Introducing the CGTrader Quality Standard and the Kodama plugin

At CGTrader, we continually strive to optimize the digital 3D experience for all members of our community, whether creators or buyers of 3D models. Today, we're excited to introduce two major developments that will significantly impact how 3D models are created, validated, and used: the CGTrader Quality Standard and the Kodama Plugin.

The CGTrader Quality Standard - Setting the Standard for Quality and Interoperability

The CGTrader Quality Standard is a new framework that we've developed to ensure the quality and interoperability of 3D models on our platform. It reflects our commitment to promoting best practices in the industry and enhancing the overall user experience.

1. The Scope: CGTrader is implementing Quality Standards for all .fbx files to identify PBR-ready models. We plan to extend these standards to other formats, including native Blender and 3ds Max files, and apply validation processes to additional types of 3D models, such as those for 3D printing. Our goal is ensuring the highest quality for all 3D assets on our platform.
2. The Badge: Models meeting our quality standards will earn a quality badge, signifying adherence to best practices for creators and ensuring top-tier quality for users. Initially, this badge will only be visible to designers as we fine-tune the process. However, the badge will potentially become a key ranking factor in our search results in the future, further emphasizing its importance in maintaining high-quality 3D models on our platform.
3. Why It Matters: The CGTrader Quality Standard is about more than just quality control. It's about creating a seamless experience for users across various platforms. By adhering to this standard, creators ensure their models can be easily utilized in a range of contexts without compatibility issues. For users, this means access to a wider range of high-quality, reliable models.

For the time being, verification status of models on CGTrader is only visible to sellers on their "My Models" section. From there, the designer is able to quickly glance at the status of their model, along with what checks have been performed, passed or not, and the percentage of verification of it.

For more technical details regarding the new CGTrader quality standard make sure to read our comprehensive documentation on our help center. For designers, this guide outlines the standard's requirements, explains the validation process, and provides actionable tips to ensure your models meet the criteria. For buyers, it describes what the CGTrader Quality Standard means in terms of model quality, interoperability, and the value it brings to the 3D assets you acquire. Whether you are creating or using 3D models, understanding the CGTrader Quality Standard will enhance your experience on our platform.

The Kodama Plugin - Assisting the 3D Modeling Process

To assist creators in complying with the CGTrader Quality Standard, we've developed the Kodama Plugin. This tool integrates directly into your 3D modeling software and offers a range of features designed to enhance your efficiency and productivity.

1. CGTrader Quality Standard Compliance: The Kodama Plugin includes a feature for checking models against the CGTrader Quality Standard. This ensures that the models you create are not only high quality but also broadly compatible.
2. Selective Validation: The plugin offers the flexibility of validating either an entire scene or just selected elements based on your needs. This means you can focus on perfecting specific aspects of your model before validating the whole model.
3. Texture Management: Managing textures can be a complex task, but the Kodama Plugin makes it easier. It automatically gathers and appropriately renames textures, and packages them with the exported model. This saves creators time and reduces the risk of errors.
4. Detailed Model Information: The Kodama Plugin also collects comprehensive information about your model. This data helps us match your models with potential users more effectively. It can also provide insights for you as a creator into the usage of your models.
5. Direct CGTrader Upload: With the Kodama Plugin, you can upload your work directly to your CGTrader account, simplifying the process and allowing you to manage your 3D assets more efficiently.
6. Current and Future Support: At present, Kodama assists in the creation of standard PBR assets and is compatible with Blender 3.3 or higher, and 3dsMax 2022 or higher. We're actively working on extending support for various standards and asset creation workflows in future releases.

You can download Kodama and start testing it along with the CGTrader Quality Standard today! For using the Kodama Plugin, we've prepared a video guide guide, showcasing how you can check, package and upload your models directly to CGTrader.

CGTrader Quality Standard and Kodama Plugin – A Powerful Duo for 3D Asset Creation and Usage

The CGTrader Quality Standard and Kodama Plugin together form a cohesive, powerful system that significantly enhances the 3D modeling process and ensures high model quality. These two innovations intersect to make model creation more efficient, and the resultant models more reliable and universally compatible.

For creators, they offer a seamless way to ensure the quality of their models and streamline their workflow. For buyers of models, they mean access to a wider array of high-quality, interoperable models. Together, they represent a significant leap forward for the entire CGTrader community.

At CGTrader, we are committed to continually enhancing our platform for both creators and consumers of 3D digital assets. We are excited to see how our new CGTrader Quality Standard and Kodama Plugin will enable our community to create and use better 3D models.