.vta File Extension

Learn what a Valve VTA vertex-animation file contains, how to open it, and how Poly supports it.

File extension details for .vta

Partial Support
File typeValve vertex animation
MIME type
EncodingPlain-text per-vertex animation samples
Operating systemsWindows, macOS, Linux
Opens withBlender with a VTA importer, Crowbar
Poly supportPartial. Poly recognizes valid VTA data when its structure is supported.
Indexed by PolyYes. Poly indexes the filename and available scene metadata.
Preview in PolyNo standalone geometry preview. VTA animation needs its compatible mesh.
Poly agentPartial. An optimized rendition is available when VTA contributes to a compatible scene; it is not a standalone object.

What kind of file is a .vta?

VTA is Valve's text-based vertex-animation format. It stores per-vertex positions for animation frames and is applied to a matching mesh; it does not define a complete textured object by itself.1

How do I open a .vta?

Use Blender with a VTA importer or Crowbar, together with the matching Source mesh. Check vertex counts, frame timing, and animation bindings after import.

Poly support for .vta

Poly recognizes .vta under model/x-smd and indexes its filename and available metadata. Because VTA has no complete mesh, it has no standalone object preview. A compatible scene lets the animation contribute to agent understanding.

Working with .vta files

Keep the original and export through a Source-aware tool when moving to another scene format. Verify vertex ordering and animation timing after conversion.1

Footnotes

  1. Valve. Vertex Animation. Documents VTA vertex-animation data and its mesh dependency. 2
© Poly Corp. 2026