All about 3D file formats: IPL & PRC
3D file formats represent information about three-dimensional models. They show real-world and conceptual visuals for entertainment, art, drafting, and simulations.
They are widely used in games, animations, architecture, movies, engineering, medicine, and geological sciences. Most of these 3D files are created by software like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
The truth is simulating, rendering, and visualizing graphics in 3D gives them a winning edge over 2D. It is more fascinating, interactive, and for business purposes, they increase your chances of winning potential clients.
Two of the most common 3D file formats are IPL and PRC. The basic purpose of these formats is to convert the 3D information like its geometry and make it appear in binary and text format.
What is IPL?
If you’re an avid gamer, you may have wondered how your game data gets saved. Well, game files do it! IPL is one of the file formats for game files made by Rockstar Games. You might have played Grand Theft Auto (GTA) on your computer or PlayStation or you’ve at least heard of it. IPL file format is the item placement file in those games.
That means, all of the objects, paths, garages, cars, and zones you see are found in a plain text format of .ipl extension. But the latest GTA versions like GTA 4 and GTA: San Andreas use another file format called WPL.
How to open IPL files?
You can download the IPL file launcher available on the website of Rockstar games that can read your IPL files. There is also a universal file opener that can open many different formats. One such tool is File Magic.
How to Convert IPL
You can easily convert IPL to more than 60+ formats with Filestar. You don’t need to worry about downloading a corrupt file. You get the exact replica of the file you uploaded in barely a minute. Take for instance you want to see the contents of your IPL on an image file. Convert ipl to jpg and voila!
What is PRC?
PRC stands for Product Representation Compact. It is a 3D file format used to embed 3D models data into a PDF file. It became so useful and feature-rich that in 2013, it became a new ISO standard.
Why use PRC?
It is used in engineering, medicine, aerospace, mining, manufacturing marketing, analysis, and research to create PDF reports. That means the data created from 3D modeling software like CAD or CAM can be easily presented, viewed, and shared in a secure PDF format.
Also, they provide realistic visualizations in the engineering and architectural spaces. With realistic visualization comes accurate measurements saving time and costs spent on corrections and remodeling. All the involved parties can see the structure as it would appear in real-time reducing clashes during construction.
How to convert PRC to PDF?
There are simple, tools available that can convert your PRC files into PDF documents. One of the most secure tools to use is Filestar.
Here is how to go about it.
1. Download and install the latest version of Filestar.
2. Right-click on one or more Prc file(s) on your desktop and select Convert with Filestar.
3. Type convert to pdf in the search box.
4. Press Convert.