3D Coat Export Options: File Formats Explained

3D Coat is a comprehensive application that facilitates the transformation of 3D ideas from digital clay to fully textured and production-ready models. It offers a broad range of import and export capabilities, allowing seamless synchronisation with external 3D applications. The specific file formats supported by 3D Coat for exporting purposes include .bmp, .dae, .dds, .jpg, .obj, .png, .psd, .stl, .tga, .tif, .tiff, .wrl, .exr, .fbx, .lwo, .ply, and .ptx. These formats cater to various 3D printing requirements, with some being more widely used than others.

OBJ, STL, SKP, and other formats

3D Coat supports a wide range of file formats for exporting 3D models, including OBJ, STL, SKP, and others. Here's a detailed overview of these formats:

OBJ

OBJ is a commonly used file format that supports polygonal data, including 3D coordinates and vertex information. It is a simple and versatile format that can be imported into many other software applications. OBJ files can also store texture information in a separate image file, such as a GIF, JPG, or PNG, using a map file. This allows for the inclusion of texture details in the exported model.

STL

STL (Stereolithography or Standard Tessellation Language) is a widely recognised industry-standard format. It is a neutral file type that is easy to implement and commonly used for 3D printing. STL files can be exported as ASCII or binary formats, with the latter being more compressed and ideal for sharing. However, they may have limitations, such as dimensional ambiguity and issues with watertightness.

SKP

SKP is a native file format for Google SketchUp, a 3D modelling software. It is versatile and can be used for various applications, including architectural, interior design, and engineering projects. SKP files are also capable of including colour and texture information, making them suitable for exporting models with visual details.

Other Formats

In addition to OBJ, STL, and SKP, 3D Coat supports several other file formats, including common ones like 3DS, FBX, and Collada (DAE). These formats offer their own advantages and are supported by different software applications. For instance, 3DS is a versatile format that can store animations and lighting setups, while FBX is known for its compatibility with various software tools and game engines. Collada (DAE) is a standard XML-based format that enables data exchange between different applications and is often used for interactive 3D applications.

When choosing a file format for exporting, it's important to consider the specific requirements of your project and the software tools you plan to use. Each format has its own strengths and limitations, so selecting the right one ensures compatibility and maintains the integrity of your 3D model.

3MF, PLY, VRML, SKP, and more

3D Coat is an application that has all the tools you need to take your 3D idea from a block of digital clay to a fully textured and production-ready model. It supports a wide range of file formats for importing and exporting, including common 3D file formats such as 3MF, PLY, VRML, SKP, and others.

3MF

3MF, or 3D Manufacturing Format, is a file format designed to facilitate the transfer of 3D models between applications. It is a full-colour format that can include textures and colour information within the file itself. This makes it a convenient choice for 3D printing, as all the necessary information is contained in a single file.

PLY

PLY, or Polygon File Format, is a versatile and widely used file format for storing 3D data. It supports colour information and can include texture coordinates, making it suitable for 3D printing applications. PLY files are text-based and relatively simple, consisting of a header that describes the format and structure of the data, followed by a list of vertices that define the 3D object.

VRML

VRML, or Virtual Reality Modelling Language, is a file format designed to represent 3D objects in a virtual environment. It is commonly used for creating 3D models and scenes that can be viewed and interacted with in a web browser or other virtual reality applications. VRML files can include colour, texture, lighting, and other information to create immersive and interactive 3D experiences.

SKP

SKP is the native file format of SketchUp, a 3D modelling software. It is used to store 3D models, including their geometry, textures, and other attributes. SKP files can be imported into 3D Coat for further editing or texturing and can also be exported to other applications for rendering or 3D printing.

Other File Formats

In addition to the formats mentioned above, 3D Coat supports a range of other file formats, including common 3D formats such as OBJ, STL, and Collada (DAE). These formats are widely used in 3D modelling and printing and offer interoperability with various software tools. Additionally, 3D Coat can import and export image files such as JPG, PNG, and BMP, which can be useful for creating textures or references.

GIF, JPG, PNG, and other image files

3D Coat is an application that allows users to take their 3D ideas from a block of digital clay to a fully textured and production-ready model. It supports a wide range of file formats for import and export, including common image file formats such as GIF, JPG, and PNG.

GIF, or Graphics Interchange Format, is a popular image file format known for its support of animation and transparency. It is widely used on the web and can be easily shared and embedded in various applications. 3D Coat allows users to export their work in GIF format, enabling them to create animated sequences or transparent backgrounds in their 3D designs.

JPG, or JPEG, is another commonly used image file format. It is known for its compression capabilities, which reduce file sizes while maintaining reasonable image quality. This format is widely supported by various applications and is often used for storing and sharing digital images. With 3D Coat, users can export their 3D models or textures in JPG format, making it convenient for sharing and displaying their work.

PNG, or Portable Network Graphics, is a lossless image file format that supports transparency and high-quality compression. It is commonly used for web graphics and provides better compression than GIF while preserving the quality of the image. 3D Coat supports exporting in PNG format, allowing users to create transparent backgrounds and maintain the integrity of their 3D designs.

In addition to these widely used image file formats, 3D Coat also supports other image file formats such as BMP, TGA, TIFF, and EXR. These formats offer different features and capabilities, such as support for different colour depths, transparency, and compression methods. By supporting a diverse range of image file formats, 3D Coat provides users with flexibility and compatibility when working with various applications and platforms.

When working with 3D Coat, it is important to consider the specific requirements and limitations of each file format. Some formats may be more suitable for certain use cases, such as web display or print production. Additionally, the choice of file format can impact file size, image quality, and compatibility with other software applications. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each image file format will enable users to make informed decisions when exporting their 3D creations from 3D Coat.

Collada (DAE) and WRL (VRML97/2)

Collada (DAE) is a file format that supports colour and texture information within the file. This makes it a good choice for 3D printing, as it allows for a more seamless workflow when preparing models for printing. The format is also supported by a wide range of software tools, making it a versatile option for 3D designers.

WRL (VRML97/2) is another popular file format for 3D printing. Like Collada, it also supports colour and texture information within the file. Additionally, WRL files can include lighting and shading information, which can be useful for creating more realistic 3D prints.

Both Collada and WRL files can be exported from 3D Coat, allowing users to take advantage of the application's comprehensive set of tools for creating and texturing 3D models. This makes 3D Coat a versatile option for designers who want to create models for 3D printing, as they can easily export their work in commonly used file formats.

Overall, Collada (DAE) and WRL (VRML97/2) are widely supported file formats that are well-suited for 3D printing. The ability to export in these formats from 3D Coat gives users flexibility and compatibility with various 3D printing workflows.

Offline pricing for certain formats

3D Coat is a program for digital sculpting, painting on 3D objects, modelling, retopology, and rendering. It offers a range of pricing options for different user categories.

The basic version of 3D Coat is suitable for artists who are just starting their learning of 3D modelling and painting. It supports textures up to 2048 px and up to seven layers. This version costs $99 for a single user.

The advanced version, 3D Coat Professional, offers all the features of the basic version, plus commercial usage, textures up to 16384 px, and unlimited layers. It is priced at $568 for a single user.

For multiple users, 3D Coat offers a floating license, which also includes all features and commercial usage. This license type costs $568.

Educational institutions such as schools and universities can benefit from special pricing. 3D Coat offers a modified version of 3D Coat V4 for classroom use at a price of 1€ per license. Additionally, they provide 3DCoatTextura 2021 for 2€, which includes 1-year licenses for both classroom and student home use.

Universities and schools can also obtain a 1-year (or 2-year) per-seat rental of 3D Coat 2021 for in-premises use. This option includes a free key for students to use outside the classroom. The price for this option starts at €45/seat per year, with volume discounts available for multiple licenses.

For certain file formats, offline pricing requests can be made by contacting the support team.

Frequently asked questions