USD - Format Overview

May 15, 2025
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General Information

Format NameUSD
Long NameUniversal Scene Description
Extensions.usd,.usda,.usdc,.usdz
Internet Media Type (previously MIME)unspecified
Common Use CasesAnimation, VFX, Games, Architecture
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What is the USD format, and what is it used for?

USD is a file format mostly used for 3D modeling and rendering applications, and exchange of 3D authoring data.

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Features supported by the USD format

FeatureSupported?
Morph TargetsYes
Rigid AnimationsYes
Skinned AnimationsYes
AnimationsYes
Free-Form SurfacesYes
Geometry CompressionNo
Quad MeshesYes
Basic 3D GeometryYes
PBR MaterialsYes
Transparent MaterialsYes
Vertex ColorsYes
MaterialsYes
Scene CompositionYes
Hierarchical Scene GraphYes
Scene NodesYes
Standardized FormatYes
Embedded TexturesNo
Multiple UV ChannelsYes
Normal MappingYes
Procedural TexturesYes
Texture CompressionNo
Texture TransformsYes
TexturingYes

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Converting and Optimizing USD Files

There are various ways to convert between USD files and other 3D formats. With RapidPipeline, you can easily convert and and optimize USD files, at scale.
It supports USD, as well as many other file formats (examples: 3dsMax, FBX, glTF, OBJ, PLY, STEP, STL, USDZ, VRM), at high quality.

Due to the aforementioned potential limitations of USD, in principle, one cannot always perfectly convert 3D data between USD and other formats. In the following, you can find format conversion guides between USD and the most important other formats, along with a rough score for compatibility of this workflow:

Converting USD to Other 3D File Formats

Converting Other 3D File Formats to USD

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Tools that can create USD files

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3D rendering applications that can consume USD files

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What's the best way to get USD files into my 3D applications?

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 USD files - the conversion guide above gives a rough idea. Once you know what you would like to do, tools like RapidPipeline can help you perform the necessary steps, and to automate the process.

However, especially when introducing pipelines and workflows at scale in an enterprise context, it is usually good to rely on dedicated 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. For a free initial consultation, get in touch here:

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