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PCB

Review the board in 3D

Open the 3D view, check part orientation and height, test enclosure fit, and export a STEP file.

Beginner10 min to completeUpdated 2026-09-19
What you will accomplish

A visual check that parts sit on the right side with the right orientation, plus a STEP file for mechanical work.

Before you start

  • A PCB with placed footprints
  • Optionally an enclosure model

Applies to: Resin web app

Follow the steps

  1. 1

    Open the 3D view

    In the PCB tab choose 3D View in the toolbar. The board renders with copper, mask, silkscreen, and the 3D models assigned to its footprints. Rotate by dragging and zoom with the wheel; the Keyboard Shortcuts legend in the toolbar lists every key the view responds to.

    PCB > 3D View

    Expected result

    The board is on screen with its parts.

  2. 2

    Check both sides

    Use the view presets: Top (F.Cu), Bottom (B.Cu), Front, Back, Left, Right, and Isometric. On each side confirm connectors face the board edge, polarized parts point the right way, and nothing is on the wrong side.

    3D View > presets

    Expected result

    Every connector and polarized part is oriented as intended on both sides.

  3. 3

    Check for missing models

    A footprint without a 3D model shows no body in the view. Note any missing part, especially connectors and tall parts, and assign a model in the footprint's properties or library entry.

    3D View

    Expected result

    Every part that matters for fit has a model.

  4. 4

    Check heights and fit

    The Height tool colours parts by height and flags any above a limit you set. The Enclosure tool imports an enclosure model and checks whether the board fits inside it. The mounting-hole check tests screw, washer, and standoff clearance at each hole.

    3D View > Height, Enclosure

    Expected result

    No part exceeds the height limit and the board clears the enclosure.

  5. 5

    Export for mechanical work

    Use Export to save the board as STEP, GLB, or IDF. Open the STEP file in your mechanical CAD tool to confirm outline, hole positions, and connector locations against the enclosure design. Use Capture to save an image of the current view.

    3D View > Export

    Expected result

    The STEP file opens in the mechanical tool with the board outline and parts in place.

Check your result

  • Both sides checked
  • Connector orientation checked
  • Missing models listed
  • Height limit checked
  • STEP exported

Troubleshooting

Find the symptom, apply the fix, and repeat the affected check.

The 3D view is empty

The board has no outline or no footprints. Check the PCB tab first.

A part has no body

Its footprint has no 3D model assigned. Assign one in the footprint's properties or in the footprint library.

A part is on the wrong side

Flip the footprint to the other layer in the PCB editor; the 3D view follows the board.

A part looks rotated relative to its pads

The model's rotation offset is wrong. Adjust the model rotation in the footprint's 3D model settings.

The STEP file differs from the view

Parts without models are absent from the export. Assign models first, then export again.