Import 3mf geometry into blank projects #1318

New Issue

MrUnknownDE · 2026-04-05T17:19:26+02:00

MrUnknownDE commented

2026-04-05 17:19:26 +02:00

Originally created by @halleffect3d on 12/19/2025

Is there an existing issue for this feature request?

I have searched the existing issues

The problem is that right now you cannot import geometry data only when you have a project with no existing geometry. If you try to do so either by dragging a 3mf file into the window or by going through file > import, Orca will always just dump your current "blank" project and open the 3mf file as a new project.

This means that using existing files as a template is frustrating because you either have to import new 3mf geometry onto a project file that will very often already be quite laggy from existing geometry, or if you clear out the geometry you have to remember to drop a primitive on the plate before trying to import 3mf geometry. Orca slicer does not care if you are in an untitled project or a project you have already saved, it will just unceremoniously dump your project and open the 3mf as a new project without asking.

It also means that if the only available format for a model is a 3mf, as many projects are (especially on Makerworld), that you cannot even start with a new project, configure it with the presets you want, and then import the geometry without adding that primitive, either.

Which printers will be beneficial to this feature?

All

Describe the solution you'd like

When a 3mf file is dragged onto a window or imported through file > import when you have a project with no geometry data, it should give you the same prompt you get when there is geometry data loaded. The one that asks you if you want to "import geometry data only" or "open as new project"

Also, if a project file has been saved, even if there is no geometry data, Orca slicer should never automatically switch to a new project file without asking you if you want save, first, AND give the option to "save as" so you don't have to overwrite your existing save

Describe alternatives you've considered

Anything else is a workaround. The only current ways to do this are

drop a primitive into the project before importing 3mf geometry
Start with an existing project that has geometry and import the 3mf. This option is particularly bad, because many 3mf files available for download consist of multiple plates-worth of models, and importing all of those models with existing geometry already in the project can very easily convert your slicer into a slideshow of frustration.

Additional context

Running 2.3.1 official x86_64 flatpak on pop!_OS, have had this issue with the last couple of versions I have tried, too

Thanks for all your work/ magicks!

*Originally created by @halleffect3d on 12/19/2025* ### Is there an existing issue for this feature request? - [x] I have searched the existing issues ### Is your feature request related to a problem? The problem is that right now you cannot import geometry data **only** when you have a project with no existing geometry. If you try to do so either by dragging a 3mf file into the window _or_ by going through file > import, Orca will always just dump your current "blank" project and open the 3mf file as a new project. This means that using existing files as a template is frustrating because you either have to import new 3mf geometry onto a project file that will very often already be quite laggy from existing geometry, or if you clear out the geometry you have to remember to drop a primitive on the plate before trying to import 3mf geometry. Orca slicer does not care if you are in an untitled project or a project you have already saved, it will just unceremoniously dump your project and open the 3mf as a new project without asking. It also means that if the only available format for a model is a 3mf, as many projects are (especially on Makerworld), that you cannot even start with a new project, configure it with the presets you want, and then import the geometry without adding that primitive, either. ### Which printers will be beneficial to this feature? All ### Describe the solution you'd like When a 3mf file is dragged onto a window or imported through file > import when you have a project with no geometry data, it should give you the same prompt you get when there _is_ geometry data loaded. The one that asks you if you want to "import geometry data only" or "open as new project" Also, if a project file has been saved, even if there is no geometry data, Orca slicer should never automatically switch to a new project file without asking you if you want save, first, AND give the option to "save as" so you don't have to overwrite your existing save ### Describe alternatives you've considered Anything else is a workaround. The only current ways to do this are - drop a primitive into the project before importing 3mf geometry - Start with an existing project that has geometry and import the 3mf. This option is particularly bad, because many 3mf files available for download consist of _multiple plates-worth_ of models, and importing all of those models with existing geometry already in the project can very easily convert your slicer into a slideshow of frustration. ### Additional context Running 2.3.1 official x86_64 flatpak on pop!_OS, have had this issue with the last couple of versions I have tried, too Thanks for all your work/ magicks!

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Reference: github/OrcaSlicer#1318