Open Asset Import Library (Assimp) is an open-source library for bringing 3D assets from different file formats into a shared in-memory format for further processing. The project says it imports more than 40 formats and exports to a growing selection. Its mesh-processing options include generating normals and tangent space, triangulating meshes, improving vertex-cache locality, and removing degenerate primitives and duplicate vertices. Assimp is written in C++ and provides C and C++ APIs, alongside bindings for C#, Java, Python, Delphi, and D. It uses CMake and is available through vcpkg; the repository also links prebuilt binaries. Listed ports and interfaces include Android, Python, .NET, Pascal, JavaScript, Node.js, Unity, Unreal Engine, JVM, HAXE, and Rust. The library supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and includes animation conversion. It uses a modified three-clause BSD license; static linking is permitted when the license text accompanies the product. The project points users to its discussion board, Discord, Reddit, Stack Overflow, and issue tracker. A separate downloadable package contains version 6.0.5 prebuilt binaries for 64-bit Visual Studio 2026, with a 24 MB installer.
Who it is for
Assimp suits developers building software that needs to import 3D assets from multiple formats and process meshes in a shared representation. Its APIs, language bindings, and listed engine interfaces offer several ways to connect it to a development stack.
What is good
- Imports more than 40 3D file formats.
- Provides mesh cleanup and optimization operations.
- Offers C and C++ APIs plus language bindings.
- Listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Static linking is permitted with the license text included.
What to know first
- The prebuilt package is scoped to 64-bit Visual Studio 2026.
- Static linking requires including the license text with the product.
Verdict
Choose Assimp when a project needs a library to load 3D assets across many formats and perform mesh processing. Developers seeking prebuilt binaries should check that the Visual Studio 2026, 64-bit package matches their setup.
Get started with Open Asset Import Library (Assimp)
- Visit the Assimp website.
- Choose a build route using CMake or vcpkg.
- Use the repository’s prebuilt binaries if targeting 64-bit Visual Studio 2026.
- Select the API, binding, or listed interface that fits your project.
- Review the modified three-clause BSD license and include its text when statically linking.
What the free plan stops at
The free library uses a modified three-clause BSD license, and static linking is permitted when the license text is included with the product. The separately listed prebuilt package is for 64-bit Visual Studio 2026 and includes a 24 MB installer.
Questions about Open Asset Import Library (Assimp)
How much does Assimp cost?
The Open Asset Importer Library plan is 0.00 USD per free. The listed prebuilt binaries plan is also 0.00 USD per free, with billing described as “Name your own price.”
Is Assimp open source?
Yes. It uses a modified three-clause BSD license. Static linking is permitted if the license text is included with the product.
Which platforms does Assimp support?
The listed supported platforms are Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
What formats and processing does Assimp support?
The project says it imports more than 40 3D file formats and exports to a growing selection. Mesh processing includes normal and tangent-space generation, triangulation, vertex cache locality optimization, and removal of degenerate primitives and duplicate vertices.
What does the prebuilt package include?
It is version 6.0.5 prebuilt binaries for 64-bit Visual Studio 2026, with a 24 MB setup executable.
Where can users get help?
The project directs users to its discussion board, Discord, Reddit, Stack Overflow, and issue tracker.
Open Asset Import Library (Assimp) plans and pricing
All plansCompared on 3D file converter software
- Format scope
- mixed
- Animation conversion
- Yes
- API access
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
