The 3D Models button is located in the Insert tab. You select a model file from your laptop, and then PowerPoint responds, "An error occurred while importing this file." The file is not corrupted. Since the security update on January 9, 2024, Microsoft has disabled the import of FBX files, one of the most common 3D formats. Some of the most prominent 3D features are also only available to Microsoft 365 customers.
So before preparing your 3D slides, make sure of two things: the file format is still accepted, and the presentation computer can play it.
Discontinued Formats and Their Replacements
| Format | Status | Effective Since |
|---|---|---|
| FBX (.fbx) | Import disabled in Word, Excel, PowerPoint (Windows and Mac), and Outlook (Windows) | Security update January 9, 2024 |
| SketchUp (.skp) | Import disabled "temporarily" in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (Windows and Mac) | June 1, 2023 |
| GLB (.glb) | Microsoft's recommended format for Office | Still accepted |
The discontinuation of FBX affects Office 2019, Office 2021, Office LTSC for Mac 2021, and Microsoft 365. The reason is a security vulnerability. For SketchUp, Microsoft's update notes still use the word temporarily, without a reopening date.
Why GLB? Behind the scenes, Office stores and renders all 3D models in the glTF format. Other formats are automatically converted to glTF upon import. GLB is the binary version of glTF, so complex models are stored intact in a single file. If your model is still FBX, re-export it to GLB from the 3D application that created it.
Microsoft has actually written how to reopen FBX through the Windows registry, but with a strong warning: this step increases the risk of malicious code entering. On office laptops, that setting can also be automatically reverted by Group Policy. If necessary, hand it over to the IT admin. Do not attempt this yourself before a presentation.
The good news for old files: models that were previously inserted from FBX or SKP still display. The exception is models that were inserted using the Link to File option.
Features Dependent on Version and Subscription
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Animated 3D models from the stock catalog (runner badge category) | Microsoft 365 customers; on Mac starting from version 16.24 |
| 3D animation effects: Arrive, Leave, Turntable, Swing, Jump & Turn | Exclusive to Microsoft 365 customers (Current Channel version 1712 and above) |
| Morph transition, to make models appear to rotate between slides | Creating and playing: Microsoft 365, PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2021. PowerPoint 2016: only playing, provided version and updates |
Two small notes that often come as a surprise. Animated models cannot be inserted from the web version of PowerPoint. However, if inserted from the desktop application, the animation continues to play when the slideshow is opened on the web. Additionally, 3D models attached to the body of an Outlook email turn into regular images once sent, so the recipient cannot play them.
Check This Before Presenting on Someone Else's Laptop
- Ask about the version of PowerPoint. PowerPoint 2016 based on MSI without five specific updates cannot play Morph and replaces it with the Fade transition. The rotation you arranged neatly turns into a regular fade.
- Avoid Link to File for models that must display.
- Test once on the presentation computer, especially if the slides use 3D animation effects or animated models. Both are subscription features.
- Attach the presentation file if colleagues need to play the model, do not embed the model in the body of the email.
If you prefer to see the steps for inserting the model directly, there is a clip from the PowerPoint design class.
Sources
- Microsoft Support, Support for FBX files has been turned off in Office
- Microsoft 365 Insider Blog, Add SketchUp files to Office creations (update notes June 1, 2023)
- Microsoft Support, Get creative with 3D models
- Microsoft Support, Insert animated 3D graphics
- Microsoft Support, 3D animation effects in PowerPoint
- Microsoft Support, Use the Morph transition in PowerPoint