com.unity.cloud.gltfast
) package, supporting the import and export of glTF™ 3D files, both at runtime and within the Editor.
Introduction
glTF, which stands for Graphics Library Transmission Format (or GL Transmission Format), is a standardized file format used to store and transfer 3D scenes and models. It’s like the JPEG of the 3D world, aiming to provide a universal and efficient way to share 3D content across different platforms and applications. glTF is gaining significant popularity as a 3D format, with its open-source nature and versatility contributing to its traction.
Getting started
Installation instructions for the package are included in the Unity glTFast package documentation.
Current state
The package in itself is not an innovation, but rather a further developed re-release of the original glTFast, an open source Unity package founded by Andreas Atteneder in 2018. Andreas joined Unity in 2020 and continues to drive glTFast’s development. While the packages are identical, here is what has changed:
-
The name (Unity glTFast)
-
The package identifier (
com.unity.cloud.gltfast
) -
The repository
-
Package documentation was created
What benefits do you get?
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Official support by Unity.
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Easy distribution via Unity Package Manager: Scoped registry is not needed anymore and it can easily be installed using the “Add package by name” and
com.unity.cloud.gltfast
. -
Teamwork increases development velocity: Unity-internal collaboration removes the bottleneck of depending on one individual maintainer.
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Proper DevOps for increased quality assurance: Making use of Unity’s internal tools and infrastructure allows us to practice state-of-the-art development processes like continuous integration, automated testing and release management.
What’s next
Alongside with Unity glTFast we’ve also released KTX for Unity, a package for loading KTX 2.0 textures, and we’re working on bringing a Unity package offering Google Draco (3D data compression) to you as well. These packages bring additional power-features to glTFast and just like glTFast those packages are re-releases of open source originals.
How do I report bugs?
Bug reports and feature requests can be submitted to the Unity glTFast GitHub repository.
We’ll start to consolidate open issues and PRs from the original repository soon.
How do I contribute to future development plans?
You can contribute to development plans by adding your request on GitHub - Unity-Technologies/com.unity.cloud.gltfast: Efficient glTF 3D import / export library for Unity. In order to get your work merged, you’ll have to accept the Contributors License Agreement.
Open Standards
Unity is committed to increasing its adoption of Open Standards to help deliver a common foundation for content creation, collaboration and interoperability.
Alongside the gLTF™ support announced today, Unity has recently released OpenUSD ( forum post ), three packages for supporting the import and export of USD scenes within the Unity Editor
We consider gLTF™ and OpenUSD as complementary technologies that help users to build ever more powerful workflows and content pipelines. With these releases, users now have the flexibility to choose the format that best suits their requirements, for example glTF™ for efficient runtime content delivery and OpenUSD for flexible, complex multi-layer content authoring.
For further details on our USD packages, please see our documentation:
Common Questions
Why the rename to “Unity glTFast”?
So that the officially supported package is distinguishable from the original.
Is there a public roadmap?
Not as of now, but we’re considering options to disclose our plans.
Is Unity glTFast still open-source?
Yes, the licensing did not change.
What’s the best practice when it comes to developing glTFast?
To make development easy and prevent regression issues, we’re using a set of tools, tests and test projects. For now those are not entirely available publically. We’re thinking about making those available to the general public along with documentation and will notify you once we have a plan.
However, those tools are not required at all, so don’t let that prevent you from development.
Can I transition from the original to Unity glTFast?
Yes, in fact that’s recommended. You’ll have to make some adjustments to your projects though, so please read the Upgrade Guide to learn what’s required.
Can I still use the original glTFast that’s distributed via OpenUPM?
Yes. Short-term, the original will receive updates from Unity glTFast and releases will be made to OpenUPM as usual. That might change in the future.
Can I still contribute to the original glTFast?
Please direct your contributions towards Unity glTFast from now on. While technically it’s still OK to make PRs on the original, responses and merging will be much more convenient and faster on Unity glTFast.
Can I still use the original glTFast via GIT?
Note: Unless you are developing the original glTFast, it’s recommended to install it from the OpenUPM scoped registry.
On the original GIT repository the main branch now also contains the Unity glTFast variant. To keep using the original version (with package identifier com.atteneder.gltfast
), switch to/checkout the openupm branch.
Notices
“Battle Damaged Sci-fi Helmet” PBR by theblueturtle_, published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial license
Khronos® is a registered trademark and glTF™ is a trademark of The Khronos Group Inc.