Best 3D File Formats for Design, Collaboration and Development

Definition and types

• Geometry: The file includes 3D models that are usually defined with points, lines or equations. Depending on the format, the surface of the model can be a mesh, which has a limited quality, or parametric surfaces, which allow for more detailed surfaces.

• Scene: This refers to the position of the 3D model regarding to the different planes. It also considers lights and camera for those files used for model rendering.

• Appearance: Textures and colours applied to the model's surface. Only some formats include this type of information. Depending on the manufacturing technology used, this information may be ignored. For example, FDM 3D printing (Fused Deposition Modelling) cannot usually print objects with multiple colours.

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3D file formats based on who created them:

• Proprietary: These formats are developed by software companies as the main format for their specific 3D modelling tool. They work well, but they are usually not compatible with any other software. For example, a design in F3D format (Autodesk Fusion 360) cannot be opened in SolidWorks.

• Neutral: There are neutral and open formats developed by independent organizations. They're quite popular as they're compatible with most 3D modelling software.

3D file formats based on when they are used:

• Design: These file formats are used during the design process as it's easy to edit the 3D model, appearance and scene. For example, if you're designing in Rhino, you will probably save the files using their own 3D file format (3DM).

• Manufacturing: It's common to export designs from a proprietary format to a neutral format for manufacturing as it's critical that the manufacturing partner can properly open the file and transform the design into a product. Once you finish your Rhino design in 3DM format, you also export it in STL format for manufacturing.
 

3D file formats for design

• .SLDPRT: This is the standard file format used in SolidWorks. It's a proprietary format and it can be combined with the SLDASM format, which combined multiple SLDPRT files creating an assembly. It is usually used for complex CAD designs and it's popular in the engineering and manufacturing industries.

• .STEP: The STEP or STP format is one of the most popular neutral file formats. It covers all the information needed to make a product, including shapes, features, material properties and more. It is supported by most 3D modelling software and it's editable, being recommended for collaborative projects. Also, this format is also suitable for manufacturing.

• .F3D: The F3D format is the default file format in Autodesk Fusion 360. Even though the files are usually stored in their cloud service, it's possible to export them. It includes different types of information, including 3D models, scenes and attributes. It's a fairly new format and it's being quickly adopted by designers and engineers.

• .BLEND: Blender's own file format is one of the most complete ones. It allows storing data about 3D models, colours, textures, scenes and even animations. This software is used in the design, video game and animation industries.

• .3DS: This format is used in Autodesk 3ds Max. It's similar to Blender's file format, as it stores all the information, including designs and animations. It's used in the video game and animation industries, and it's a very popular format as the 3D modelling software was released in 1996.

• .SKP: It's used in SketchUp, an accessible 3D modelling software used mainly for concept designs and renders. It's a popular format among interior designers and architects.

• .IGS: This neutral file format is still one of the most popular ones despite the fact that the STEP format was supposed to replace it. It is compatible with many 3D modelling tools.

• .3DM: Used as the standard format in Rhino and Grasshopper. It is popular in the industrial design and architecture industries due to the complex models it can generate, which can be stored in the 3DM files as parametric surfaces or simpler meshes.

• .IPT: The Autodesk Inventor format is similar to the Solidworks or Autodesk Fusion 360 files as it can store high-quality 3D models. Due to Autodesk's software portfolio, Inventor is also capable of working with 2D files. Multiple IPT files can be combined into a .IAM assembly file.

3D file formats for manufacturing

• .STL: It's the most popular format in the digital fabrication industry. The 3D models are represented as a triangular mesh with variable density, no colours, textures or scenes are included. It is used during testing, especially with 3D printing, as the mesh can be easily processed to manufacture functional prototypes. It is not the most suitable format for complex manufacturing methods such as CNC machining.

• .OBJ: Very popular alternative to STL files. It is supported by most 3D modelling tools. Apart from 3D models, if combined with an MTL format file, you can include textures and colors. This makes it one of the best formats to prototype using color 3D printers such as the HP Jet Fusion series.

• .3MF: Also known as 3D Manufacturing Format, it's a neutral format supported by Microsoft, Autodesk, Ultimaker and more. This format was created as an advanced substitute to the old STL format. It packages 3D models and additional information such as manufacturing setting for 3D printing or the model's appearance.

• .DAE: This file format is called COLLADA (Collaborative Design Activity). It was originally planned as a format to move data from one software to another, and it's compatible with most 3D modelling tools, game engines and other software tools. It's recommended when one product is designed with many different tools.

• .PLY: Inspired by OBJ, PLY file format was developed mainly to store information captured by 3D scanners. The files include meshes as well as colors, textures. It is supported as an export format for some 3D modelling tools.

• .STEP: This design file format can also be used during the manufacturing process and it's compatible with almost any type of design.

2D file formats for manufacturing

Streamline collaboration with universal 3D viewing

Conclusion