Export an OpenUSD scene
Choose OpenUSD encoding, composition, hierarchy, units, up axis, origin, instancing and data controls for a local USD pipeline.
- Applies to
- Current Prism release · Navisworks Manage 2025–2027
- Availability
- Ultra and eligible Pilot access; requires the installed OpenUSD component
- For
- Advanced visualization and scene-pipeline teams
- Last reviewed
Choose the USD deliverable
| Encoding | Use |
|---|---|
| .usd | General extension using the selected physical encoding. |
| .usda | Human-readable ASCII layer for inspection and version control on manageable scenes. |
| .usdc | Binary Crate layer for compact, efficient scene delivery. |
| Root + .assets | Relative source payload layers for composition and source separation. |
Configure the stage
- Choose a single layer, source payload composition or per-model independent layers according to the downstream pipeline.
- Use full hierarchy, storey grouping or flat elements based on selection and scene-management needs.
- Set stage units and Z-up/Y-up explicitly to match the receiving application.
- Use Federation center for stable coordinates, Preserve world for an absolute local frame, or an explicit XYZ origin shared with the receiver.
- Preserve stable prototypes/instances when the consumer supports them; expand when interoperability requires independent meshes.
- Select typed properties and Preview Surface material data deliberately; avoid exporting unnecessary model metadata.
OpenUSD requirements and limitations
Prism uses an isolated packaged OpenUSD 26.05 runtime. OpenUSD becomes available after Prism verifies Ultra access and the installed component. A separate OpenUSD installation does not enable this export format.
Validate the USD result
Review Prism validation
Resolve stage, layer, path, prim, reference and finite-coordinate errors before publication.
Open the root layer
Use the exact destination and confirm every relative payload resolves without absolute machine paths.
Check stage orientation and units
Measure a known object and compare the agreed origin.
Check hierarchy and instances
Confirm selection, source payloads, prototypes and repeated placements behave as planned.
Check materials/properties
Verify supported Preview Surface appearance and typed property mapping in the receiver.