Quick Intro
This video explores the different file formats used by OpenUSD for storing and exchanging 3D scene data. Each format offers unique advantages depending on the use case—whether it's editing, performance, or final delivery.
🔹 USD – Generic Extension
- Refers to either USDA or USDC
- Format can be switched without breaking references
🔹 USDA – Human-Readable Format
- ASCII text format, easy to read and edit
- Perfect for debugging, version control, and lightweight stages
- Ideal when referencing external content
🔹 USDC – Crate Binary Format
- Compressed binary format optimized for speed and performance
- Great for large, geometry-heavy scenes
- Smaller file size and faster loading
🔹 USDZ – Packaged Archive Format
- Uncompressed ZIP-style bundle
- Ideal for final delivery, especially in AR/XR workflows
- Not suitable for editing
🛠️ Creating USD Files
- All formats can be created using Python bindings in OpenUSD
- Select the right extension based on your pipeline needs
🔌 Plugin Support
- Supports additional formats like OBJ, FBX, and GLTF via plugins
- Custom plugins can be created to extend OpenUSD functionality