FBX Import Crashes Flair Classic — Use Flair 7 to Import¶

Flair Crashes Ongoing All rigs FLAIR_CLASSIC

Summary¶

Clicking Import in Flair Classic with an .fbx file crashes Flair consistently — no error dialog, Flair simply closes. Restarting and retrying produces the same result. Flair 7 can import the same FBX successfully. The underlying cause is likely the same FBX DLL instability that affects Classic's export path; the Classic FBX import pipeline is less robust than Flair 7's.

Note: FBX export crashes in Flair Classic are a separate, older issue (fixed in Classic 7.2 / Dec 2022) — see CGI fbx crashes after export. This issue is specifically about FBX import into Flair Classic, reported in 2026.

Symptoms¶

Flair Classic closes immediately when clicking Import with a .fbx file selected
No warning or error message
Repeatable — not intermittent
Flair 7 imports the same file successfully
FBX licence is present and active (verified via Help → License)

Root Cause¶

Not fully confirmed. Likely causes:

FBX DLL instability in Flair Classic — Classic's FBX library has historically been less stable than the version shipping with Flair 7
FBX file format compatibility — FBX files saved by newer versions of Maya, Blender, or other software may use features not supported by Classic's FBX SDK version

Resolution¶

[CONFIRMED] — Use Flair 7 to Import¶

Switch from Flair Classic to Flair 7 to perform the import:

Open Flair 7 (can be installed alongside Classic on the same machine).
Import the .fbx file using Flair 7's CGI Import dialog.
Save the resulting job file.
Open the saved job in Flair Classic if Classic-specific workflows are required.

"Some days ago I tried to import an fbx with classic and it was impossible. Changed to 7 and was possible." — Niko (2026-02-12)

[UNCONFIRMED] — Reduce mesh complexity (if FBX contains geometry)¶

If the FBX file includes large mesh objects (scene geometry, not just camera data):

Open the FBX in Meshmixer (free Autodesk app).
Reduce mesh polygon count.
Re-export from Meshmixer and retry import.

"Try opening it on mesh mixer app on Windows, reduce the mesh size and try again." — Mohammad Alsaleh (2026-02-12)

This suggestion may be more relevant when the FBX is being used for visual reference geometry, not for camera move data.

Check FBX licence¶

Before troubleshooting further, confirm the FBX licence is active in Flair Classic:

Help → License

FBX Interface must be listed. If absent, contact MRMC for a licence. See CGI fbx license and ini setup.

Evidence from Community Chat¶

"I am trying to import an .fbx file into Flair, but when I click Import, Flair crashes. I restarted a few times, but the same result. Any ideas why this is happening?" — Francisco Aguila (2026-02-12)

"Flair classic or 7? Some days ago I tried to import an fbx with classic and it was impossible. Changed to 7 and was possible." — Niko (2026-02-12)

"Do you have fbx licensed? Help > license" — MRMC Support (2026-02-12)

WhatsApp Excerpts¶

2026-02-12 04:42 - ~ Francisco Aguila: Hi, I am trying to import an .fbx file into Flair, but when I click Import, Flair crashes. I restarted a few times, but the same result. Any ideas why this is happening?
2026-02-12 05:59 - ~ Niko: Flair classic or 7 Some days ago I tried to import an fbx with classic and it was impossible. Changed to 7 and was possible 🤷‍♂️
2026-02-12 08:54 - ~ Francisco Aguila: I was able to import the move without crashing, working on the settings to get it to run properly.
2026-02-12 11:09 - ~ Simon Wakley: If you want to use FBX in Classic: it’s best to get a Very stripped down scene with only the vitally needed geometry. If your file is more than a few MB you’ll have issues