What are the best file formats for 3D modeling workflows and pipelines?

In game development we mostly use fbx. and obj. It's an easy way to transfer geometry data. But depending on purpose sometimes we can use STL for 3D printing or export/import CAD models. It can be convenient way to combine CAD pipeline with polygonal modeling.

In my experience In 3D modeling workflows, the .OBJ format excels for its simplicity and wide compatibility, ideal for mesh data exchange. The .FBX format is a top choice for complex projects, supporting animation, rigging, and texture data. For Autodesk users, .3DS and .MAX files offer seamless integration. In high-end visual effects and animation, .ALEMBIC and .USD are preferred for managing complex scenes and supporting collaboration. For 3D printing, the .STL format is essential, focusing on physical geometry. The best format depends on the project's specific requirements and the tools used.

Que decir de OBJ, es como el JPEG de los 3D, es un poquito rarete, y aunque muy compatible, de vez en cuando te dará problemas, le cojeras cariño y será como una relación amor odio con el formato. Hace mucho que no lo uso en mi workflow, pero se le echa de menos por su simplicidad.

OBJ, FBX, and STL. OBJ is widely supported and suitable for both geometry and texture data. FBX supports animation and is commonly used in game development. STL is primarily used for 3D printing with its focus on geometry representation.

OBJ and 3DS are popular file formats in 3D design due to their widespread compatibility across various 3D software applications. OBJ files are known for preserving geometric data, texture information, and material properties, making them versatile for interchanging 3D models. On the other hand, 3DS files are valued for their ability to store mesh data and basic material properties, which makes them suitable for sharing 3D models across different platforms. While these formats have their advantages, the "best" file format often depends on specific project requirements and the software being used.

FBX (Filmbox) format - This file format was developed by Kaydara and is currently owned and developed by Autodesk. This company is very large and is constantly developing, which gives us an understanding that this format will be constantly in demand in the 3D field. The FBX format is used to ensure compatibility between various 3D graphics programs. Programs such as Blender, Unreal, 3DMax and others work with this format. In my work, I prefer to use this file format, as it is popular among the outsourcing companies with which I work.

FBX is better than DAE because it became popular already and there is most support for FBX too DAE also good but it's not popular and support is not strong as FBX

FBX is the largest format drive between all 3D programs containing the media .. I use exporting this format between Maya and 3 D s max

FBX (Filmbox) is a versatile Autodesk format supporting 3D data exchange with rich features like geometry, textures, and animations. DAE (Collada) is an open standard XML-based format, maintained by the Khronos Group, facilitating interoperability with readable, comprehensive scene data. The choice depends on specific workflow needs and software compatibility.

FBX (Autodesk) is widely supported in software and game engines, setting the standard for many applications. DAE (Collada) is also supported, based on an open standard and often integrates more easily into projects. FBX excels in animation and rigging, supporting complex structures like bones and morphs, making it ideal for projects with extensive animation. DAE files are smaller, crucial for file size limitations in mobile applications. While FBX is powerful, it may encounter export/import accuracy issues in different applications, depending on specific usage scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between FBX and DAE depends on your project's requirements and the tools/engines used. Supporting both formats can maximize flexibility.

OpenUSD (USDZ/USDC/USDA) und *.reality (by Apple) sind eben bis auf *.reality KEINE Apple-Sonderlösung, sondern der zur Zeit (und für die Zukunft) beste interoperable 3D-Standard den wir haben und der in Sicht ist. Nicht nur DAS, er ist gerade auf dem Weg im Industrial Metaverse (z.B. Nvidias Omniverse und damit SIEMENS, BMW und viele weitere große Firmen) die zentrale Plattform zu sein. Nur das "kleine Ökosystem" Android (wobei Google an anderer Stelle auch USDZ auf den Weg bringt) ist aussen VOR. Auch da ist mit einem Umdenken zu rechnen.

Both have a bright future. GLTF has had a marked impact on web based 3d content development already and it works nicely for allowing creators to work through a single DCC to design experiences with less friction. USDZ is a format worth keeping an eye on, NVidia's Omniverse is a great example of how usdz as a format can contribute to new and powerful collaborative pipelines and allow for changes in assets across departments. We're also no doubt going to see the format evolve with the upcoming Apple XR hardware and associated platform.

