Most popular file formats
Discussion started by LemonadeCG
Hi,
i wanted to know what formats are most popular amongst buyers, for quite some time. Unfortunatelly CGTrader doesn't provide such data. So i figured i can use csv files available and extract needed info by myself. I took one of my most popular free model with many formats available and calculated how many times each file was downloaded. The results are pretty interesting and self explanatory. I find it very useful in making decision in what formats i should support in the future and which i may drop off. I have plans to do further experiments with more file formats. You can tell me in comments which formats you'd like to see. Also i'd be grateful if you could tell me how to convert to these formats ;]
Statistical data in charts bellow is collected from downloads of single free model with about 500 downloads, collected in period of 3 past months.
*** Update 2016 07 12 ***
Answers
2
Nice work. I am a 3ds Max Modeller only, so I personally sell my items with Max-vRay as native format, with Max-Sanline, exported OBJ, 3DS & FBX formats also.
I find this is a wide enough variety for mainstream users & allows end users to further convert for other formats & game engine formats too.
I have had a number of special requests for Maya native file formats to be included too. Apparently certain data is retained easier with native Maya instead of importing from exported formats.
I'm surprised too and dissapointed as well to see that such outdated format still has such popularity among users. I rarely provide 3ds as a choise though, as it's very limited format and should be buried for good.
Completely agree with you, that's why I also don't provide 3ds, I thought it was long dead.
Ps. We have some dilemma here, because now what are we going to do about it, help keep it alive or help to bury it?
@iterateCGI: personally i don't see it as dilemma. 3ds is such limited and outdated format, that it's often impossible to export more complex model to it. I think 3ds have such popularity to this day, because people get too used to it and they are unwilling to try more modern ways of transfering models between different platforms. Novadays it's hard to find serious 3d program that couldn't import FBX, so it's up to us sellers to help buyers to change their habbits. I ceased to provide 3ds files for quite time now and i don't think i change my mind despite it being so popular.
p.s. why this forum has to be so stupid? One can't even reply properly to whom he wants.
1
Three months after my original report, i did another analysis of download statistics of the same object. Number of downloads had doubled since and i can see some positive trending here: 3DS format has lost some ground but OBJ and FBX has gained some popularity. Let's see if this trend will continue :]
Updated first post with new chart.
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