IGS files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: IGES Drawing
General Information
| Title | IGES Drawing File Extension |
| Extension | .igs |
| Full Form | Initial Graphics Exchange Specification |
| File Type | CAD File Format |
| Developer | IGES/PDES Organization |
| MIME Type | model/iges |
File Function
| Primary Function | 3D Model Data |
| Additional Functions | Data Exchange |
| Features | ASCII Text-Based, Vendor Neutral |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High Precision |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Engineering Design | Yes |
| Product Mockups | Yes |
| Manufacturing | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | File Tampering |
| Best Practices | Validation, Version control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980 |
| Latest Version | IGES 5.3 (1996) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .stp, .step, .dwg, .dxf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Autodesk AutoCAD |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
 Dassault Systemes SolidWorks |
Paid | Windows |
| PTC Creo |
Paid | Windows |
Type 2: Indigo Renderer Scene File
You can create an IGS file with Indigo Renderer when saving a scene. To create an IGS file, select File → Save Scene or Save Scene As. You may also export a scene as an IGS file from Blender, 3ds Ma...
General Information
| Title | IGS File Extension |
| Extension | .igs |
| Full Form | Indigo Renderer Scene File |
| File Type | 3D Scene File |
| Developer | Glare Technologies Limited |
| MIME Type | model/iges |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store 3D scenes |
| Additional Functions | Render photorealistic images |
| Features | Text-based, ASCII |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High-detail |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | Yes |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Architectural Visualization | Yes |
| Product Design | Yes |
| Visual Effects | Yes |
| Interior Design | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Secure sharing |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2006 |
| Latest Version | Indigo Renderer 4.4.15 (2021) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .indigo, .pigs, .blend, .skp |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Indigo Renderer |
Commercial, Trial | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 Blender with Indigo Exporter |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| SketchUp with Indigo Exporter |
Commercial, Free version | Windows, Mac |