Universal Scene Description

Universal Scene Description (USD) is a framework for interchange of 3D computer graphics data. The framework focuses on collaboration, non-destructive editing, and enabling multiple views and opinions about graphics data.[1] USD is used in many industries including visual effects, architecture, design, robotics, CAD, and rendering.[2][3]

USD
Filename extension
.usd, .usda, .usdc, .usdz
Developed byAlliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD)
Type of format3D computer graphics
Websiteaousd.org

History

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It is developed by Pixar and was first published as open source software in 2016, under a modified Apache license.[4] Pixar, Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, and NVIDIA, together with the Joint Development Foundation (JDF) of the Linux Foundation, announced the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) on August 1, 2023 to "promote the standardization, development, evolution, and growth of Pixar's Universal Scene Description technology."[5]

File formats

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File formats used by the specification include:[6][7]

  • .usd, which can be either ASCII or binary-encoded
  • .usda, ASCII encoded
  • .usdc, binary encoded
  • .usdz, a package file which is a zero-compression, unencrypted zip archive, which may contain usd, usda, usdc, png, jpeg, m4a, mp3, and wav files.

Support

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See also

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  • Alembic (interchangeable computer graphics file format)
  • glTF (Graphics Language Transmission Format)

References

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  1. ^ "Introduction to USD". graphics.pixar.com. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  2. ^ "Pixar Universal Scene Description (USD)". NVIDIA Developer. 2019-07-16. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
  3. ^ "Introduction to USD — Universal Scene Description 24.08 documentation".
  4. ^ "Pixar open-sources its Universal Scene Description | CG Channel". Retrieved 2022-06-26.
  5. ^ "Pixar, Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, and NVIDIA Form Alliance for OpenUSD to Drive Open Standards for 3D Content". Retrieved 2023-08-03.
  6. ^ Sanders, James (2018-06-05). "Apple's USDZ AR file format: What you need to know". TechRepublic. Retrieved 2019-08-08.
  7. ^ "USD Documentation : Usdz File Format Specification". Pixar Graphics Technologies. 2018. Retrieved 2020-06-02.
  8. ^ "Universal Scene Description". Retrieved 2020-02-15.
  9. ^ Blender 3.0: Pipeline, Assets & IO - USD Importer
  10. ^ USD Import and Export in Blender
  11. ^ "Supported File Formats". maxon.net (in German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese). Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  12. ^ "Solaris | SideFX". www.sidefx.com. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  13. ^ "mesh2mesh Support - Supported Formats". Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  14. ^ "NVIDIA Omniverse™". NVIDIA Developer. 2019-03-11. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  15. ^ "What's new in Davinci Resolve 18.5 beta". Retrieved 2023-04-17.
  16. ^ "Release of Fusion Studio 18.5". Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  17. ^ Paul, Katie (2022-06-21). "Meta and other tech giants form metaverse standards body, without Apple". Reuters. Retrieved 2022-06-22 – via www.reuters.com.
  18. ^ Casserly, Martyn. "Everything you need to know about Apple's new USDZ augmented-reality file format". Macworld UK. Retrieved 2019-08-08.
  19. ^ Horaczek, Stan (2018-06-15). "Apple and Pixar created a new file format for augmented reality on your phone". Popular Science. Retrieved 2019-08-08.
  20. ^ "Rhino 8 Feature: USD (Universal Scene Description) Export". McNeel Forum. 2023-07-06. Retrieved 2023-08-03.
  21. ^ "Products Using USD — Universal Scene Description 24.08 documentation".
  22. ^ https://dev.epicgames.com/community/learning/talks-and-demos/pvRl/state-of-the-universal-scene-description-usd-format-in-unreal-engine
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