3D software applications are used to create models of objects in three-dimensions (width, length, and depth). Once an object has been designed in 3D, it can be added to a 3D scene and if required, animated. 3D files are commonly used in computer games, images and animations (moving pictures).
3D models generally consist of lines and vertices that represent the model's shape. Once the wire-frame is complete, a 2D image may be mapped to the model to represent detail and surface texture.
CAD applications also use 3D models but are more commonly used in the manufacturing industry to describe geometric data, which is then used to instruct a machine to create a real-world replica of the 3D object.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) file formats are also included in this listing.
