On our Windows computer we regularly use all kinds of files. Many of us know them, because we work with them on a daily basis, so we know what to do with them and how to open them. However, on other occasions we may come across files that we have never worked with, that we are not familiar with and that we do not know how to deal with. This may be the case with FBX files, which we are going to talk about today.
The world of 3D design is a sector that has been growing exponentially over time, both at the hardware and software levels. In this way we find many programs that we can use to deal with this type of three-dimensional files, there are several formats with which we can work in these environments, such as FBX files that allow us to work in a shared and simultaneous way between several 3D content creation applications from different developers.
What is FBX file format
An FBX file is a format used to be able to exchange 3D geometry and animation data . Different programs can be used to be able to open, edit and export both 2D and 3D files. In general, these types of files are especially used in the development of movies, games, augmented reality and virtual reality.
Created by the Canadian company Kaydera, it was developed as a software to record data from motion capture devices, being able to store all data from action scenes, camera and geometry. It was later renamed Filmox, with the FBX file extension, becoming a file extension for 3D and video-related content. After going through other companies, in 2006 Autodesk finally took ownership of the program and the FBX file format.
Although the FBX format is proprietary to Autodesk, many modeling and animation applications can open this type of file. In this way, many creators have the possibility of sharing 3D models among themselves using this format, which is really efficient, since it is not in vain that it is capable of storing models as binary data.
how they can be used
Today, developers are using FBX models to be able to exchange detailed geometric data as well as animation data, including textures and colors, between applications and platforms. It should be noted that most virtual reality and augmented reality platforms are capable of easily importing FBX files without the need for conversion.
However, when importing an FBX file, our program may not be able to import certain types of important data, such as polygons or lights. Likewise, we can also find problems when exporting textures. While the default format for these types of files is binary , you can also save a file in the older ASCII format. In this way, we can open an ASCII file with a text editor, such as Notepad, to solve the problem. Of course, as far as possible it is not recommended to edit text files as they can easily distort the code.
Advantages and limitations of this format
FBX files are especially useful for exchanging 3D graphics, animations, and virtual reality files, so they are often used by artists who work with various types of equipment and applications. Among its advantages, it stands out for offering 2D and 3D support so that it can be channeled efficiently by most programs.
It is capable of quickly rendering skeleton animations, cameras, lighting effects, and even textures and colors between programs. In addition, it can be converted to formats such as OBJ, DXF, 3DS and DAE to adapt to the needs of each project or to the functionality of our editing program.
Although this is a widely used file format, it also has some limitations . For example, we are dealing with a proprietary file format with a closed license. Imports are usually slow, so it is only recommended to really export those that we need. In addition, the preservation of their attributes during the import and export of these files will be based largely on the knowledge we have of the source and destination programs.
How to open files in Windows
Next, we are going to see different free programs that we can use to be able to open files in FBX format.
AutoDesk FBX Viewer
This free tool signed by AutoDesk will allow us to view FBX files, being compatible with platforms such as Windows, macOS and iOS. It is considered one of the best programs to view this type of files in particular, in addition to others related to 3D design.
Therefore, when opening an FBX file in this program, we are presented with different options to switch between the textures , frames, shadows and lighting. At the same time it has support for dealing with various user -created camera angles , and allows us to easily switch between them. The software allows the user to view 3D content without using a 3D authoring tool, thereby helping to speed asset sharing and review for development teams. By using it, it is possible to switch between shading modes, animations, cameras and lighting options to better evaluate your 3D content. We can download it from this link to its official website .
ClockStone FBX Viewer
We are talking about another FBX file viewer that is characterized by being very light and free for Windows. It is a very easy to use tool and supports several 3D file formats, in addition to the aforementioned FBX. It also has various functions for 3D treatment such as real-time shading, post-rendering effects, and at the same time you can easily view all the properties of FBX files.
When executing the program, the first thing it will ask us is to select the 3D file that we want to open and then interact with the three-dimensional model, dragging and adjusting the zoom level with the scrolling of the mouse wheel. On the other hand, from the menu bar we can access the shading , view , and effects options, in addition to viewing all the properties of the FBX file we are dealing with.
We can download ClockStone FBX Viewer for free from its website.
Paint 3D
In this selection of programs with which to open 3D files, one that is integrated into the Microsoft operating system, both in Windows 10 and Windows 11, such as the popular Paint 3D, could not be missing.
It is a program that allows us to view FBX files in Windows and that represents an evolution of Paint, the legendary program from Redmond. In fact, Paint 3D allows us to develop 2D and 3D models and interact with them, supporting various 3D file formats that you can open and view .
Of course, the tool does not offer many other additional options , since it only shows the 3D model and allows us to see it from all angles, but there are no shadows, lighting, metallic structure or any other option. Even so, it can be considered as a quick option to view FBX files in case we don’t want to install other software exclusively for this purpose.
In case we have uninstalled it, we can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store .
blender
Users used to working with 3D files may be familiar with Blender. It is an open source 3D infographic software, which we can also use to create 3D models, visual effects, animations and interactive three-dimensional applications.
It is one of the most versatile solutions to view FBX files, although with this software we will not only be able to interact with the FBX data, but we will also be able to edit and modify it. In this way, the program offers us information regarding shadows, effects, lighting, perspectives and many more advanced options.
It is also important to note that we have the ability to view an FBX file by layers and view all its content from within Blender itself. In order to correctly view an FBX file in Blender, it will be necessary to click on the File tab, then on Import and click on Import an FBX file.
We can download the latest version of Blender from its website.
bforartists
Another of these programs for the treatment of FBX files is Bforartist. It is a powerful and powerful software suite for 3D content similar to Blender that puts in our hands many features and tools to view, create and manipulate 3D content .
The program has a very easy-to-use user interface that allows us to open an FBX file in Windows and view all its data, including shadows, lighting, or effects, all layer by layer, for later processing. We can also edit the content of the FBX file, add/remove layers, add new elements and save it as a new FBX file.
To correctly open this file format, it is necessary to click on the File tab, then on Import and click on Import an FBX file. We can download Bforartist for free from the developer’s website .