9.5.2

150 • CHAPTER 5
FILE MENU • 151
3D Studio R4 (.3DS)
Common data format under DOS/Windows. 3D Studio was the predecessor to 3D Studio MAX. The last
freely available le 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 specic 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 le exchange. This export is mostly of interest to plugin
developers; it allows a better integration of extensions into the le. For more information on this le
format, visit www.xml.org.
Direct3D / DirectX (X)
Direct3D is a Microsoft-specic 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 le 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 eld of rapid prototyping, to create moulds.