The Complete VDA-FS to DGN Conversion Guide

August 05, 2025

General Information

This guide is part of the RapidPipeline 3D Formats Knowledge Database. It shows how to convert VDA-FS to DGN, if you'd like to know more about the formats, please check out the following links:

Converting and Optimizing VDA-FS Files to DGN

RapidPipeline can import VDA-FS files, but currently doesn't support exporting to DGN format yet.

If you specifically need DGN export functionality for your workflow, please feel free to get in touch with us - we'd be happy to discuss your requirements and potential timeline for adding this export capability.

If you need, you can import DGN files and convert them to any of these 8 formats: FBX, glTF, OBJ, PLY, STL, USD, USDZ, and VRM.

In the meantime, you can explore other options on the 3D Formats Knowledge Database, which might serve as suitable alternatives for your workflow depending on your target applications and use cases.

What are VDA-FS and DGN files commonly used for?

The VDA-FS file is a format mostly used for automotive surface data exchange.
The DGN file is a format mostly used for CAD and infrastructure design data.

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Comparison of Features Supported by VDA-FS and DGN

FeatureSupported by VDA-FSSupported by DGN
Morph TargetsNoNo
Rigid AnimationsNoPartial0
Skinned AnimationsNoNo
AnimationsNoPartial1
Free-Form SurfacesYesYes
Geometry CompressionNoNo
Quad MeshesYesYes
Basic 3D GeometryYesYes
PBR MaterialsNoPartial2
Transparent MaterialsNoYes
Vertex ColorsNoYes
MaterialsNoYes
Scene CompositionPartial3Yes
Hierarchical Scene GraphPartial4Yes
Scene NodesPartial5Yes
Standardized FormatPartial6Partial7
Embedded TexturesNoPartial8
Multiple UV ChannelsNoPartial9
Normal MappingNoPartial10
Procedural TexturesNoNo
Texture CompressionNoNo
Texture TransformsNoYes
TexturingNoYes

0 - Basic animation for construction sequencing
1 - Simple animation support for design sequences
2 - Limited PBR support in newer versions
3 - Simple surface assembly organization
4 - Limited hierarchical surface relationships
5 - Basic surface organization and grouping
6 - Industry-specific format with limited adoption outside automotive
7 - Open specification with some proprietary extensions
8 - Textures can be referenced or embedded
9 - Limited multi-texturing capabilities
10 - Basic normal mapping for visualization

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Limitations of VDA-FS Files to DGN Conversion Workflow

The following limitations should be taken into account when converting VDA-FS files to DGN format:

VDA-FS Feature (not supported by DGN)Limitation Details

What's the best way to get VDA-FS files into my 3D applications, and are there alternatives to using DGN?

Doing 3D conversion right, especially at scale, can be tricky, as 3D data is in general a rather complex (yet very powerful!) medium. This also applies to VDA-FS and DGN files - the conversion guide above provides a rough first idea about that. Once you know what you would like to do, tools like RapidPipeline can help you perform the necessary steps, and to even automate the process for thousands or even millions of files.

Especially when introducing pipelines and workflows at scale in an enterprise context, it is usually good to rely on dedicated tools and expertise, making sure you do not introduce any steps into your 3D workflow that are detrimental to the final output's quality, or that take your team too much time (and money).

If you're interested to hire dedicated expertise from the best in the field to help your company reach your goals fast and reliably, please do not hestitate to contact DGG. Being the creators of RapidPipeline, and ambassadors for open 3D standards for more than a decade, we have been building some of the world's most advanced 3D pipelines, having processed many millions of 3D assets.

Therefore, our expertise will help you to reach your goals faster, at scale, and with the least possible friction, since we are focused on maximum interoperability.

To get started with 3D data conversion and optimization today, sign up for a free account!

If you have any questions, feel free to chat with our human team.

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3D Knowledge Team

3D Technical Artists

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