8 Trendy 3D File Formats: You Shouldn’t Miss
When creating a 3D project, choosing the proper file format is essential. The file should open on both the client and the creator’s computer. Moreover, different specific features can need various formats. What are 3D formats used for?
3D file formats are data that consist of all the features of your work. They are used in multiple fields, such as 3D renderings, video game development, animation, 3D printing, and VR.
3D formats can either be proprietary or neutral. Proprietary formats are exclusive to specific software and cannot be accessed without specialized software. In contrast, neutral formats are more versatile and compatible with various software applications. This article aims to assist you in determining the most suitable format for your project.
8 Trendy 3D File Formats
1. FBX
FBX (Filmbox) is a proprietary animation and game development format 3D. It was founded by Kaydara and then acquired by Autodesk. FBX is suitable for storing a wide range of data, including geometry, textures, materials, animations, and skeletal information. We prepared a list of the pros and cons of FBX.
Pros
- Interoperability: FBX can be used by numerous 3D modeling and animation software.
- Feature-rich: It is convenient for complex scenes because it can store geometry, textures, materials, animations, and skeletal information.
- Efficiency: The best feature is reducing file sizes without compromising quality.
Cons
- Proprietary: Although it is available for various software, it can have problems with non-Autodesk software.
- Documentation: Limited detailed documentation can create challenges for users.
2. 3DS
3DS (3D Studio) is a proprietary 3D file type created by Autodesk in the early 1990s. It is known for its simplicity and compatibility across various 3D modeling software. 3DS is used in architecture, engineering, education, and manufacturing. Here are the pros and cons of 3DS.
Pros
- Compatibility: 3DS can be used in various 3D software.
- Simplicity: It is comfortable sharing basic 3D models and scenes because of its simple structure.
- Legacy Support: 3DS is relevant in specific contexts, particularly legacy projects and workflows, because this format may be used in many older software applications and legacy systems.
Cons
- Limited features: 3DS has limited support for modern features and high-resolution models compared to more advanced formats.
- Aging design: It isn’t well-suited for complex or detailed models due to its aging design.
3. OBJ
The OBJ (Object File) format is a versatile and straightforward 3D animation file format well-known for its adaptability. Created by Wavefront Technologies in the early 1980s, it has become a staple in 3D modeling and rendering due to its ability to easily represent geometric data such as vertices, faces, and surfaces. While offering numerous advantages, the format also presents some drawbacks.
Pros
- Universal support: OBJ is a neutral format that may be used with almost all 3D modeling and rendering software.
- Flexibility: OBJ is suitable for various projects and creative endeavors because it can store geometry and material information.
- Human-readable: OBJ files are stored in plain text format, making them human-readable and easy to work with.
Cons
- Lack of animation support: OBJ is a perfect choice for static projects, but dynamics elements may require additional file formats or formats better suited to animation.
- Large File Sizes: File sizes can be large, especially for models with detailed textures.
4. STL
STL is a neutral format founded by Chuck Hull in the early 1980s. These files became a universal standard for representing 3D geometry. This format represents triangular mesh surfaces for 3D printing and rapid prototyping. We provide a list of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Optimized for 3D printing: STL is the standard for additive manufacturing because of the triangular mesh representation. This algorithm is well-suited for slicing to generate G-code instructions for layer-by-layer fabrication.
- Simplicity: STL files are easy to transfer, making them ideal for sharing and distributing 3D models over networks or storage devices.
- Support: STL has universal support across the 3D printing ecosystem so that you can use this format on a desktop FDM printer, a professional SLA machine, or an industrial SLS system.
Cons
- Limited features: STL files only contain geometric data, making them unsuitable for applications requiring detailed surface finishes or multicolor printing.
- Lack of metadata: STL does not support metadata such as units and scale, requiring careful handling for accurate printing.
5. IGES
IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) is a proprietary file format engineered in the mid-seventies by the US Air Force in partnership with Boeing. This format has a hierarchical structure consisting of entities, parameters, and relationships. IGES is ideal for representing surface geometry. Moreover, it could store colors but not material properties. It serves as a foundational element in the CAD workflow. Here is a list of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Interoperability: IGES is available on a wide range of CAD software applications. It provides a standardized framework for describing geometry and metadata with precision and accuracy.
- Versatility: IGES is a perfect choice for various CAD modeling tasks because it provides multiple types of geometric entities and annotations.
- Lightweight: IGES files are relatively compact, although they have a comprehensive feature set.
