Loading, Adding, Selecting, and Saving Meshes

Overview

The MeshInspector Python API allows you to manage geometry directly — load meshes from disk, add them to the scene, select them programmatically, and export the results.
This functionality lets you automate geometry preparation and file I/O tasks without relying on manual interaction through the user interface.

In this article, you’ll learn how to:

• Load meshes into memory

• Add them to the MeshInspector scene

• Select objects programmatically

• Export meshes back to files

These operations combine mrmeshpy (for geometry) and mrviewerpy (for scene and UI control) — together, they form the foundation for automated geometry workflows.

Loading Meshes into Memory

To bring a mesh file into MeshInspector’s memory, use the loadMesh() function from mrmeshpy.

Output Example:

At this point, the mesh exists in memory but is not yet visible in the viewer.
The print() output confirms that the mesh was successfully loaded and is ready for further processing.

Adding a Mesh to the Scene

To display a mesh in the viewer, pass the loaded object to addMeshToScene() from mrviewerpy.

Explanation:

• addMeshToScene(mesh, "Dolphin") — adds the mesh to the scene and labels it Dolphin in the scene tree.

• preciseFitDataViewport() — centers and zooms the viewport to fit the mesh in view.

Now the object appears in MeshInspector just as if you opened it manually.

Listing Current UI Elements

To confirm which UI elements and objects are active, list all top-level entries:

Output Example:

This verifies that the viewer environment and scene tree are accessible through the scripting API.

Selecting Objects in the Scene

Meshes added to the scene can be selected programmatically, exactly as if clicked in the interface.

Explanation:

• selectByName("Dolphin") highlights the mesh in the scene tree.

• getSelectedMeshes() returns a Python list of selected mesh objects.

Output Example:

You can now apply tools, transformations, or repairs directly to these selected meshes.

Exporting Meshes to Files

Once you’ve processed a mesh, you can export it using saveMesh() from mrmeshpy.

Explanation:

• mv.getSelectedMeshes() returns the currently selected meshes.

• mm.saveMesh(mesh, "path") writes the mesh to the specified file.

Tip:
Use a full file path such as:

You can export to common formats supported by MeshLib (STL, OBJ, PLY, etc.).

Combining the Steps

Here’s a full example that automates loading, adding, selecting, repairing, and exporting a mesh:

This workflow demonstrates how to integrate UI control and mesh operations seamlessly.

Additional Notes

• Mesh vs. Scene: loadMesh() only loads into memory — to visualize or manipulate it, use addMeshToScene().

• Viewport Control: preciseFitDataViewport() ensures that newly added meshes are visible.

• Batch Operations: You can automate multi-file workflows by looping through directories and repeating these steps.

• Compatibility: MeshInspector supports STL, OBJ, PLY, and other formats via MeshLib.

Summary

You’ve learned how to:

• Load meshes into memory using mm.loadMesh()

• Add them to the scene with mv.addMeshToScene()

• Select them programmatically with mv.selectByName()

• Save the results using mm.saveMesh()

With these fundamentals, you can now automate file import/export and scene management tasks entirely from Python.

Next, in Advanced Automation, you’ll learn how to chain these steps into repeatable workflows and integrate MeshInspector scripting with the MeshLib SDK for deeper functionality.