Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.BVH
File Type
Biovision Hierarchy
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .bvh file format
The BVH (Biovision Hierarchy) file format is a widely used standard for storing motion capture data, originally developed by the now-defunct motion capture company Biovision. It is a character animation format that describes both the skeletal structure (hierarchy) of a figure and the motion data as…
File extension
.BVH
File type
Biovision Hierarchy
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .bvh file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .bvh.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .bvh file?
File extension details and usage information
The BVH (Biovision Hierarchy) file format is a widely used standard for storing motion capture data, originally developed by the now-defunct motion capture company Biovision. It is a character animation format that describes both the skeletal structure (hierarchy) of a figure and the motion data associated with it over time. The file is divided into two main sections: the 'HIERARCHY' section, which defines the skeletal joints, their names, and their parent-child relationships using a tree-like structure, and the 'MOTION' section, which contains the actual animation data. In the motion section, the file specifies the number of frames and the frame time, followed by the rotation and translation values for each joint at every frame. Because it is an ASCII-based text format, it is human-readable and easy to parse, making it a popular choice for exchanging skeletal animation data between different 3D modeling and animation software packages like Blender, Maya, and 3ds Max. It is particularly prevalent in the fields of game development, film production, and biomechanical research.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .bvh files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .bvh files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .bvh file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .bvh file.
Why can't I open a .bvh file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .bvh format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .bvh files
To open a .bvh file, use software that supports this file format.
- Blender
- Autodesk Maya
- Autodesk 3ds Max
- Daz Studio
- Poser
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .bvh file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.