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How to convert XGL (ZGL) to Maya (.ma,.mb)?

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC performs mathematically precise CAD, DCC/Animation, GIS and BIM 3D file conversions into all key downstream 3D packages and file formats. Okino software is used and trusted throughout the world by many tens of thousands of 3D professionals in mission & production critical environments, backed by respectable personal support directly from our core development team.

XGL

XGL/ZGL is a legacy 3D polygonal mesh file format that had been created by the RealityWave company in the late 1990s. AVEVA purchased RealityWave and integrated the file format into their PDMS products. Some other companies had added XGL/ZGL exporters into their software such as CATIA, MicroStation and Solid Edge.

As explained on the Okino ZGL import converter page, files can be imported from AVEVA PDMS via the ZGL file format and AVEVA's 'rvm2zgl.exe' program. However, in more recent years, you can export DWF-3D files from AVEVA PDMS and import those files directly into Okino software.

Maya

Maya is a well known and respected DCC/Animation system which had originally been developed by Alias Research in Canada then purchased by Autodesk in 2006 after Alias went bankrupt.

As is very little understood, no program on this planet can read or write Maya ".ma" (ASCII) or ".mb" (binary) files because the full geometry modifier stack of the Maya software, and its various plugin modules, are needed in order to properly evaluate the file before it can be rendered. This is what forced Okino to write its well known PolyTrans-for-Maya system, which allows for all Okino 3D converters to run within Maya itself. For example, if you want to convert to/from CINEMA 4D (.c4d files) then you would do so entirely inside of Maya.

Due to multi-decades history, Maya users are notorious for using the OBJ file format to convert files to/from other software packages just as 3ds Max users wrongly use the 1985-era .3ds file format. OBJ is an "okay" file format but there are much better or more preferred methods to convert the data.

XGL import converter's overview

Maya export converter's overview