OBJ2JSON File converter for Site Designer
Version 1.0.0 - Freeware application
OBJ2JSON is a Python-based desktop application designed to convert Wavefront OBJ files into JSON files compatible with Site Designer, a web-based environmental design tool developed by Dr. Andrew J. Marsh.
The software reads OBJ geometry and optional MTL material files, extracts objects or groups from the source model, and generates Site Designer obstruction blocks suitable for solar, shading, and environmental analysis workflows.
OBJ2JSON is intended for architects, urban designers, researchers, students, and Site Designer users who need a fast way to transfer simplified 3D geometry from external modeling applications into Site Designer.
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Main Features and Limitations:
OBJ2JSON was designed for simplified environmental modeling and does not attempt to reproduce the original geometry with full geometric fidelity.
The conversion process represents each detected OBJ object or group as a simplified rectangular obstruction block based on its overall dimensions. This approach is intentional and is intended to generate obstruction geometry suitable for environmental simulations rather than detailed geometric reconstruction.
Recommended geometry:
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Simple building masses.
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Rectangular volumes.
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Prismatic forms.
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Urban blocks.
Shading devices. -
Conceptual architectural obstructions.
The best results are generally obtained when the source model is composed of separate solid volumes that can be represented by individual obstruction blocks.
Current conversion behavior:
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Each OBJ object or group becomes one rectangular block.
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Detailed geometry is intentionally simplified.
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Curved, inclined, irregular, or highly detailed shapes are approximated by their overall dimensions.
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Internal mesh topology is ignored.
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Textures, UV coordinates, smoothing information, and mesh details are not preserved..
Software-specific notes:
SketchUp:
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SketchUp generally provides the most predictable results because architectural masses are commonly exported as separate groups or components. Models exported as simple grouped volumes typically convert very well.
Rhino:
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Simple solid volumes generally convert correctly. However, Rhino OBJ export settings can significantly affect how objects and groups are written into the OBJ file. Different export options may produce different conversion results. Users should verify the generated Site Designer model after conversion.
Revit:
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OBJ files exported from Revit may contain highly tessellated BIM geometry, triangulated surfaces, view-related elements, or other complex structures that are not ideal for simplified obstruction conversion. Conceptual masses may convert successfully, while detailed BIM models containing walls, floors, roofs, windows, curtain walls, families, and other native Revit elements may not always produce the expected results.
Other software:
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OBJ2JSON may also work with Blender, 3ds Max, Maya, FormIt, Archicad, and other applications capable of exporting Wavefront OBJ files. These workflows have not been extensively tested and results may vary depending on export settings.
User interface
How to use OBJ2JSON Fie Converter - Tutorial Vídeo (Soon...)
Instructions:
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Click the Load OBJ/MTL button to load your model.
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Select both the OBJ and MTL files together, or select only the OBJ file. If only the OBJ file is selected, the application will attempt to automatically locate the corresponding MTL file in the same folder.
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If no MTL file is found or available, the conversion can still proceed normally, although material information will not be included.
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After loading, the application will identify the selected files and display their names in the interface.
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If necessary, enable the Swap ZY Axis (Y is up) option to swap the Y and Z axes of the model. This option is useful for models exported from software that uses a different axis convention.
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Click the Convert button to start the conversion process.
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The converted file will be stored temporarily in memory. When the conversion is complete, a confirmation window will appear displaying information about the conversion.
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Click the Save JSON button and choose the folder where you would like to save the converted file.
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In Site Designer, open the top menu and select Load Model File....
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Locate and open the JSON file generated by OBJ2JSON.
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If the model appears rotated or incorrectly oriented in Site Designer, repeat the conversion with the Swap ZY Axis (Y is up) option enabled before generating the JSON file again.
General recommendations:
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Use simple solid volumes whenever possible.
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Organize major obstructions as separate objects or groups.
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Avoid exporting unnecessary model detail.
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Verify the resulting geometry inside Site Designer before performing simulations.
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Use OBJ + MTL when material colors are important.
If you encounter conversion issues, unexpected geometry, missing blocks, orientation problems, or software-specific export behavior, please report them using the contact information provided below. User feedback helps improve compatibility with additional modeling applications and export workflows.
If OBJ2JSON File Coverter makes your work more productive, please consider making a small donation. Your support helps keep it free for everyone and enables its continued development. Every contribution makes a difference, and it only takes a few seconds.
OBJ2JSON File Converter (29 MB)
Version 1.0.0
MediaFire
Mega
Developed by Alexandre Oliveira | 2026