Commonly Used 3D Model Formats
There are many different 3D model formats available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most commonly used 3D model formats for game development include:
- FBX
- Collada
- OBJ
- 3DS
- Skinned Mesh Animations (SMA)
Importing 3D Models into Unity
Once you have chosen a compatible 3D model format, you can import it into Unity using the Import Package window. This will automatically convert the 3D model into Unity’s native format, allowing you to use it in your game or application.
To ensure that your imported 3D models are optimized for use in Unity, it is important to follow best practices for exporting and importing 3D content. This includes:
- Keeping your meshes simple
- Enabling textures and materials
- Using appropriate scale and orientation
FBX
FBX is a popular format for storing 3D models that can be imported into Unity. It is widely used in both the gaming and animation industries, and supports a variety of mesh types, including static meshes, skin-based animations, and skeletal animations.
Collada
Collada is another commonly used format for 3D models that can be imported into Unity. It is particularly useful for sharing 3D content between different software packages, as it supports a wide range of mesh types and animation formats.
OBJ
OBJ is a lightweight and flexible format that can be easily exported from most 3D modeling software packages. It is particularly well-suited for simple 3D models, such as characters or environment assets.
3DS
3DS is a proprietary format developed by Autodesk, the makers of 3ds Max and other 3D modeling software packages. While it is widely used in the gaming industry, it can be difficult to import into Unity due to its proprietary nature.
Skinned Mesh Animations (SMA)
SMA is a format specifically designed for animating 3D models with skin-based rigging. It can be exported from software packages such as Maya and Blender, and can be imported into Unity using the Animation window.