GLTF is the best format for VR We commonly use this in the VR industry and we will try to export our projects in GLTF USDZ is not a well known format. Basically they are the same but GLTF is the most popular

The polygon file format, also known as the PLY file format, can be beneficial for modeling pipes due to its flexibility and compatibility with various software and tools. Here are some reasons why the PLY file format is good for modeling pipes: The PLY file format allows for the representation of complex geometry, which is essential for accurately modeling pipes with different shapes, sizes, and configurations. It can handle the intricate details and curves of pipe models, ensuring a high level of precision The PLY file format offers both ASCII and Binary formats, allowing for efficient storage and loading of pipe models. The Binary format, in particular, enables faster saving, loading, and compact storage of large and complex pipe models

PLY can be really helpful because it's really simple and similar to OBJ format. The main advantage here would be more vertex information such as color which is missing in OBJ. In both cases, however, this is only suitable for a static mesh.

There has been a move towards universal fine formats in the last years, like USD, which would benefit the entire industry as workflows combining different apps would be massively benefited. There is also the point, that some of this “generic” 3D formats lack features or metadata found on specific apps, so they cannot store all data needed. Let’s say you want a van that can fit all you need. As more different items have to be kept, the van would have to be bigger and bigger. At some point you get to the question, if you have to carry a backpack, wouldn’t a car be more efficient?

Native files are always the best among formats, because they will store all necessary data really well when it comes to share across users with the same software. But sharing data between different software is challenging when it comes to sharing big scale projects and not all software supports each other's native formats. This is the only minus side of native formats

Es evidente que, en el caso de contar con formatos nativos, esta práctica suele ser la mejor, ya que incluye metadatos específicos del software en los archivos, mejorando considerablemente el workflow. No obstante, uno de los mayores inconvenientes esta en la limitada compatibilidad con otros programas, aunque podemos solucionar este problema mediante plugins, por ejemplo si tu workflow implica la transición de CADs - Revit - 3dsMax - UE5... En resumen, la adopción de formatos nativos es la opción preferida para workflows cerrados. No obstante, para aquellos dispuestos a complicar un poco el proceso, existen soluciones que permiten aprovechar al máximo las ventajas inherentes de estos formatos en otro software.

I wouldn't try to support these formats for my application just because they are really specific to a particular software. In most cases, these formats contains too much data that is not needed. Sometimes new versions of these formats may contain breaking changes that would require additional effort to support versioning.

Sharing native files imposes risks of data safety and security and it should be handled with care. Always consult your company policies and procedures for native files sharing to minimise risk

The choice of file format depends on the project’s specific requirements. For broad compatibility and interchangeability, formats like FBX and GLTF stand out. OBJ and STL serve well for simpler models and 3D printing, while USDZ targets AR applications. PLY and DXF find utility in specific contexts, and native formats excel within their respective software environments. A balanced approach involves considering the intended use, collaboration needs, and compatibility with the tools in your 3D modeling pipeline.

Como conclusión final sobre la elección de formatos, hay que decir que dependerá de donde trabajes, con quien, y que software se te permita usar, ya que cada uno de esos casos es un mundo distinto. Pero el "TO GO" mas simple es: Si trabajas un solo software, como marvelous, unity, UE5, substance etc., siempre será mejor mantener el formato nativo, pero en el caso de trasferencia de datos de software a software, siempre será mejor escoger el mas compatible, que suelen ser, según mi experiencia y mi mercado, FBX y OBJ. Espero que os sea útil mi aportación, como ya he dicho, es mi experiencia y esto puede cambiar de caso a caso!

While 3D meshes, animations and scene setups are already covered well in 3D file formats, materials aren't. Especially for realtime artists this is the bottleneck in the process. I wonder why do we even store material data in mesh files? Especially when we often share them with multiple meshes? We always have to consider that these file formats have ancient roots in software terms. I rather dream of dedicated material definition formats such as texture collection files that let you decide on import and afterwards which channels to use and which resolutions to pick. You want custom splatmaps or the alpha mask in albedo alpha or separate? Then just configure that import pipeline for individual shading models.