.ascm — Adobe Scene Cache Metafile
Adobe · 2023
An Adobe proprietary metadata file format for managing 3D scene assets and their properties within Substance 3D applications.
Key Features
- Stores metadata for 3D scenes, not primary assets.
- Facilitates scene management and asset referencing.
- Designed for efficient integration within Adobe's Substance 3D suite.
- Binary format for optimized performance.
Best For
- Users within the Adobe Substance 3D ecosystem.
- Organizing and referencing complex 3D scene data.
- Streamlining asset management in 3D projects.
- Maintaining project consistency and integrity.
Less Ideal For
- Storing primary 3D model geometry (e.g., .obj, .fbx).
- Storing texture images (e.g., .png, .jpg).
- Interoperability with non-Adobe 3D software.
- Archiving standalone 3D assets without context.
Common Use Cases
- Transferring scene configurations between Substance Painter and Substance Designer.
- Saving and loading project states with associated asset links.
- Managing complex 3D environments with multiple interdependent elements.
- Ensuring consistent material and texture assignments across a project.
How to Open It
- Open Substance 3D Painter and use 'File > Open' to load a scene that includes .ascm metadata.
- Open Substance 3D Designer and integrate .ascm files as part of a project workflow.
- These files are typically managed by the Substance 3D applications themselves and are not intended for direct manual editing or viewing outside of them.
What is a .ascm file?
The .ascm file format is a proprietary metadata file developed by Adobe, primarily used within their Substance 3D ecosystem. It stores essential information about 3D scene assets, including material properties, texture references, and scene graph hierarchy. This allows for efficient management and transfer of complex 3D scenes between different Substance applications. By separating metadata from the main scene data, .ascm files help streamline workflows and ensure consistency across projects. They are crucial for maintaining the integrity and structure of 3D projects within Adobe's creative suite.
Programs That Open .ascm Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Adobe Substance 3D Painter | Paid | Official |
| Adobe Substance 3D Designer | Paid | Official | |
| macOS | Adobe Substance 3D Painter | Paid | Official |
| Adobe Substance 3D Designer | Paid | Official |
Common Problems with .ascm Files
Frequently Asked Questions
No, .ascm files are binary files and contain proprietary metadata. They are not human-readable and must be opened by compatible Adobe Substance 3D applications.
No, .ascm files store metadata about 3D scenes, such as material properties and asset relationships, but not the actual 3D geometry or textures.
.sbspr files are substance painter project files, which can reference or embed .ascm metadata to manage scene information within that project.
Technical Details
.ascm files are binary files that contain meta-information about 3D scenes, rather than the actual 3D geometry or textures themselves. They reference external assets and define relationships between scene elements. The format is designed to be compact and efficient for quick loading and parsing by compatible Adobe software.