3D Animation File Formats You Should Consider Using
The Most Common Formats Today
3D technology has already proven to be highly beneficial for any type of visualization. It is hardly possible to find a sphere of business or manufacturing that could function the way it does without 3D advertising, had it not been invented. Naturally, such a diverse variety of approaches creates a need for completely different tools. These tools are all supposed to fulfill the specific needs of various industries and give companies a chance to use their proprietary file formats to their fullest potential.
Even though it is highly important to understand that different 3D animation file formats can alter the final product, opting for an appropriate one is crucial. Even professionals will fail to meet their goals if they have the wrong 3D geometry instruments at their disposal. Your choice of native file format may depend on whether your project requires movement, file size, how interactive you want it to be, the price, file extension, etc. You should start by taking a look at various types of 3D animation file formats and hopefully find the file type that can bring you the most benefits.
3D Files — How Do They Work?
Evidently, even users who have been working with 3D for a long time can lack knowledge about what 3D file formats really are. Not being able to differentiate them can stop you from building your working process appropriately and harm it.
Basically, 3D files simply keep some information that a machine is able to comprehend. It can, therefore, be either binary data or text. This data, as well as the main properties that define the 3D model, construct your model. To make the advantages of your 3d object visible, you must use an approach that supports all its properties.
The main properties are those that identify the geometry, the scene details, any type of animation, and the surface texture. It is one of the 3D file formats that support animation.
Proprietary Formats
The main advantage of these 3D animation file formats is how cohesive they are with the kind of software program you use. This is due to the fact that proprietary 3D file formats are intended to be utilized alongside specific programs. Therefore, working with Blender or AutoCAD proprietary formats will make the process seamless and quick.
Neutral Formats
The main benefit of a neutral 3D file format is that one does not have to feel limited by using only one platform. On the contrary, neutral 3D model file formats are perfect for any combination and allow you to use various software at once. OBJ format, STL, 3MF, and other neutral format 3D files are especially convenient for people that work in teams and share responsibility for a project while using different machines.
8 Formats You Should Know about in 2022
Despite the number of common 3D file formats out there, only some have managed to show great results and, therefore, have been chosen more often. By learning about each of them and the properties they have, you will gain crucial knowledge about the multiple possibilities 3D file formats grant you. The common ones and what you should know about them are the following:
1. STEP
It is one of the most widespread 3D file formats today. It is easy to understand from its name that this format is designed for transferring files so that different software can be applied to them by users.
It is as good for architects as it is for 3D modeling artists and engineers to use in further 3D printing applications. It is an international standard that allows it to simplify your work with as many teammates as you wish, regardless of where they are and what kind of software they utilize.
2. COLLADA
COLLADA was originally created by Sony and later sold to Khronos, which now owns it. It grants a possibility for information exchange between machines that utilize interactive software.
Its creators wanted COLLADA to become a golden standard for 3D files, and that goal has been achieved as you can hardly find a great app that is not compatible with COLLADA.
It is known for its architecture and geometry properties and can also be used in the video game industry and animation industry, which, obviously, increases its popularity significantly.
3. IGES
It has partially lost its popularity due to the fact that it is no longer maintained. Even though it is still used for purposes like data transportation, and users find it highly effective. The former versions have already gone out of date, but the last one has a lot of advantages. For instance, it gives great control of geometry and layers, works as an excellent choice for amateurs due to its easy functionality, and is often chosen for designing 3D objects.
4. FBX
The main reason people opt for FBX is being able to combine a few formats within one pipeline that you utilize. This is a very attractive feature for game designers and the film industry that often relies on FBX. Among other proponents are users who prioritize complex textures, shapes, light sources, and rapid prototyping in their work.
5. OBJ
This format was intended to become a solution for 3D design. Consequently, all of the features make it appropriate for designers. Unlike 3D file formats with animation features, OBJ cannot be used for creating animation. Though, it has multiple advantages, such as compatibility with 3D software programs and simplicity. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that the OBJ file does not contain any memory of color or materials, which may be vital for you.
6. 3DS
3DS is compliant with basically all 3D software packages. Users appreciate its ability to store information and its simplicity. Similarly to some formats, we have mentioned above, 3DS enables data exchange. One of the disadvantages, however, is the lack of complex geometry capability, which leads to failure with complicated tasks. Regardless, it is on the list of 3D model file formats that have been chosen by multiple users in 2022. It is especially appealing for users who create drawings and is widely applied in computer-aided manufacturing.
7. 3MF
This one is often applied in product design, creating 3D models, and painting, as it is highly convenient and open. Unlike some others, it is capable of storing information regarding textures and colors, which also attracts those creating images. 3MF is compatible with various programs, which makes it particularly convenient for experienced users as well as beginners.
8. STL
This format is capable of storing layouts and will be a good tool for kinds of 3D projects. Most commonly, it is used in manufacturing and all sorts of visualization, including 3D printing. Unfortunately, it is not appropriate for complex geometry and is not always appropriate for your projects.
Bottom Line
Modern 3D capabilities have become a major influence on many fields of business and strategies of many firms and agencies of different kinds. This is mainly due to the fact that it allows us to reduce production costs without significantly compromising the result. Consequently, 3D is now applied in many different ways to meet the needs of diverse users. Naturally, different tools have been created to make this possible.
If you want to succeed in 3D, you have to start by choosing the best tools, including the best 3D modeling software. The 3D file format you choose is fundamental. Of course, your preferences may vary depending on the project you work on, but the eight types we have mentioned are the popular file formats for a good reason. Over the years, they have managed to prove to bring users the convenience and reliability that they seek. Regardless of whether you work with 3D printing or game engines, you can find the ultimate tool that fits all your requirements.
FAQ
- Which file format is used for animation?
Formats such as Collada, SVG, and OBJ are very commonly used in animation, however, other formats can also be applied.
- Can SVG be animated?
Yes, SVG files are applicable for animation and are commonly used for creating animation effects and graphs.
- What does an STL file stand for?
STL stands for stereolithography and it is a format commonly used for 3D printing models.
- Which 3D File Format is Best?
It depends on the specifics of your project. All eight formants mentioned above have proven to be highly effective.
- Does Blender support STL files?
Yes, STL files are commonly used when working with Blender as well as some other options.
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