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“Are we planning to share something about 3D formats?” the product manager dropped this question in the chat. It was one of those evenings—not Christmas Eve, but close enough—and the question caught me off guard. Did I miss something big about 3D formats in our DAM? Turns out, I did. The team had been quietly prepping a major update for the holidays, and, honestly, I should’ve been the one bringing it up first: Pics.io was expanding its support for 3D formats.
My immediate reaction? “Can we hop on a call to go over this?” I needed a crash course in everything our product, Eugene, could tell me about 3D formats in DAM. And so, I found myself in one of those engrossing meetings where your coffee goes cold because the conversation is just that good.
Here’s the scoop: Pics.io now supports STL, GLB, FBX, PLY, and 3DS files! We’ve been handling OBJ files like pros for a while, but adding these formats takes it up a notch. Plus, we’ve nailed thumbnail previews and generation for 3D files, making it easier than ever to view, organize, and manage your 3D assets within our DAM system. This isn’t just a tweak—it’s a leap forward.
After that call, I was buzzing with questions. The first one? “Who uses these formats the most?”
Turns out, 3D formats like OBJ and STL aren’t just for tech enthusiasts or people tinkering with futuristic gadgets. They’re staples across industries. Product designers use them to perfect prototypes. Architects bring their visions of skyscrapers to life. Game developers build immersive worlds. These formats act as universal languages, connecting design tools, rendering engines, and even 3D printers.
STL is especially popular in 3D printing—think of it as the PDF of the 3D world. It’s simple, reliable, and works everywhere. OBJ, on the other hand, is the all-rounder, carrying rich details about textures, materials, and geometry. Together, these formats power industries like manufacturing, gaming, healthcare, and even education.
With Pics.io now supporting both STL and OBJ, we’re not just keeping up with the 3D trend—we’re paving the way. So, if you need a DAM that lets you work comfortably with 3D files, Pics.io has got you covered.
Researching the 3D DAM Landscape
After that call, I did what any self-respecting tech enthusiast would do: dive into research. I wanted to see how Pics.io stacked up against other DAM systems in the 3D space. What I discovered was both intriguing and, honestly, a little exciting. Some DAM platforms advertise 3D file support but only scratch the surface when it comes to functionality. Others offer robust 3D tools but come with a hefty price tag or require a steep learning curve to master.
Of course, I couldn’t resist the urge to create my own list—a personal “Top 7 DAM Solutions for 3D File Users.” This list is based on usability, features, and, let’s be real, overall vibes. I’ll admit, I’m a little biased toward Pics.io (can you blame me?), but it’s a genuine reflection of what’s out there.
Top 7 DAM Solutions for 3D Formats
Pics.io
Of course, I believe Pics.io is the top choice for managing 3D assets, and here's why.
Our platform supports OBJ, STL, GLB, FBX, PLY, and 3DS file formats, allowing you to preview your 3D models directly within the system. You can rotate, zoom in, and examine your models just as you would in specialized 3D software.
Organizing your 3D assets is straightforward with Pics.io. You can categorize files by project, team, or specific design iterations, and add metadata such as keywords and custom fields to streamline search and filtering. It's as intuitive as organizing your family photo album—if your family photos were high-quality 3D renderings.
Version control is another area where Pics.io excels. Our system helps you manage different versions of your assets, ensuring that all team members have access to the latest and most accurate files at all times. This feature is particularly useful when collaborating on complex 3D projects, as it maintains consistency and reduces the risk of errors.
Additionally, Pics.io offers advanced analytics and reporting tools. You can access up-to-date statistics on your media library's performance and create visual reports to monitor your team's efficiency. These insights are invaluable for optimizing workflows and making informed decisions about your 3D assets.
In summary, Pics.io provides a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for managing 3D files, making it an excellent choice for professionals seeking efficiency and reliability in their digital asset management.
Daminion
Daminion is a strong contender in the 3D DAM space, offering robust support for formats such as FBX, IGES, STP, STL, OBJ, and 3DS. Their tools for previewing and organizing assets are particularly well-suited for technical users, such as engineers and architects, who need precision and flexibility. That said, Daminion’s learning curve is a bit steeper compared to some other platforms. While it’s packed with features that make it a powerhouse for more technical workflows, it might not be as intuitive for beginners or teams looking for a quicker setup. Still, for those who need a highly capable DAM for advanced 3D asset management, Daminion delivers.
Cloudinary
Cloudinary offers robust support for 3D assets, accommodating formats like GLB, glTF, and FBX. Its platform enables seamless integration of 3D models into various applications, making it a versatile choice for developers and creative teams. With features such as automatic format conversion and interactive 3D viewers, Cloudinary simplifies the management and deployment of 3D content across different platforms. While it offers powerful tools for handling 3D assets, some advanced functionalities may require technical expertise to fully leverage. Therefore, Cloudinary is particularly well-suited for teams with development resources seeking to integrate 3D content into their digital experiences.
Brandfolder
Brandfolder has stepped up its game by enabling 3D asset previews and annotations, which is beneficial for teams managing multimedia content. From videos to 3D prototypes, Brandfolder’s versatility stands out. It’s particularly useful for brands that need to manage various asset types within a unified system. The downside? Its pricing structure can be prohibitive for smaller teams or businesses. That said, for organizations that prioritize cross-functional collaboration and rich multimedia management, Brandfolder is worth considering.
Bynder
Bynder has made strides in expanding its 3D capabilities, focusing on simplifying complex asset management tasks. Its clean, user-friendly interface is advantageous for teams that might find managing 3D assets challenging. However, its 3D tools, while intuitive, may lack some of the advanced customization features found in other solutions. For teams prioritizing ease of use over depth of functionality, Bynder is a solid option.
Canto
Canto offers basic 3D file support as part of its broader DAM platform. While it’s not as specialized for 3D asset management as some other platforms, it’s suitable for teams already using Canto for 2D and video assets. Its simplicity and user-friendly design make it a reasonable choice for teams that occasionally work with 3D assets but don’t require advanced tools. However, if 3D is a core part of your workflow, you may find its features somewhat limited.
OpenAsset
OpenAsset is designed with architects, engineers, and construction (AEC) professionals in mind. Its 3D tools are tailored for integrating assets directly into project workflows, making it a suitable choice for teams in these fields. OpenAsset focuses on simplifying the organization of project-specific files, ensuring that teams can access and utilize 3D assets efficiently. While it’s highly specialized, it might not be the best choice for industries outside the AEC space or for teams seeking broader multimedia support.
Here’s a little cheat sheet I put together while researching the niche. Hopefully, this format comparison comes in handy for you too!
Why 3D Formats and DAM Are a Perfect Match
3D files are complex. They’re huge, detailed, and often tricky to manage without the right tools. That’s where DAM systems come in. A good DAM doesn’t just store files; it makes them accessible, searchable, and actionable. For industries relying on 3D—whether it’s product design, gaming, or manufacturing—having a DAM that understands STL and OBJ is like having a translator who speaks fluent “geek.”
At Pics.io, we’re not stopping with OBJ, STL, GLB, FBX, PLY, and 3DS. Our goal is to make the platform even more versatile for 3D users. So, if you’re tinkering with other formats, keep an eye on us. We’re just getting started.
Did you enjoy this article? Give Pics.io a try — or book a demo with us, and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions.
