.afg — Autodesk FBX Geometry Cache
Autodesk · 2011
.afg files store animated 3D model geometry data for efficient playback and transfer between software.
Key Features
- Stores animated vertex data and transformations.
- Optimized for real-time playback and performance.
- Facilitates efficient animation transfer between 3D applications.
- Binary format for compact storage of temporal geometry.
Best For
- Storing and transferring animated 3D geometry.
- Optimizing playback of complex animations.
- Interoperability of animation data between FBX-compatible software.
- Caching dynamic simulation results.
Less Ideal For
- Storing static 3D models.
- Archiving entire 3D scenes with lighting and materials.
- Text-based data or configuration files.
- General-purpose image or video storage.
Common Use Cases
- Transferring character animations to game engines.
- Caching complex simulations like cloth or fluid dynamics.
- Sharing animated asset data between different DCC (Digital Content Creation) tools.
- Reducing scene complexity in real-time applications.
How to Open It
- Import into 3D modeling software like Autodesk Maya or 3ds Max via the FBX importer.
- Load within game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine through their FBX import pipelines.
- Some specialized animation or rendering tools might offer direct AFG import functionality.
What is a .afg file?
The .afg file extension is used for Autodesk FBX Geometry Cache files. These files store animated 3D model data, specifically the vertex deformations and transformations over time. They are crucial for transferring complex character animations and dynamic simulations between different 3D software applications that support the FBX format. Unlike standard FBX files which contain the entire scene, geometry cache files are optimized for performance and storage of animation data alone. This allows for faster playback and editing of animated sequences in real-time applications like game engines.
Programs That Open .afg Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Autodesk Maya | Paid | Official |
| Autodesk 3ds Max | Paid | Official | |
| Blender | Free | ||
| macOS | Autodesk Maya | Paid | Official |
| Blender | Free | ||
| Linux | Blender | Free |
How to Convert .afg Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .FBX | Autodesk software, Blender |
| .ABC | Autodesk software, Blender |
Common Problems with .afg Files
Frequently Asked Questions
An .fbx file can contain a whole 3D scene including models, textures, lights, and animations. An .afg file specifically stores only the animated geometry data, optimized for caching and playback of deformations.
No, .afg files are primarily for playback and transfer. Direct editing of the animation data is typically done in the original 3D modeling software and then re-cached into an .afg or exported as a new FBX.
No, .afg files are binary files and are not designed to be read or edited directly in a text editor.
Technical Details
AFG files are a specialized binary format derived from the FBX standard, focusing solely on temporal geometric data. They are typically used in conjunction with an FBX scene file, which provides the model's static mesh and rigging information. The cache stores vertex positions and transformations frame by frame, enabling real-time rendering of complex animations without needing to recompute the entire animation graph.