MagicaVoxel offers many different export options that you can use. In this tutorial, we will discuss how to export your voxel models from MagicaVoxel.
So you finally created the perfect voxel model inside of MagicaVoxel and you’re ready to share your creation with the world. Now you might be asking, how do I export from MagicaVoxel? Fortunately, one of the great things about MagicaVoxel is the many export options that they support. We’ll be going through the different options below depending on the needs of your project. But first we will show you how to access the export options.
Getting Started
Depending on your project requirements, the file type you export your voxel art as is crucial. For example if you wish to use it in a game you will probably prefer an OBJ file export. However if you would like to share your creation to social media, you might prefer the PNG file export. Read our explanations of the different file export options to see which one works best for you.
This tutorial uses MagicaVoxel 0.99.6 or newer. If you need help installing MagicaVoxel, view our previous tutorial How to Install MagicaVoxel. There you can find a step by step tutorial on getting MagicaVoxel running on your computer.
How to See the Export Options for MagicaVoxel
To access the export options inside of MagicaVoxel, begin by opening your current voxel model or a new voxel model. When opened look to the bottom right of the window where it says Export.
When you open MagicaVoxel for the first time, the window might be collapsed. To uncollapse it simply click on the word Export. When you open it, you should see a series of buttons with different abbreviations. These are the different export options supported by the MagicaVoxel editor.
These are the Export formats supported by MagicaVoxel:
- OBJ – Export a 3D mesh using the .obj file format
- PLY – Export a file using the PLY (Polygon File Format) format
- MC – Export a file using the MC (Marching Cubes) format
- XRAW – Export a XRAW volume
- SLAB – Export a SLAB6 vox volume
- QB – Export a QB volume for use with Qubicle
- VOX – Export a MagicaVoxel VOX file
- ISO – Export a Isometric pixel sprite (.png)
- 2D – Export a 2D sprite (.png)
Choosing the Right Export Option
As you can see from the list above, no matter what kind of project you’re working on, MagicaVoxel most likely has an export format for you. However depending on the type of project, one format might be more useful than the next. For starters if you are a game developer that needs to put your voxel model into a game engine software such as Unity or Unreal, you will need to use the OBJ format. In addition to this, you might need to compress your models better by using a different voxel editor such as Qubicle. If this is the case you will want to use the QB format which allows you to import your editable voxel model inside of the Qubicle Editor. From there you can choose more advanced compression options than those found in MagicaVoxel. If you plan on selling your models on a marketplace such as TurboSquid you will most likely have to give people a version of your model that they can alter to their own needs. For that you can use the VOX format which is the main project file used by MagicaVoxel. And lastly if you need your model in a 2D format for print or a website, you can use either the ISO export option or the 2D export option. The ISO option literally converts your model into a 2D isometric image using pixels. On the other hand, the 2D option creates almost a photo of your model as it appears in the editor window.
How to Export a .OBJ Model from MagicaVoxel
As mentioned before, if you are a game developer or 3D modeler that needs a 3D file of your voxel model, then OBJ is your best option inside of MagicaVoxel. To export a voxel model from the MagicaVoxel editor as an .obj file, click the obj button located in the Export section at the bottom right of the editor. Remember if you don’t immediately see that export option displayed, click the Export label to open the full menu.
This is an incredibly useful option for game developers, as the .obj file format is widely supported in popular game engines such as Unity and Unreal. Keep in mind this will also create a .PNG file and a . MTL file that work in conjunction with the .OBJ file. This is important because if you don’t include this in your project, your model will most likely look gray or white and you won’t be able to see your color details.
How to Export a .PNG Image from MagicaVoxel
If you plan on sharing your voxel art on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter you’re going to have use a file format that they accept. As of right now you can’t use a .OBJ file for sharing, however you can use any type of image file such as .JPG and .PNG. MagicaVoxel has a 2D option for exporting your art as a 2D image. To export your art as a 2D image click the 2d button located in the Export section at the bottom right of the editor.
How to Export A Qubicle .QB File from MagicaVoxel
If you are planning on transporting your model into Qubicle or work with someone who uses Qubicle, this option is definetly for you. This file will allow you to import your model along with the accurate colors directly into Qubicle. To export your artwork as a QB file, click the QB button located in the Export section. This at the bottom right of the editor.
If you have any question or comments please leave them below. Thanks for reading.
Learn how to use MagicaVoxel by visiting our free MagicaVoxel Tutorials
