FBX Mesh 3D Node

The FBX Mesh 3D node is used to import polygonal geometry from scene files that are saved in the FilmBox (FBX) format. It is also able to import geometry from OBJ, 3DS, DAE, and DXF scene files. This provides a method for working with more complex geometry than is available using Fusion‘s built-in primitives.

When importing geometry with this node, all the geometry in the FBX file is combined into one mesh with a single pivot and transformation. The FBX Mesh node ignores any animation applied to the geometry.

Alternatively, in Fusion Studio, the File > Import > FBX Scene or in DaVinci Resolve, the Fusion > Import > FBX Scene menu can be used to import an FBX scene. This option creates individual nodes for each camera, light, and mesh in the file. This menu option can also be used to preserve the animation of the objects.

Setting the Preferences > Global > General > Auto Clip Browse option in Fusion Studio, or the Fusion > Fusion Settings > General > Auto Clip Browse option in DaVinci Resolve to Enabled (default), and then adding this node to a composition automatically displays a file browser allowing you to choose the file to import.

FBX Mesh 3D Node Input

• SceneInput: The orange scene input is an optional connection if you wish to combine other 3D geometry nodes with the imported FBX file.
• Material Input: The green input is the material input that accepts either a 2D image or a 3D material. If a 2D image is provided, it is used as a diffuse texture map for the basic material tab in the node. If a 3D material is connected, then the basic material tab is disabled.

FBX Mesh 3D Node Setup

The FBX Mesh 3D node can be used as a stand-alone node without any other nodes connected to it. The output is connected to a Merge 3D, integrating the FBX model into a lager scene. Below, the FBX Mesh 3D node also has a chrome material connected to its material input.

FBX Mesh 3D Node Controls Tab

Most of the Controls tab is taken up by common controls. The FBX-specific controls included on this tab are primarily information and not adjustments.

• Size
  The Size slider controls the size of the FBX geometry that is imported. FBX meshes have a tendency to be much larger than Fusion’s default unit scale, so this control is useful for scaling the imported geometry to match the Fusion environment.
• FBX File
  This field displays the filename and file path of the currently loaded FBX mesh. Click the Browse button to open a file browser that can be used to locate a new FBX file. Despite the node’s name, this node is also able to load a variety of other formats.

• Object Name
  This input shows the name of the mesh from the FBX file that is being imported. If this field is blank, then the contents of the FBX geometry are imported as a single mesh. You cannot edit this field; it is set by Fusion when using the File > Import > FBX Scene menu.
• Take Name
  FBX files can contain multiple instances of an animation, called Takes. This field shows the name of the animation take to use from the FBX file. If this field is blank, then no animation is imported. You cannot edit this field; it is set by Fusion when using the File > Import > FBX Scene menu.
• Wireframe
  Enabling this checkbox causes the mesh to render only the wireframe for the object. Only the OpenGL renderer in the Renderer 3D node supports wireframe rendering.

FBX Mesh 3D Node Controls, Materials, Transform, and Settings Tabs

The remaining controls for Visibility, Lighting, Matte, Blend Mode, Normals/Tangents, and Object ID are common to many 3D nodes. The same is true of the Materials, Transform, and Settings tabs. Their descriptions can be found in Common Controls HERE

About the Author

Justin Robinson is a Certified DaVinci Resolve, Fusion & Fairlight instructor who is known for simplifying concepts and techniques for anyone looking to learn any aspect of the video post-production workflow. Justin is the founder of JayAreTV, a training and premade asset website offering affordable and accessible video post-production education. You can follow Justin on Twitter at @JayAreTV YouTube at JayAreTV or Facebook at MrJayAreTV