be used to create an even more realistic representation of the circuit board. Unfortunately, some users have reported that their 3D models are not showing up in Kicad 6. If you’re having this issue, don’t worry. This article will walk you through how to fix this problem.
Step 1: Check Your Settings
Before you try any of the solutions below, you should first check your settings. Kicad 6 has several options that can affect how 3D models are displayed. To access these options, go to the “Preferences” tab, then select the “3D Models” tab. Make sure the “Enable 3D Models” checkbox is checked and that the “Show 3D Models in PCB” checkbox is also checked. If either of these are not checked, check them and then try to reload your 3D models.
Step 2: Check Your Cache
If your settings are correct and your 3D models still aren’t showing up, the next step is to check your cache. Kicad 6 stores 3D models in a cache folder on your computer. If this folder is corrupt, it can cause 3D models to not show up. To check your cache folder, go to “Preferences”, then select the “Cache” tab. If the folder is corrupt, delete the contents of the folder and try reloading your 3D models.
Step 3: Check Your Drivers
If you’ve checked your settings and your cache and your 3D models still aren’t showing up, the next step is to check your drivers. Kicad 6 requires certain drivers to be installed in order to run 3D models. To check if you have the correct drivers installed, go to the “Preferences” tab, then select the “Drivers” tab. Make sure the “3D Models” checkbox is checked and that the “3D Models” driver is selected. If the driver is not selected, select it and then try reloading your 3D models.
Step 4: Reinstall Kicad
If you’ve checked your settings, your cache, and your drivers and your 3D models still aren’t showing up, the next step is to reinstall Kicad. This should replace any corrupt files and allow your 3D models to show up. Before you reinstall Kicad, make sure you have a backup of your files. Then download the latest version of Kicad and install it. After it’s installed, try reloading your 3D models.
Step 5: Use an Alternative 3D Model Viewer
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your 3D models still aren’t showing up, the next step is to use an alternative 3D model viewer. There are several 3D model viewers available online that you can use to view your 3D models. Some of the popular options include Sketchfab, Autodesk Viewer, and 3DVista Viewer. Once you’ve found a viewer that you like, use it to view your 3D models.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble getting your 3D models to show up in Kicad 6, don’t panic. Try checking your settings, your cache, and your drivers. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling Kicad or using an alternative 3D model viewer. Hopefully, one of these solutions will work for you and you’ll be able to view your 3D models. Good luck!
