.usdc File Extension
.usdc file is, how to open binary USD scenes, and how Poly supports USDC files. File extension details for .usdc
Partial Support| File type | Universal Scene Description binary crate |
|---|---|
| MIME type | |
| Encoding | Binary USD crate |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Opens with | usdview, Blender |
| Poly support | Yes. Poly recognizes USDC scenes and makes supported geometry and scene metadata available. |
| Indexed by Poly | Yes. Poly indexes the filename and creates visual similarity information for supported 3D content; available scene metadata is shown in details. |
| Preview in Poly | Yes. Poly previews supported USDC geometry and scene content. |
| Poly agent | Yes. 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 .usdc?
A .usdc file is the binary crate representation of a Universal Scene Description stage. The crate format is designed for compact storage and efficient random access, while retaining USD's scene composition model for geometry, transforms, materials, variants, and other scene data.1
USDC can still reference other USD files and image assets. Binary encoding makes the file less convenient to inspect manually, but it does not by itself make a stage self-contained.
How do I open a .usdc?
Use usdview or a 3D application with USD import support, such as Blender. A text editor cannot meaningfully display the binary scene. If you need to review the authored values or compare changes line by line, export a copy as .usda from a USD-aware application.
For delivery with related assets, consider .usdz. Exporting is required to change representation; renaming .usdc to .usda does not make it text.
Poly support for .usdc
Poly recognizes .usdc as model/x-usdc, previews supported geometry, makes the filename searchable, and records available scene metadata in the details panel. Visual similarity helps locate related 3D content. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files.
| Construct | Poly handling |
|---|---|
| Mesh geometry, transforms, and scene hierarchy | Supported when present and valid; declared Y-up and Z-up stages are respected |
| Materials and textures | Supported when representable and available with the stage |
| References to other files | Companion files uploaded separately are not assembled into the stage; missing geometry can prevent a preview, while missing optional textures can change appearance |
| Cameras and lights | Not retained in the Poly rendition |
| Animation | Supported clips may be represented, but complete USD animation playback is not promised |
History and alternatives
OpenUSD describes USDC as its binary crate format, alongside USDA as the text representation and USDZ as a delivery package.1 USDC is a practical choice when a scene should remain in USD while taking less space and opening efficiently in production tools.
Use .usda for readable source text, .usd when the representation is intentionally generic, or .usdz when related files need to travel together. A suffix change does not convert a file.
Footnotes
- OpenUSD. USD Frequently Asked Questions. ↩ ↩2