You can use imported models in synchronous modeling. Imported models contain no feature definitions. These models are a collection of faces that only describe the model shape. In order for these models to take full advantage of the synchronous modeling and edit behavior, tools are provided to recognize specific faces and arrangement of faces. These recognized faces convert to synchronous features. The converted features behave the same as if they were created in the synchronous modeling system.

If an imported model contains a pattern of holes, Solid Edge can recognize these patterns and create a synchronous pattern feature. Use the Recognize Hole Patterns command to detect hole patterns. If the command detects a pattern, a dialog box displays to control what recognized patterns to convert.