FBX supports scene hierarchy and retains the object scale and some basic data on materials.įor AR and VR uses, you can optimize 3D files by reducing the number of objects in the original file before exporting it from the source editing program. Read “ Everything You Need to Know About Using OBJ Files” to learn more about the format. OBJ is an ASCII file type that does not support animation or object hierarchy or the parent/child relationship between parts of complex objects. However, it is better not to edit text files because you can easily garble the code.ĪR and VR generally use two types of 3D files: OBJ and FBX. You can open an ASCII file in a notepad, which is useful for troubleshooting. The default format for FBX is binary, but you can save a file in the older ASCII format. Similarly, exporting textures may be problematic. When importing an FBX file, your program may not import certain types of data, such as polygons or individual lights. Most AR and VR platforms can import FBX files without conversion easily. How to Use the FBX Formatĭevelopers use FBX models to exchange detailed geometry data and animation data, including textures and colors, between applications and platforms. In 2006, Autodesk assumed ownership of the program and the FBX file format. In 2002, Kaydera renamed it MotionBuilder, and in 2004, another Canadian company, Alias, acquired MotionBuilder. Companies like Softimage3D, LightWave3D, and TuboCAD adopted the file type. The program was later renamed FilmBox, with the file extension FBX.

Eventually, FLM was adapted to support visualization of 3D data, such as characters in scenes. This data includes bones, meshes, lighting, camera, and geometry. FBX files store all the data for complete animation scenes. FBX files are used in film, game, and Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) development.Ĭanadian software developer Kaydera originally developed the proprietary FBX file format, known as FLM, to store data from motion capture devices. You can use different programs to open, edit, and export high-fidelity 2D and 3D files. In this guide, we explain how to use FBX files, how to export textures, programs that can open, import, or view FBX, and free FBX 3D models.Īn FBX (.fbx) file is a format used to exchange 3D geometry and animation data. We have years of experience helping developers expedite their work with 3D files.

Directx fbx converter mac