Convert COB to IFC - 3D File Conversion in Seconds

Convert COB to IFC

COB to IFC Conversion

Converting COB to IFC has never been easier - just follow this quick guide:

  1. Install Autoconverter

    Download and install Autoconverter on your system. Launch the software to convert COB files to IFC format.

  2. Import COB File

    Click Open... to load your COB file (.cob, .scn), or drag and drop it into the application window.

  3. Export to IFC Format

    Use Save As... to export your file to the IFC file format (.ifc).

Still need assistance with COB to IFC conversion? These professional tutorials make COB files conversion simple:


COB Caligari TrueSpace Object File

A proprietary 3D file type created by Caligari Corporation for their TrueSpace modeling and animation software. This format was designed to store complete 3D scenes including geometry, materials, and animation data from TrueSpace projects. While the software is no longer actively developed, COb files remain important for working with legacy 3D assets and converting older TrueSpace creations to modern formats.

Key Features of COB

  • Complete 3D Scene Storage: COB files save entire 3D scenes including models, lights, and cameras in a single file.
  • COB File Formats: There are two types of COB files:
    • ASCII - Human-readable for manual edits and debugging in any text editor.
    • Binary - Smaller file sizes and faster loading for complex 3D scenes.
  • Material Support: The COB format stores color, texture, and basic material properties for 3D objects.
  • NURBS and Mesh Data: Supports both NURBS surfaces and polygonal mesh geometry types.

COB File Conversion

Autoconverter and Automesher Application support importing COB files (TrueSpace format) and converting them to other 3D formats like STEP, SAT, FBX, SKP, and OBJ. The conversion preserves key elements including materials, textures, and UV coordinates from the original COB file. This is made possible through our use of the Open Asset Import Library, which ensures reliable cross-platform conversions. Note that only import is supported - you cannot export back to COB format.


IFC Industrial Foundation Classes File

It is an open, ISO-certified standard (ISO 16739) specifically designed for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As a vendor-neutral format, IFC enables seamless data exchange and interoperability between different software applications, eliminating proprietary barriers in collaborative projects.

IFC Format Capabilities

The IFC format can store comprehensive project data for AEC workflows, including but not limited to:

  • Geometry: The IFC standard captures detailed 3D representations through multiple entity types including solids, surfaces, curves, and point clouds.
  • Units: Each model component specifies its measurement system (meters, inches, degrees, or radians) for precise interpretation.
  • Materials: IFC's material system controls visual properties through RGBA values (0-1 range) for accurate color and transparency settings.
  • Instances: Through IFC's mapping system, identical geometries can be referenced multiple times, optimizing storage and performance.
  • Structure: IFC organizes projects hierarchically using named components with unique identifiers, enabling complex project management.
  • BIM: As a BIM-native (Building Information Modeling) format, IFC stores building information like properties, constraints, and relationships alongside geometry.

IFC File Conversion

Autoconverter and Automesher Application support IFC format, allowing you to import and export IFC models seamlessly. You can edit custom properties of IFC geometries and convert them to various 3D file formats. However please note that some IFC-specific features might not be fully supported in other formats and could be lost during conversion.


COB vs IFC Comparison

Property COB IFC
Extensions .cob, .scn .ifc
Name Caligari TrueSpace Object Industry Foundation Classes
Versions
  • Min: IFC2x3
  • Max: IFC4x3 ADD2
Textures
Colors
Geometry components
Readers
Writers