.dae File Extension

Learn what a .dae file contains, which applications open it, and how Poly supports this 3D format.

File extension details for .dae

Full Support
File typeCOLLADA scene
MIME type
EncodingXML text
Operating systemsWindows, macOS, Linux
Opens withBlender, Autodesk Maya
Poly supportYes. Poly recognizes valid COLLADA scene files and makes supported geometry and scene metadata available.
Indexed by PolyYes. Poly indexes the filename and creates visual similarity information for supported 3D content; available metadata is shown in details.
Preview in PolyYes. Poly previews supported COLLADA scene geometry and scene content.
Poly agentYes. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files.

What kind of file is a .dae?

COLLADA is an XML interchange format for digital assets. A document can describe geometry, materials, effects, scene nodes, cameras, lights, and animation, with resources connected through XML references. The suffix normally uses the model/vnd.collada+xml MIME type.1

How do I open a .dae?

Blender and Autodesk Maya are established COLLADA authoring applications. Use either when you need to inspect or edit the scene, then export to GLB for compact interactive delivery, or 3MF when additive-manufacturing metadata is the priority.

Poly support for .dae

Poly previews supported geometry, makes the filename searchable, and provides visual similarity for supported 3D content. Available mesh and scene metadata appears in the details panel. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files.

ConstructPoly handling
GeometryMeshes and geometric sources
MaterialsEffects, materials, and image references when represented
SceneNodes, transforms, cameras, lights, and animation may be represented
Poly limitationPreview fidelity depends on the constructs present

Download the original when you need editing, simulation, print preparation, or exact project round-tripping.

History and alternatives

Khronos introduced COLLADA in 2006 as an open interchange specification for moving digital assets between authoring tools. Its broad schema supports more than a single mesh, but applications can interpret optional constructs differently. 1

Choose glTF or GLB for interactive scenes, OBJ for straightforward mesh exchange, and 3MF for manufacturing packages. Convert with a format-aware application and verify materials, scale, transforms, and resource paths afterward.

Footnotes

  1. Khronos Group. COLLADA. 2
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