---
title: Understanding the “Retain Instance-Level Naming” Import Option
description: "Understanding the “Retain Instance-Level Naming” Import Option\n\nHow instance-level naming affects imported parts in KeyShot."
---

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# Understanding the “Retain Instance-Level Naming” Import Option

## How instance-level naming affects imported parts in KeyShot.

### Issue

When importing files (e.g., CATPart, CATProduct, CGR), customers may see an import option called **“Retain Instance-Level Naming”** in the **Materials and Structure** settings. This option does not appear for certain formats such as STL. Users have asked what this setting means and whether part names inherit from the parent part names.

### Environment

- **KeyShot Studio (Any version)**
- **Windows and MacOS**

### Cause

Some CAD applications support **instances**—objects that are duplicates of an original model but with their own names. For example:

- Original object: `Wheel`
- Instances: `Wheel Front Left`, `Wheel Front Right`, `Wheel Rear Left`, `Wheel Rear Right`

KeyShot can either:

1. Keep the **instance-level names** (e.g., “Wheel Front Left”), or
2. Revert to the **original object name** (e.g., all simply “Wheel”).

The “Retain Instance-Level Naming” option allows users to control this behavior.

### Resolution

- **If enabled:** KeyShot keeps the **unique instance names** defined in the CAD file (e.g., “Wheel Front Left”).
- **If disabled:** KeyShot uses the **original object name** for all instances (e.g., all named “Wheel”).

 This option is **only available for formats that support instancing** (CATPart, CATProduct, CGR). It does not appear in formats like STL, which do not contain instance-level information.

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