IGES to DAE Conversion
Want to change IGES to DAE? Follow this simple step-by-step process:
Install Autoconverter
Download and install Autoconverter on your system. Launch the software to convert IGES files to DAE format.
Import IGES File
Click Open... to load your IGES (.igs, .iges) file, or drag and drop it into the application window.
Export to DAE Format
Use Save As... to export your file to the DAE mesh file format (.dae).
Still looking for reliable IGES to DAE conversion? These expert-approved guides make IGES files conversion easy:
- Revolutionizing 3D File Conversion Beyond Online Tools
- Batch Convert 3D Mesh Files with Autoconverter (STEP, STL, OBJ & More)
- Autoconverter Uses Vertex Normals to Display Smooth Meshes
- Convert Solid Meshes to Faceted BREP in STEP File
IGES File Format - Initial Graphics Exchange Explained
The IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) file format is widely used across CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) industries for transferring 3D models and complex designs between different software platforms. Developed in the 1980s and standardized by ANSI and ISO, IGES remains a crucial, legacy-neutral format for 3D data exchange, ensuring long-term interoperability.
What is an IGES (.IGS) File?
IGES files store detailed 3D CAD data using a text-based format that can represent wireframes, surfaces, and solid models. It enables seamless sharing of geometric information without dependency on proprietary software, making it ideal for collaborative projects across engineering, manufacturing, and design fields.
Key Features of the IGES/IGS Format
- Text-Based Geometry Storage: All geometric and structural data is saved in human-readable ASCII text, allowing easy manual editing but often resulting in larger file sizes for complex designs.
- Color Information: IGES supports color at the assembly level, preserving important visual distinctions between different components and parts in a model.
- Transparency Limitations: Unlike newer 3D file formats, IGES does not support transparency (alpha channels), meaning that opacity settings in original designs are not retained after export.
IGES/IGS File Conversion and Processing
Autoconverter offers complete read and write support for IGES files using the Open Cascade technology stack, ensuring full compatibility with the latest IGES specifications. It processes IGES data as triangulated mesh geometry for maximum compatibility. For workflows requiring preservation of native NURBS surfaces and smooth 3D definitions, we recommend using Autoshaper, which maintains original surface accuracy throughout the conversion process.
DAE File Format (COLLADA) - 3D Model Exchange Standard
DAE (Digital Asset Exchange) is a widely supported, XML-based 3D file format designed for seamless interoperability between digital content creation tools. Developed by Sony and maintained by the Khronos Group, the COLLADA standard enables the efficient exchange of complex 3D assets - including mesh geometries, materials, skeletons, and animation data—across different software platforms.
Key Features of DAE/COLLADA Files
- Reusable Geometry: Enables multiple objects to reference the same geometry instance, minimizing file size and improving performance.
- Multi-Texture Support: Supports advanced material properties with multiple texture images and coordinate sets for each mesh face.
- Opacity and Object Grouping: Allows control over transparency and organizes objects into named groups for easier scene editing and manipulation.
Convert DAE Files to Other 3D Formats
With Autoconverter and Autoshaper, you can accurately convert DAE (COLLADA) files to other popular 3D formats such as STL, OBJ, SKP, DWG, 3MF, and more. These tools use the open-source OpenCOLLADA framework to ensure full support for both COLLADA 1.4 and 1.5 specifications. Preserve animations, materials, and scene hierarchy with reliable conversion powered by OpenCOLLADA.
Streamline your 3D pipeline with powerful DAE file conversion tools - ideal for game developers, animators, and CAD professionals working across platforms.
IGES vs DAE Comparison
| Property | IGES | DAE |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .igs, .iges | .dae |
| Name | Initial Graphics Exchange Specification | Collada Digital Asset Exchange |
| Versions | ||
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components | ||
| Readers | ||
| Writers |