OBJ and FBX are both popular file formats used in 3D computer graphics, but they have some key differences in terms of features and capabilities. Here are the main differences between OBJ and FBX formats:
File Size and Compression: FBX files generally have smaller file sizes compared to OBJ files. FBX employs various compression techniques, resulting in more compact file sizes, especially when dealing with complex scenes or animations. OBJ files, on the other hand, are typically larger due to their simplistic structure and lack of built-in compression.
Geometry and Material Support: Both formats support basic geometry information, such as vertices, faces, and UV coordinates. However, FBX has more comprehensive support for advanced features like skeletal animation, skinning, blend shapes, and custom attributes. It also handles material and texture information more efficiently, allowing for complex material setups and texture mapping.
Animation and Rigging: FBX is widely used for animation and rigging purposes. It can store skeletal animations, including joint hierarchies, keyframes, and animation curves. FBX supports the transfer of animated data between different software applications, making it a preferred choice for character animation pipelines. OBJ, on the other hand, does not have built-in support for animation or rigging and is primarily used for static 3D geometry.
Software Compatibility: FBX is a proprietary file format developed by Autodesk and is well-supported in major 3D software applications such as Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, and Unity. Many software packages can import and export FBX files, making it a versatile format for collaboration and asset exchange. OBJ, on the other hand, is an open standard that is widely supported by various 3D software applications, making it a more accessible and universal format for sharing static 3D models.
Custom Data and Metadata: FBX allows for the inclusion of custom data and metadata, such as custom attributes, user-defined properties, and animation layers. This flexibility enables the transfer of additional information related to objects, materials, or animation setups between software applications. OBJ, in contrast, has limited support for custom data and primarily focuses on the basic geometric and texture information.