Universal Scene Description (USD) is a powerful framework for the interchange of 3D computer graphics data. Originally developed by Pixar, USD was designed to handle complex, heavy scenes seamlessly across multiple digital content creation (DCC) tools.
A .usd file is more than just a container for geometry (like .usdc files). It encapsulates a wide range of data, including:
- Geometry
- Materials
- Animations
- Transforms (XForms)
This data is structured in stages, which you can think of as equivalent to a 3ds Max scene file (.max). These stages allow you to organize and manage different elements of a scene efficiently, enabling collaborative workflows.
Why is USD “Universal”?
The “Universal” in USD reflects its versatility. USD files are designed to work seamlessly across various DCC applications, making it easier to share, manipulate, and edit assets in tools like Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, and more.
Many studios are adopting USD as a solution for unifying their pipeline
In addition, USD files can be saved as .usda (an editable ASCII format) for direct manipulation in your IDE or as .usdc (a compact, binary format) for optimized storage and performance.
Developed to streamline workflows for large-scale productions, USD has become an industry standard for managing and exchanging complex scene data.
