There are thousands of 3D file formats available in the digital realm today and choosing a perfect one could be a tedious task. While working on a 3D project, it’s crucial to understand the right file type that is perfect for your project requirements. A 3D file is saved in a particular file format which is denoted by an extension starting with a dot(.). This file contains information about the 3D object that has undergone 3D modeling or 3D rendering. The information can be its dimensions, color, layout, finishes, textures, animation attributes etc. and much more. With new software getting launched on the market, a new file format gets introduced. So, to cut through this chaos and make a better choice, Renderspoint has exclusively curated this blog to help you with the top 10 trending 3D file formats that you must know.
Trending 3D File Formats That You Should Know
Proprietary File Formats and Neutral File Formats
A proprietary file format is a type of 3D file format which belongs to a specific company, brand, or software. These feature-rich file formats but have limited to no operability with other software/OS. For example .max (3ds Max), .c4d (Cinema 4D), .blend (Blender).
On the other hand, neutral file formats or open-source formats offer maximum operability and can be opened with any software or any operating system. Some examples include .OBJ (Wavefront OBJ), .dae (Collada), .stl (Stereolithography) etc. The level of features may not be as extensive, but they serve as a good choice when it comes to sharing files.
So, let’s head over and have a look at the top trending and best 3D file formats.
Best and Trending 3D File Formats
(A) .OBJ (WaveFront Object) – .OBJ files are one of the most popular and much-preferred choices of 3D file formats that are used for sharing 3D models across various software, packages, and platforms. They store diverse information about the 3D model such as texture coordinates, polygon faces, vertex positions etc. In the context of 3D modeling and 3D rendering, this format supports both geometry and textures but cannot be used for animations.
Benefits –
- It’s a neutral file format and is supported by all the latest 3D rendering and modeling software.
- It can store both geometry (3D models) as well as material information (textures in 3D rendering).
- The file is simple to use and offers minimal data loss.
(B) .FBX (FilmBox) – This file format is proprietary by AutoDesk and is extensively used in the animation and gaming industry. It stores extensive information such as textures, geometry, materials, skeletal information, animations, and camera settings. If you are looking for a virtual reality project or a 3D animation, then this file format is the best to go for.
Benefits –
- Great for High-end and photorealistic 3D rendering and compatibility with major 3D tools.
- It can even reduce the file size without any loss of quality.
- It preserves animation data (rigging, keyframes, bones).
(C) .3DS (3D Studio) – .3ds is one of the oldest and yet widely used 3D file formats which is used in 3D rendering and other visualization in CAD applications. It is a proprietary 3D file format founded by Autodesk. It is simple to use and phenomenally compatible across various 3D software. This file type is used in various industries such as education, manufacturing, architecture, engineering etc.
Benefits –
- It is used in a variety of 3D CGI software and packages.
- In legacy workflows and projects, .3ds file type has a very important role to play as some of the software may not be backward compatible.
- .3ds is well-established and widely supported.
(D) .STL (Stereolithography) – .STL is a neutral file format for 3D files and was founded somewhere around 1980 by Chuck Hull. This file represented a triangular mesh surface. It was extensively used for rapid prototyping and 3D printing. In 3D printing, it represents surface geometry with no texture, color, or any additional details.
Benefits –
- Various 3D printers support it.
- It’s simple, intuitive, and easy to use.
- Easy to transfer. Best used for sharing and distributing the 3D models over various storage devices, platforms, and networks.
(E) .GLTF/.GLB (Graphics Language Transmission Format) – This modern and efficient file format was developed by the Khronos group. If your project requires real-time rendering or AR/VR environments, this file format makes perfect use. The file format stands optimized for animations, web, supporting geometry and materials.
Benefits –
- The size of the 3D file is compact and small.
- Perfect for models that require fast loading.
- It fully retains the texture and animations.
(F) .DAE (Collada) – This is another open-standard file format founded by the Khronos group. It is an XML-based 3D file format that stands perfect to represent the output of 3D modeling services and animations. For projects that require extensive collaboration between stakeholders, this file format is the ultimate pick. The files contain information such as animations, materials, textures, geometry and more.
Benefits –
- It provides comprehensive support to various 3D content.
- The 3D files completely adapt to the changing industry standards as well as evolve along with modern technological trends.
- Its interoperability emerges as the biggest USP that makes Collada files the best choice for artists, developers, and researchers.
(G) .RVT (Revit) – RVT is the file format used in the Autodesk Revit software which is widely used in Building Information Modeling (BIM) services. This file format is one of the most widely used advanced file formats in architectural rendering. It contains information on workflows of architecture and construction.
Benefits –
- This file format includes rich BIM information and other parametric design information.
- It supports detailed architectural rendering.
(H) .SKP (SketchUp) – An SKP file is a proprietary file format/type which is used for storing information on 3D modeling done in SketchUp Design Software. These files contain all the conceptual information required to create, share, and view the 3D model. This file format is widely used in the design, architecture and engineering industry.
Benefits –
- These files are amazing tools for conceptual designing and modeling.
- Professionals such as designers, architects, engineers, and clients can collaborate, and feedback can be gained by sharing the models online.
- .skp files can easily be integrated into larger design environments in SketchUp.
(I) .USDZ (Universal Scene Description Zipped) – This 3D file format was incepted by Apple and Pixar and was primarily used to store and display 3D models. Now it is extensively used in AR (Augmented Reality) content on Apple devices. Based on Universal Scene Description (USD) format by Pixar, this file type offers rich details in a portable and lightweight package.
Benefits –
- Highly optimized for mobile devices, making it perfect for AR applications, where you need maximum performance at a small file size.
- It has all the information which is required by an AR application to create a 3D model such as textures, materials, and animations.
(J) .DWG (Drawing) / DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) – DWG and DXF are both proprietary of AutoCAD and are commonly used in 2D/3D designing and making architectural drawings. With respect to AutoCAD-driven workflows, these files are majorly used in the creation of online 3D modeling.
Benefits –
- These formats are highly detailed and widely used by professionals in the industry.
- 100% reliable and accurate when it comes to engineering and architectural plans.
Bottom Line
It’s very important to understand and choose the right 3D file format/type for your project. Confused about which one to choose? Relax, we are here to help you out. Our 3D visualizers help you pick the perfect file type for your 3D modeling or rendering project. We are one of the most experienced and amazing 3D rendering teams to work with. Just place your order and feel the difference with our services. You will not be disappointed!
