You can open a new or existing C3DI (*.c3di) file in Creo Illustrate. You can also import external CAD files in any supported format into a C3DI file. The File menu contains a list of recently-opened C3DI files. For a new C3DI file, create one or more figures.

When you open a file, you may be required to accept a copyright notice before it is loaded. You can view copyright and other file information about loaded files by selecting File > Info.

When you open a C3DI file, you can select one or more items in the sBOM structure to load in the figure, such as parts, assemblies, Schematic sheets, or library objects representing tools and supplies—or you can load the entire sBOM structure. A Creo Illustrate sBOM contains information about the makeup, organization, and appearance of the parts of a product and other items required to service the product. In Creo Illustrate, you can edit the sBOM structure. A C3DI file has one or more figures containing one or more views of the sBOM structure. These figures are typically annotated, and they may also be animated.

When you open the C3DI file, you can select a figure to display in the graphics area. The first figure appears initially. The following information can be linked to figures in the C3DI file: