Background Theory > Importing Files > Importing 3D

DAE files are 3D models saved in the Collada (COLLAborative Design Activity) file format. Collada is an open standard XML-based file format used to exchange digital assets between different 3D modeling and computer graphics software applications. DAE files are versatile and can store various aspects of a 3D scene, including geometry, materials, textures, animations, and more.

Here are the key features of DAE files:

•Geometry: DAE files contain the geometric information of 3D models, including vertices, normals, texture coordinates, and other properties that define the shape of objects.

•Materials and Textures: DAE files support material definitions, texture maps, and shading information to control how objects are visually rendered.

•Animations: DAE files can store animations, including skeletal animations, morph targets, and key-frame animations.

•Scene Hierarchy: DAE files can represent complex scene hierarchies with parent-child relationships between objects.

•Cameras and Lights: DAE files can include camera and light definitions to recreate the lighting and camera perspectives of the original scene.

•Interactive Elements: DAE files can support interactivity and user-defined behaviors through scripting and animations.

•Open Standard: Collada is an open and widely adopted standard, ensuring compatibility between different 3D software applications.

•XML-Based: DAE files are written in XML (eXtensible Markup Language), making them human-readable and editable.

DAE files are commonly used for various purposes:

•3D Modeling: They are used for storing and exchanging 3D models created in various modeling software, making it easier to collaborate and share models between different tools.

•Animation: DAE files are used to store animations for characters and objects, allowing for consistent playback in different applications.

•Game Development: DAE files are used in game development for importing models and animations into game engines.

•Virtual Reality: They are used in virtual reality and augmented reality applications to represent 3D scenes and objects.

•Architectural Visualization: DAE files are used to exchange architectural models between different design software and visualization tools.

Collada's flexibility and support for multiple aspects of 3D content make DAE files suitable for a wide range of applications across industries. However, like any file format, compatibility and feature support may vary between different software applications, so it's important to ensure that the software you're using supports the features you need when working with DAE files.