Choose the Destination
Identify the software, character rig, required body or facial channels and whether the project needs in-place or traveling root motion.
3D Animation Export Formats
Choose the right motion file and target preset for Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Maya, 3ds Max, MMD, iClone, Cinema 4D, Roblox and humanoid pipelines. Compare FBX, BVH, VMD, BIP and workflow-specific outputs before you export.
Export 3D Motion →Format or Preset: What Should You Choose?
A file format defines how animation data is stored. A target preset defines how that data is organized for a specific skeleton or application. Two exports can both use `.fbx` while containing different bone names, hierarchies, reference poses, roots and channels.
Start with the destination software and target rig—not the extension alone. Then choose the closest preset, frame rate and root-motion behavior before validating the file in a clean scene.
- General use
- FBX with the closest target preset
- Raw motion
- BVH hierarchy and animation channels
- MMD
- VMD-TDA for compatible characters
- 3ds Max
- BIP for Character Studio Biped
- Availability
- Varies by plan, account and workflow
How to Export Motion to Your 3D Pipeline
Choose the destination first, match its skeleton convention, then validate timing and transforms after import.
Select Format and Preset
Choose FBX, BVH, VMD, BIP or a platform output, then select the closest Unreal, Mixamo, MMD, iClone, Roblox or other target preset.
Import and Validate
Match frame rate, axis, unit scale and reference pose. Retarget, bake and check the result on the final character before production.
3D Animation Export Format Comparison
Use this matrix as a starting point. The current QuickMagic export menu is the final source of truth for plan and workflow availability.
| Output | Best for | What it carries | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBX | Blender, Maya, Unreal, Unity, C4D, iClone, Roblox, MotionBuilder | Skeleton hierarchy and baked animation; contents vary by preset | Broad support does not guarantee matching bones or reference pose |
| BVH | Generic retargeting, Blender, mocap editors and research tools | Joint hierarchy, offsets and motion channels | No mesh, materials, production constraints or standard facial data |
| VMD-TDA | MikuMikuDance and compatible MMD tools | MMD-oriented bone and motion data | Validate bone names, IK, scale and morph compatibility |
| BIP | 3ds Max Character Studio Biped | Biped motion and keyframe data | Designed for Biped rather than arbitrary CAT or custom rigs |
| Unity Anim | Supported Unity humanoid/avatar projects | Unity Animation Clip asset for the intended setup | Avatar mapping and project-version compatibility still matter |
| OnlyFace | Compatible iClone, CC and C4D facial workflows | Target-oriented facial animation channels | Blend-shape or joint names and neutral values must match |
Recommended Export by Software
Pick the output that minimizes skeleton conversion for the destination you actually use.
Mixamo or Generic FBX
Import the source armature, map it to Rigify or a custom rig, bake the result and validate root motion. BVH is useful for lightweight raw motion.
Matching Unreal Preset
Import the animation, create or reuse IK Rig assets, retarget to the production skeleton and verify root bone and retarget pose.
Unity Anim or FBX
Use Unity Anim when the project expects it; otherwise configure the FBX Avatar, clips and Animator Controller.
FBX + HumanIK
Import FBX, characterize the source with HumanIK, retarget to the destination rig and bake the final animation.
BIP for Biped
Create or select a compatible Biped, load the BIP motion and refine it with Biped or Motion Mixer. Use FBX for custom rigs.
VMD-TDA
Load the motion on a compatible PMX/PMD model and check Japanese/English bone naming, IK, floor height and morph channels.
CC&iClone Preset
Use the target preset or external-motion import, characterize the source and correct feet, elevation, direction and root travel.
C4D Preset or FBX
Import or merge the file, define the source character, retarget it and bake the animation to the final rig.
Roblox Preset
Import through the Animation Editor and verify the avatar hierarchy, scale and animation channels against the target rig.
Pipeline Settings That Matter After Export
Match Frame Rate Before Retargeting
Keep the QuickMagic export frame rate and destination scene rate aligned. A mismatch can alter timing, create resampling artifacts or shift important contact frames.
Check Axis, Scale and Reference Pose
Confirm up axis, forward axis, unit scale and T-pose or A-pose. Correct these foundations before debugging bone mapping or animation curves.
Choose Root Motion Intentionally
Decide whether the character should travel through the scene or stay in place. Verify root and pelvis behavior after retargeting, especially for games and looped clips.
Validate Contacts on the Final Character
Presets reduce setup but cannot account for every body proportion, prop or terrain condition. Review foot sliding, hand contacts, stride and deformation, then add IK or animation-layer corrections.
- Confirm destination software and exact target skeleton version.
- Select the closest format and preset available in the export menu.
- Match frame rate, axes, units and reference pose.
- Preserve an untouched source-motion export.
- Retarget and bake to the production character.
- Check root travel, loops, feet, hands, props and deformation.
Export and Retargeting Workflows
See QuickMagic motion used in Unreal Engine, Blender, MMD, Cascadeur, character animation and humanoid pipelines.
3D Animation Export Formats FAQ
Which 3D animation export format should I use?
Use FBX as the general starting point for major DCC and game-engine workflows, BVH for lightweight skeletal motion, VMD-TDA for compatible MMD characters and BIP for 3ds Max Biped.
What is the difference between a format and a target preset?
The format is the file container or extension. A preset defines bone names, hierarchy, reference pose, root and channels for a target skeleton or software workflow.
Is FBX always the best option?
FBX is broadly supported, but a destination-specific VMD, BIP, Unity Anim or other preset can reduce conversion work when the target explicitly expects it.
Can Blender import QuickMagic motion?
Yes. FBX is the usual starting point, while BVH is useful for raw hierarchy and motion. Retarget the source armature to the production rig and bake the result.
Which export should I use for Unreal Engine?
Use the preset that matches the intended Unreal skeleton version when available. Then import the source animation and retarget it with Unreal's IK Rig and IK Retargeter workflow.
Which format should I use for MikuMikuDance?
Use VMD-TDA for compatible MMD characters and validate bone names, IK chains, scale, floor height and morph expectations.
Does compatible export remove the need for retargeting?
No. Skeleton mapping, T-pose or A-pose matching, axis, scale, root motion and final contact cleanup may still be required.
Why is the animation in a T-pose after import?
The animation clip may not have been imported, the wrong take may be active, the skeleton mapping may have failed or the selected preset may not match the target rig.
Why does exported motion play too fast or too slowly?
Check that the export frame rate and destination scene frame rate match, and verify that the importer has not resampled or interpreted the clip at another rate.
Are all formats available on every QuickMagic plan?
No. The pricing page lists FBX on the free plan and additional formats or presets on paid plans. Check the current export menu because availability can change by account and workflow.
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