| Extension | USD |
| Full Name | Universal Scene Description |
| Type | 3D Model |
| Mime Type | application/octet-stream |
| Format | Binary |
A USD file, which stands for Universal Scene Description, is a powerful and versatile file format and interchange mechanism for 3D computer graphics and animation. Developed by Pixar Animation Studios, USD is designed to streamline the collaboration and sharing of 3D assets and scenes across different software applications and workflows. It serves as a container that can encapsulate various elements of a 3D scene, including geometry, shading, animation, and more, making it an ideal choice for large-scale, complex projects in the entertainment and visual effects industries.
USD employs a concept known as "composition" to represent a scene. Instead of storing everything in a single monolithic file, it allows for the assembly of scenes from many modular, reusable components. This component-based approach not only reduces redundancy but also enhances collaboration by enabling multiple artists to work on different aspects of a scene simultaneously. USD files use a highly efficient layering system, enabling artists to override or extend existing scenes without modifying the original data, which is crucial for non-destructive workflows.
USD has gained widespread adoption in the entertainment industry, with various software packages supporting it, including 3D modeling and animation applications like Maya and Houdini. This widespread support has made it easier for studios and artists to work together, as they can seamlessly exchange USD files containing all the necessary information for a scene, from geometry and materials to lighting and animation, without worrying about compatibility issues, making it a crucial part of modern 3D content creation pipelines.
USD Converter Capabilities
Our USD converter can both convert from and to USD files and our developers are working to improve our USD conversion tools in future versions.When converting 3D Model/Mesh files using our USD converter we will attempt to convert color materials into a suitable format for use in the converted file.
