FBX

It is used to transfer complex 3D scenes and animations between different software platforms. The format supports various elements such as geometry, textures, lighting and animation.

What is FBX?

FBX (Filmbox) is a widely used file format originally developed by Kaydara and later acquired by Autodesk. It is mainly used in 3D modelling, animation and game design to exchange complex content between different programs.

Advantages of the FBX format

One of the main advantages of the FBX format is its versatility. It can store not only 3D models, but also animations, textures and lighting settings. This makes it ideal for workflows that span multiple software platforms.

Use in game design and film production

In game development, FBX makes it easy to transfer character animations and environments between 3D modelling software and game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

The format also plays a central role in film production, where it is used to efficiently transfer complex scenes and effects between different applications.

Support from a wide range of software

FBX is supported by the most popular 3D applications, including Maya, 3ds Max, Blender and Cinema 4D. This allows users to seamlessly move their projects between these applications and work on different aspects of the production without formatting issues.

Facts and features

• History: FBX was originally developed in 1996 as a software for recording dance movements.
• Rigging data: Allows the export of complex rigging information required for animated characters.
• Compression: FBX files can be compressed to reduce file size without losing important information.
• Texture paths: FBX can store the paths to the textures it uses, simplifying import and export.
• Interactive 3D content: FBX is also a common format for interactive 3D content in applications such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
• Motion capture support: The format can include motion capture data, enabling realistic character animation.
• Binary and ASCII: FBX can be saved in both binary and ASCII formats, with binary being more compact and ASCII more readable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can FBX files be edited directly?
Yes, FBX files can be imported and edited directly in 3D applications such as Blender, Maya or 3ds Max. However, it is advisable to keep the original project files as FBX exports are sometimes simplified.

What are the alternatives to FBX?
Common alternatives are the OBJ format for 3D models and the Collada format (DAE), which is also used for 3D data exchange. However, FBX remains the leading format for animation and rigging.

How big can FBX files be?
FBX file sizes vary greatly depending on the complexity of the model, textures, and animations. However, the file size can be reduced by using compression support.

Is FBX an open format?
FBX is not an open format, it is proprietary and owned by Autodesk. However, Autodesk offers software development kits (SDKs) to ensure compatibility with other programs.

Can FBX files be used in VR or AR projects?
Yes, FBX files are often used for VR and AR projects because they store complex 3D models and animations and are compatible with popular development environments such as Unity and Unreal Engine.