What Is DAE File Format? How to Open and Convert DAE File?

DAE file is an abbreviation for Digital Asset Exchange File, which is used by various graphics programs to exchange digital data, images, textures, 3D models, etc.

DAE files are based on the XML COLLADA format, and DAE is also an abbreviation for technical terms such as disk array enclosure or digital audio engine.

How do I open a DAE file?

DAE files can be imported into Adobe Photoshop, SketchUp, Chief Architect, DAZ Studio, Cheetah3D, Cinema 4D, MODO, as well as Autodesk AutoCAD, 3ds Max, and Maya, and other free applications such as the Blender.

These programs require the installation of the COLLADA plug-in for Maya and 3ds Max, and Blender also requires the installation of the COLLADA plug-in to open DAE files.

Linux users can use GLC Player to open DAE files. macOS users can use Apple Preview to open DAE files. Some DAE files can also be opened with Esko free Studio Viewer.

Clara.io is an easy way to view DAE files in a web browser, so you don’t have to download any software, and it is free to use.

Programs that can open text files should also be able to open DAEs, but this is not ideal because it only displays text, and the best way to view 3D DAE files is to use a professional viewer.

How to convert DAE file?

The easiest way to convert DAE format is to use an online conversion tool to upload DAE files to the website, and then choose different formats such as OBJ, 3DS, STL, PLY, etc. to save it.

FBX Converter is a free tool from Autodesk for Windows and macOS that converts DAE files to FBX and supports multiple versions of FBX format.

Importing DAE files into SketchUp Pro, the program can export 3D models to DWG, DXF and several other similar formats.

Still can’t open the DAE file?

If the DAE file does not run smoothly according to all the methods described above, it is most likely a file in another format. Sometimes it is easy to misread file extensions. Some file extensions may look similar.

For example, a DAE file is very similar to a DAR, DAA, DAT or DAO (Disk at Once CD/DVD Image) file, but they are not related to DAE.

ADE is also likely to be confused with DAE, which is an Access project extension that can only be used in Microsoft Access.