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DAE FBX
File conversion

Convert DAE to FBX

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 7, 2026
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Is it possible to convert DAE to FBX?
Yes - DAE converts to FBX.

Upload your .dae above and download the converted .fbx in seconds - it is the fastest and requires no software. For desktop use, Blender imports .dae and exports .fbx with full control over animation and axis settings. The main caveat: COLLADA stores textures as external files, so collect all image files alongside the .dae before converting or the model may appear untextured.

8 programs
Also to FBX: USD · X · LWO

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert DAE to FBX?

.FBX is the standard interchange format for game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine and for Autodesk tools such as Maya and 3ds Max. It carries geometry, materials, skeletal rigs, and animations in a single file that virtually every DCC application can read. Most game and film pipelines expect FBX delivery, making this conversion a routine step when working with COLLADA assets.

How to convert DAE to FBX

Blender OPEN-SOURCE

Import via File > Import > Collada (.dae), then export via File > Export > FBX (.fbx); works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Autodesk FBX Converter FREE

Drag your .dae into the source panel and click Convert; also supports batch conversion of multiple files at once.

Command line - Assimp CLI

Install the Open Asset Import Library and run assimp export model.dae output.fbx.

Programs that convert DAE

FBX Converter
PolyTrans|CAD+DCC
DAZ Studio
Metasequoia
modo
SketchUp
Bryce
DAZ Studio for Mac

About these formats

.DAE COLLADA Digital Asset Exchange

A DAE file is a COLLADA 3D model stored as plain-text XML. Open it free in Blender on any platform, or on a Mac with Preview. For web and AR use, convert it to glTF/GLB.

Open .DAE details →
.FBX Autodesk FBX (Filmbox) 3D Interchange File

An FBX file is a 3D model/scene in Autodesk's Filmbox interchange format, carrying geometry, textures, rigs, animation, cameras and lights. To view one free, use Autodesk FBX Review or…

Open .FBX details →

Quality & what to watch

  • Textures are stored as external files in DAE - if the .png or .jpg files are missing from the same folder, the FBX will load without textures.
  • COLLADA defaults to Y-up and FBX to Z-up; set the correct axis in Blender's export dialog to avoid a 90-degree rotation in the target application.
  • Unity and Unreal work best with FBX 2013-2020; Blender's default (FBX 7.4 / 2014) is compatible with both.

Frequently asked questions

Does animation transfer from DAE to FBX?
Yes - skeletal rigs and keyframe animation both survive the conversion in Blender and Autodesk FBX Converter.
Why does my model look grey or untextured after converting?
COLLADA references textures as external image files; place all .png or .jpg files in the same folder as the .dae before converting.
Which FBX version should I choose for Unity or Unreal?
Blender's default (FBX 7.4 / 2014) works with both; if the engine rejects the file, try FBX 2013 in the export settings.
Is Blender free to use for this?
Yes - Blender is open-source under the GPL license with no trial limits; .dae import and .fbx export are both built in.