Export

Export Filter

A scene can also be exported to a foreign file format for subsequent work in other 3D software. The file types described below are available. CINEMA 4D automatically adds the relevant file extension to the file. Each 3D program works differently, therefore it is not always possible to convert all information within a scene. Further, the result will always differ according to the materials and lighting used, so a manual re-working may be necessary.

3D Studio R4 (.3DS)

Common data format under DOS/Windows. 3D Studio was the predecessor to 3D Studio MAX. The last freely available file format is release 4; the MAX data format is not available to other manufacturers. In principle the MAX format is not generally readable since MAX (like CINEMA 4D) uses parametric objects, which are useless without their associated specific algorithm. For example, a teapot is not saved with points and surfaces, but only with the dimensions and the subdivision rate.

CINEMA 4D XML

CINEMA 4D XML is a standardized language for file exchange. This export is mostly of interest to plugin developers; it allows a better integration of extensions into the file. For more information on this file format, visit www.xml.org.

Direct3D / DirectX (X)

Direct3D is a Microsoft-specific 3D format, which is used by Windows (provided DirectX is installed). This export module is particularly useful to game developers.

DXF (DXF)

One of the most common graphics file formats. Nearly all professional 3D packages support DXF. CINEMA 4D splines are generally written as polylines, independent of the surface settings for polygons.

FBX (FBX)

The FBX format is a 3D data exchange format developed by Kaydara (www.kaydara.com). FBX is supported by all major 3D animation applications, including Kaydara’s MOTIONBUILDER software.

QuickDraw 3D (3DM)

The standard format for three-dimensional graphics on the Apple Macintosh.

Shockwave 3D (W3D)

A format for transferring 3D content to Macromedia Director (Version 8.5 or later).

STL (STL)

Commonly used in the field of rapid prototyping, to create moulds.

UZR (UZR)

A format suitable for 3D streaming.

VRML 1 (WRL)

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language enables you to create platform-independent three-dimensional representation of objects and scenes for the Internet. It has also proved useful as an exchange format for CAD programs, since it contains more file information than the often-used DXF format.

VRML 2 (WRL)

Version 2 of the standard format for three-dimensional graphics files on the Internet enables you to display animation sequences. The advantages for data exchange with CAD software mentioned above also apply to VRML 2.

Wavefront (OBJ)

A common 3D data format in the UNIX world, developed by Alias.