The Complete VDA-FS to I-deas 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 I-deas, if you'd like to know more about the formats, please check out the following links:

Converting and Optimizing VDA-FS Files to I-deas

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

If you specifically need I-deas 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 I-deas 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 I-deas files commonly used for?

The VDA-FS file is a format mostly used for automotive surface data exchange.
The I-deas file is a format mostly used for integrated CAD and engineering analysis.

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Comparison of Features Supported by VDA-FS and I-deas

FeatureSupported by VDA-FSSupported by I-deas
Morph TargetsNoNo
Rigid AnimationsNoNo
Skinned AnimationsNoNo
AnimationsNoNo
Free-Form SurfacesYesYes
Geometry CompressionNoNo
Quad MeshesYesYes
Basic 3D GeometryYesYes
PBR MaterialsNoNo
Transparent MaterialsNoNo
Vertex ColorsNoNo
MaterialsNoPartial0
Scene CompositionPartial1Partial2
Hierarchical Scene GraphPartial3Yes
Scene NodesPartial4Yes
Standardized FormatPartial5Partial6
Embedded TexturesNoNo
Multiple UV ChannelsNoNo
Normal MappingNoNo
Procedural TexturesNoNo
Texture CompressionNoNo
Texture TransformsNoNo
TexturingNoNo

0 - Basic material properties for engineering analysis
1 - Simple surface assembly organization
2 - Assembly modeling with constraints and relationships
3 - Limited hierarchical surface relationships
4 - Basic surface organization and grouping
5 - Industry-specific format with limited adoption outside automotive
6 - Proprietary format with limited interoperability

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Limitations of VDA-FS Files to I-deas Conversion Workflow

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

VDA-FS Feature (not supported by I-deas)Limitation Details

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

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 I-deas 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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Meet the Author

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3D Knowledge Team

3D Technical Artists

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