File formats handle animation data in 3D models by encoding keyframes, bone hierarchies, and motion parameters to store temporal changes in position, rotation, or shape.
- Keyframes: Record specific states (e.g., a character’s pose) at defined time points, acting as animation anchors. - Bone hierarchies: Define rigging structures to outline how model parts (e.g., limbs) move relative to parent bones, ensuring coordinated motion. - Motion parameters: Include translation/rotation values to describe smooth transitions between keyframes, enabling fluid animation flow.
Common formats like FBX (ideal for complex animations with rigs) or GLB (suited for web-based, compact storage) align with diverse workflow needs, optimizing animation preservation and sharing.