The Index / standard

OpenUSD

OpenUSD, or Universal Scene Description, is an open-source system for describing, composing and exchanging 3D scenes. Artists can combine geometry, materials and lighting while retaining layers and variants for further work. In a digital-fashion workflow, a colourway variant and a campaign-lighting revision can remain distinct contributions to the scene. That is a possible use of USD's composition model, rather than evidence that a particular garment application supports the whole workflow. Export support alone does not establish which shaders or animation will survive a handoff. The production team needs an agreed supported subset and a review of the scene in the receiving application.

Checking Watchlists…

At a glance

Status
Software 26.08; Core specification 1.0.1
Availability
Software 26.08; Core specification 1.0.1
Last checked
Sep 9, 2026
Topics
Tools & Models

What to check

  • Check that the receiving environment can resolve all referenced assets and files.
  • Retain the variants and layer structure that the next artist needs, rather than assuming a flattened delivery remains editable.
  • USD is not a rigging system. A USD export does not by itself preserve a garment application's rig or simulation.

History and changes

  1. Software release 26.08

    Pixar published OpenUSD 26.08. The version name is not its publication month.

    1. Pixar OpenUSD software release 26.08

  2. AOUSD Core 1.0.1

    The Alliance for OpenUSD published this normative Core specification; it has a separate version track from Pixar's software.

    1. Alliance for OpenUSD normative specifications

  3. Pixar began the USD project

    Pixar initiated USD to combine elements of its Presto and TidScene systems.

    1. OpenUSD: introduction

Related records

No linked public coverage.