Cons
- Limited modern functionality: IGES lacks support for modern CAD functionalities introduced after the initial specification, potentially leading to compatibility gaps.
- Precision: IGES is limited in precision and accuracy, mainly when representing complex or curved surfaces.
6. COLLADA
COLLADA (COLLAborative Design Activity) is a neutral format provided by the Khronos Group. The format is XML-based, which allows us to use it for various aspects of 3D scenes and assets. COLLADA applies to emerging technologies like AR and VR. Here, we provide a list of pros and cons.
Pros
- Comprehensive Support: XML-based structure allows COLLADA to support various 3D content and features.
- Flexibility: COLLADA allows us to adapt the files to industry standards and accommodate emerging technologies and workflows.
- Openness: COLLADA follows principles of honesty, transparency, and interoperability that allow developers, artists, and researchers to exchange ideas, tools, and resources freely across different platforms and ecosystems.
Cons
- File size: COLLADA files can sometimes be large and complex, particularly for scenes with intricate geometry or animations.
- Performance overhead: COLLADA files may incur a performance overhead compared to more streamlined binary formats.
7. 3MF
3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) is a neutral format created by the 3MF consortium and developed by Microsoft. It is available on Microsoft, Autodesk, HP, and other software. These 3D file extensions can be used for the full spectrum of 3D printing workflows, from model creation and preparation to printing and post-processing. There are the advantages and disadvantages of this format.
Pros
- Enhanced functionality: With 3MF, users can generate 3D models that are more lifelike and visually captivating.
- Efficiency: 3MF enhances the workflow for preparing and printing 3D models, minimizing manual intervention and post-processing requirements.
- Open standard: 3MF enjoys broad support across many software applications, printers, and services.
Cons
- Complexity: 3MF files can be larger and more complex when incorporating advanced features such as color and textures.
- Ongoing development: 3MF is a relatively new format, and ongoing development may lead to occasional compatibility issues and a lack of support.
8. STEP
STEP (The Standard for the Exchange of Product Data), established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is a neutral format. STEP file consists of product information, including geometry, topology, assemblies, materials, tolerances, and more. These 3D graphic file formats were developed on the EXPRESS modeling language base. STEP files are popular among engineering fields. There is a list of pros and cons.
Pros
- Interoperability: STEP files allow users seamless data exchange and collaboration between platforms and workflows.
- Comprehensive representation: STEP provides an extensive presentation of product data, encompassing not only geometric information but also semantic, organizational, and behavioral aspects.
- Neutrality: STEP is an international ISO standard that can be used in different software platforms, hardware architectures, and industry sectors,
Cons
- Complexity: STEP files can sometimes be large and complex, especially with intricate geometry or nested structures.
- Interpretation: Conversion between different STEP implementations and variations can sometimes lead to data loss or discrepancies.
Conclusion
Deciding on the appropriate file format for your 3D rendering can pose a challenge, but rest assured, we’re here to assist. Our company specializes in guiding you through creating your 3D rendering project and selecting the most suitable types of 3D files. With our expertise, there’s no need to worry about redoing the project; we’ll ensure the correct file format is chosen from the outset. Place your order with us; we guarantee you will be satisfied.
FAQ
3D file formats are digital files that contain 3D models, including details about their shape, surfaces, and other characteristics. Common examples of these formats are STL, OBJ, FBX, and GLTF. These files make it possible to share and edit 3D models using different software and platforms.
Using the correct 3D file format ensures that your software can work with it; thus, salient performance is maintained while model details like texture or animations are well preserved. It also affects its size and ease in editing. The proper format reduces workflow redundancies or any possible data damage.
In 2024, trendy 3D file formats include GLTF for web applications due to its efficient loading, USD for collaborative workflows in film and game development, and FBX for animation and complex scenes. These formats are loved for their versatility and broad compatibility.
Depending on specific features supported by various software, some certain device core functionalities could be jeopardized, particularly if there is no way to read them within a given program. Specific hardware shall have optimized results concerning some files, but this does not affect all files rendering quality; their performance is enhanced based on specific hardware optimization applied to them.
Check whether your chosen format will be supported by both your software and your hardware so that integration can take place without glitches.
Choose a suitable STL if you intend to print in three dimensions; a Facebook fbx animation or gltf web app would suffice. Also, consider if it will work with your system software, how big the resultant files ought to be, or if we need additional functionalities like textures or animations. To determine the right format for you, try out different formats through proper research and testing in your workflow.
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