Game developer Activision releases USD Shell Extension – a source-free software solution that allows Windows users to view and format USD files directly in Windows File Manager. The architecture of USD Shell Extension is designed to cope with large assets. According to Activision, the majority of software tasks run asynchronously and outside of the file manager. This should prevent performance losses.
With the USD Shell Extension Manager, VFX and game artists working with Pixar’s Universal Scene Description can edit their files directly in the Windows file manager. By default, the 3D viewport renders with UsdView, the native USD viewer. Alternatives such as Arnold or Karma can be used without any problems.
You can find out more about USD Shell Extension on Activision’s GitHub – or you can download the latest version there directly.
