Cloud import & export

Importing models larger than 15MB requires a Plus, Pro or Enterprise license. You can learn more about our paid licenses on our website and can start a free trial from Arkio to try this feature.

Arkio supports importing and exporting of images, and 3D models from various tools. The simplest way to import and export models to Arkio on mobile devices like the Quest is by using the Arkio Cloud. Cloud groups can be used to share files between multiple devices so you can use the same group to share files to your Quest, PC. Mac and phone and link the group to your Unity plugin for easier uploads/downloads.

If you want to load Revit, Rhino and SketchUp files you can best use our plugins that are included in the Windows installer that can be downloaded for free from our Website. 

Importing files to Arkio

The Arkio cloud portal allows you to easily upload and download 3D models and images to and from Arkio via the cloud, no manual transfer of files needed. You can access the cloud portal through the Arkio website at arkio.is, or go directly to cloud.arkio.is on any of your devices where you want to upload from.

To get started, create a new cloud group and optionally give it a name. Once your group has been created you can join the same group in Arkio by entering the invite code provided on the cloud portal. If your original invite code has expired, simply create a new one.

In Arkio you can join the group by selecting the create tool, opening the cloud panel and enter the invite code here. When joined, any files uploaded through the cloud portal will automatically be downloaded to Arkio, be it 3D models or images.

If you join the same group on multiple devices, the files will be downloaded on all of them. Files transferred via the cloud will expire on the cloud after 48 hours.

The Arkio cloud portal supports uploading of images, OBJ and GLB models as well as ZIP files generated using the Arkio plugins for Revit, Rhino, SketchUp and Unity.

Once your files are downloaded and processed, the assets will appear in your import drawer and can be placed in the scene as a locked reference or a placeable object.

Imported models and images can be locked as a non-movable reference (Locked at origin)

or placed freely like other Arkio props (Place as object)

Model import size

The Quest and smartphones are mobile devices with limited processing power. Make sure that imported models don't exceed 450K polygons to avoid crashes or uncomfortable low framerates for your VR experience. If you have a heavy model but you still like to load it on mobile devices you can use lower LOD settings on our Revit, Rhino, and SketchUp plugins or manually optimize your models.

Loading indicators

When loading files,  the following icons will indicate if the files are currently being processed, loaded or have issues. Models imported in Arkio are stored locally and are only shared with meeting participants fully end-to-end encrypted. When the last user exits the meeting the imported assets will no longer be available for other users to download.

Loading locally	Loading from server	File not found	Update available
Initializing model	Downloading model	Click to remove	Click to replace

If you see a yellow or red warning cloud it means that the model you try to load is too large for your device and cannot be loaded. Try reducing the model size or using Arkio on a more powerful device like a PC with a VR headset in link mode.

Updating models

When you save a new version of your model or image with the same name to the cloud, Arkio will download this automatically and show a yellow notification in your scene to indicate that a new version is available. You can click this yellow icon to update the placed model with the new version.

Arkio will keep the old versions of your imported models so you can always revert back to an old version by selecting an older import date in your placement menu and clicking "Update in Scene"

Exporting Files

Arkio models are exported by opening your scenes and selecting the correct export format.

When Arkio is linked to a cloud group you can also export scenes and photos to the cloud from the export panel, found under scenes. Just make sure to toggle the cloud export toggle on.

Here you can choose to export photos taken inside Arkio from the last 48 hours or 3D files of your current scene to supported file formats or plugins. Files exported from Arkio via the cloud can then be found in the cloud portal under downloads and can be downloaded to your device. Exports for Revit and other Arkio plugins can be converted back to native geometry using the Arkio plugins that are included with the Windows installer.

The models get exported in metric (1 unit = 1 meter). OBJ's are exported from Arkio as one mesh that can be spit and edited using mesh editing software. GLB exports will contain the hierarchy of mesh elements and all textures.