What are the most common 3D file formats?

Here's a look at some of the most commonly used 3D file formats:

• STL: STL (STereoLithography) is the most commonly used file format in 3D printing. It represents a 3D model by approximating its outer surfaces using triangular facets. STL files are straightforward and compatible with almost all 3D printing slicing software.
• OBJ: OBJ is a simple, open file format used for representing 3D geometry. It's commonly used in 3D graphics and has wide software support. An OBJ file can also include references to MTL files, which describe the materials for the objects.
• FBX: FBX (Filmbox) is a proprietary file format owned by Autodesk. It's widely used in 3D animation, game development, and film due to its ability to store complex 3D models, animation data, cameras, lighting, and other scene-related information.
• COLLADA: COLLADA (COLLAborative Design Activity) is an XML-based schema that allows for the exchange of 3D digital assets between various graphics software. It is capable of storing animations, physics, shaders, and more, making it useful in game development.
• 3DS: 3DS is an older format used by the 3D modeling software 3ds Max. It's less commonly used today due to its limitations (such as a limited number of vertices and objects), but it's still supported by many software due to its legacy.
• IGES & STEP: IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) and STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data) are commonly used formats in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software for sharing 3D models in engineering and manufacturing contexts.

Each of these file formats has its strengths and weaknesses, and the right one to use will depend on your specific needs, whether you're 3D printing, creating a game, or working on a 3D animation project.

Also read about the use cases of the most common 3D file formats.