Looking to switch 3D packages while continuing to use legacy content? Expand your pipeline to include multiple 3D applications? Universal, 3D-asset-exchange via the FBX® file format removes data compatibility barriers, giving you the freedom to build the most efficient pipeline for your projects. The FBX open-standard, platform-independent 3D file format – the most widely used and supported 3D file format on the market today.

FBX plug-ins are included with Autodesk® Maya® software and Autodesk® 3ds Max® software, providing high-levels of interoperability between these packages and with Autodesk® MotionBuilder™ software, which supports FBX natively. Also available is the FBX plug-in for QuickTime 7, a component plug-in for Apple® QuickTime® that lets you play back and interact with 3D files from any major 3D application inside QuickTime. These plug-ins are available at no-charge on this website.

If you have any questions about the FBX plug-ins, please contact us at fbxplugins@autodesk.com

Support for a Wide Range of 3D and 2D Data
FBX supports all major 3D data elements, as well as 2D audio and video media elements. This means you can interchange all major NURBS and polygon surface types, keyframe and mocap animation, shapes and morph targets, materials and textures, lights, cameras, hierarchical information; and character animation data including IK, envelopes, and deformations – and the list grows with each new release.

High-Fidelity Data Conversion
Enjoy robust, accurate data translation. An intelligent conversion library lets you precisely convert and transfer production data between various applications. FBX delivers a particularly high level of interoperability between Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, and Autodesk MotionBuilder – enhanced with each release.

Community Support
Autodesk offers free user-to-user discussion forums for FBX plug-in issues in the FBX Plug-in and Converter Forums.

The Autodesk FBX SDK is a free, easy-to-use, C++ software development platform and API toolkit that allows application and content vendors to transfer existing content into the FBX format with minimal effort.

If you have any questions about the Autodesk FBX SDK, please contact fbxsdk@autodesk.com

Robust Conversion Capabilities
The FBX SDK has garnered a great deal of praise from the 3D development community for its robust conversion capabilities. This includes the ability to convert animation and geometry data across multiple data structures, as well as the ability to parse data files of various origins into data structures, which can then be accessed by the application or tool being written.

Multiple Formats, Multiple Platforms
The FBX SDK gives you the freedom to work on your platform of choice – Windows®, Mac OS® X, Irix®,or Linux® operating systems. Plus, the SDK can read/write multiple formats –.fbx, .3ds, .obj and Collada – without additional plug-ins. This means you get access to these formats without having to learn a new API.

Technical Support
Technical Support for the FBX SDK is provided through the Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) Sparks® third-party developer program. The ADN Sparks program is based on an annual membership fee. More information on program details, benefits, and pricing is available at http://www.autodesk.com/joinadn.

Any questions regarding the support offerings for the FBX SDK should be directed to ADN.Sparks@autodesk.com.

FBX Programmers Guide (pdf - 2.2 MB)

The source code for the Autodesk® FBX® reader and writer allows developers to adapt and extend the FBX format for use in custom pipelines, and thus protect their investment in their FBX plug-ins. In addition, the source code for the COLLADA reader and writer is also included.

FBX SDK Extensions Programmers Guide (pdf - 226 kb)

This free, downloadable utility lets you convert OBJ, DXF, COLLADA and 3DS files to the FBX file format, and vice versa. This means you can transfer your entertainment, design, or visualization project data from one 3D application to another – including any professional 3D animation package.

Community Support
Autodesk offers free user-to-user discussion forums for FBX converter issues in the FBX Plug-in and Converter Forums.