What are the use cases of the most common 3D file formats?
Tutorial posted over 1 year ago
While there are numerous 3D file formats, each has its own specific strengths, making it better suited for certain use cases.
Here are the typical applications for the most commonly used 3D file formats:
- STL: STL files are mainly used in 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and computer-aided manufacturing due to their simplicity and the fact they contain only surface geometry information. The format is widely supported by almost all 3D printers and a large number of 3D modeling software packages.
- OBJ: The OBJ format is commonly used for sharing 3D models between graphic design applications. It's a good choice for cases where you only need the geometry and simple material definitions, such as static 3D scenes or basic 3D models for games and augmented reality applications.
- FBX: FBX is typically used in game development and film production pipelines because it can contain complex 3D models with rich information, including geometry, materials, textures, lighting, and animation data. It's widely supported by professional 3D modeling, animation, and game development software.
- COLLADA: COLLADA is often used in game development because it supports complex features such as physics and shaders, in addition to the standard geometry, textures, and animation data. It's an open standard, making it a popular choice for cross-platform game development.
- 3DS: While it's an older format with several limitations, 3DS files are still used in some architectural visualization and game development contexts due to the widespread use of 3ds Max in these industries.
- IGES & STEP: Both IGES and STEP formats are extensively used in the engineering industry for sharing 3D CAD models. They can store detailed 3D parts and assembly information, making them suitable for manufacturing, simulation, and analysis applications.
Choosing the right file format is crucial to ensure that your 3D models are compatible with your software tools and retain as much detail as needed for your specific use case. Always consider the capabilities of the file format and the requirements of your project when making this decision.
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