How to Convert COB to JSON?
Convert COB to JSON without the frustration. Follow our clear step-by-step guide and rely on our powerful tool for consistent, accurate output:
📥 Download and Install
Download and install Autoconverter on your system. This application will let you to convert your COB files to JSON format - no additional CAD software required.
📂 Open Your COB File
Go to File > Open… to load your COB file (*.cob, *.scn), or drag and drop it directly into the application window. The model loads into the 3D viewport for inspection before converting.
💾 Save As JSON Format
Go to File > Save As…, select JSON (*.json, *.cityjson) as the output format, choose your destination folder and filename, then click Save to complete the COB to JSON conversion.
Caligari TrueSpace COB File Format
The COB file format was developed by Caligari Corporation for its 3D modeling and animation software, TrueSpace. COB files store complete 3D scene data including geometry, materials, textures, lights, and animation. Though TrueSpace is now discontinued, COB remains an essential format for preserving and converting legacy 3D content.
Key Features of COB Files
- Full 3D Scene Storage: COB files encapsulate entire scenes with objects, lighting, cameras, and animation data.
- Two Format Variants:
- ASCII COB: Human-readable format ideal for manual inspection and debugging.
- Binary COB: Compact format optimized for performance and faster loading times.
- Material & Texture Support: Includes surface colors, image textures, and basic shading information.
- Geometry Types: Supports both NURBS-based and polygon mesh 3D models for greater flexibility.
COB File Conversion Tools
Use Autoconverter and Automesher Application to import and convert COB files into modern 3D formats such as FBX, OBJ, SKP, STEP, and SAT. Our converters retain crucial data including UV mapping, materials, and mesh topology by utilizing the Open Asset Import Library (Assimp) for accurate and reliable file processing.
Note: COB files can only be imported - exporting to COB format is not supported.
3D City Model (CityJSON) File
The CityJSON file format is a modern, JSON-based (JavaScript Object Notation) standard designed for storing and exchanging 3D city models. It efficiently encodes buildings, roads, bridges, urban furniture, and other city objects, offering strong support for textures, semantics, and detailed metadata. CityJSON is a lightweight alternative to CityGML, optimized for simplicity, web integration, and high-performance applications.
Key Features of CityJSON Files
- JSON Simplicity: CityJSON files are lightweight, human-readable, and easily parsed by common programming languages, avoiding the complexity of XML structures like in CityGML.
- Semantic Data: Preserves rich metadata, including building heights, roof shapes, material classifications, and road types, enhancing 3D GIS and urban analysis.
- LOD (Level of Detail) Support: Manages multiple levels of detail (LOD1 through LOD4) to suit diverse visualization, simulation, and analysis needs.
- Web-Friendly Format: Perfect for 3D web visualization and integration with JavaScript libraries like Cesium and Three.js.
- Open and Extensible: Developed by the 3D Geoinformation Group (Delft University of Technology), CityJSON is an open standard that promotes interoperability and innovation.
- File Extension Note: Both CityJSON and GeoJSON use the .json extension - ensure you verify the file structure before processing to avoid errors.
CityJSON File Conversion Made Easy
With Autoconverter and Automesher Application, you can seamlessly import, export, and convert CityJSON files into formats like STL, OBJ, SKP (SketchUp), and 3DS. Our tools preserve geometric precision and semantic information, making it easy to integrate 3D city models into your CAD, GIS, and 3D visualization workflows.
Streamline Your 3D City Modeling Today
Optimize your urban planning, GIS projects, and 3D web applications with powerful CityJSON file conversion. Try Autoconverter and Automesher Application now and unlock the full potential of CityJSON in your workflows!
COB vs JSON - Comparison
The table below presents a practical comparison of COB and JSON file formats for 3D modeling, CAD, or GIS applications.
| Feature | COB | JSON |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .cob, .scn | .json, .cityjson |
| Name | Caligari TrueSpace Object | CityJSON |
| Textures | ❌ | ✅ |
| Colors | ✅ | ✅ |
| Geometry Components | ❌ | ✅ |
| User Attributes | ❌ | ✅ |
| Quads | ❌ | ✅ |
| Importers | ||
| Exporters | 🚫 |
More COB and JSON Conversion Guides
Don't let COB to JSON conversion slow you down. Our practical guides below make COB files conversion fast, clean, and straightforward:
- ⚙️ 3D Mesh File Converter (STL, OBJ, STEP, SKP & 30+ Formats)
- 📂 Batch Convert 3D Files: STEP, STL, OBJ, SKP & 30+ Formats
👉 Don't let COB and JSON format conversion slow you down. Try our COB to JSON converter and complete your conversion in seconds with unmatched precision.