3D Model Files Basics.

Tip: The Nintendo 3DS uses OpenGL ES 1.1 for Their graphics API. Src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenGL _ES

By Connor Gresko DA: SolidSpy24

Tip: This is the Traditional Utah Teapot. Used a lot in 3D graphics rendering tests.

What Makes Up A 3D Model?

A 3D model In computer graphics is primarily made up of 2 components: Vertices Points in 3D Space (space!!!1!!) Usually represented as 3 floating points in X, Y, And Z. Indices collections of vertices that make up a triangle (3 Vertices). Based on order of vertices
Most 3D models are made up of triangles, but can also be rendered by quads, lines, points, etc., depending on the Graphics Library (E.G. OpenGL, or DirectX).

More Examples of this:

Indices are often ordered clockwise, however, they can also be ordered counterclockwise.

Edges and Polygons are often Generated from the primary Data.

First understanding geometry is essential to understanding 3D Rendering.

When rendering almost ANYTHING in OpenGL, or DirectX, you generally need to render geometry. Almost all computer graphics are rendered on geometry. Even 2D surfaces are made up of geometry! A texture is usually projected onto a 3d quad, made up of two triangles, facing the camera. Also generally known as a billboard.
<- billboards made out of pure Meat :3.

Note however, that those were the PRIMARY Components of a 3D Model File!
Most 3D model files will contain LOTS of other data other than just Primary position Data. Many 3D models contain data for texture coordinates (Where the texture should go on a 3D Model), Normal Values (for determining lighting direction, and animation data (such as bones, bone indices, and Bone Weights).
Data is represented in MANY different ways, depending on the file format. Different file formats are served for different purposes.

Common 3D File Formats

.Obj Very common 3D file format. Used for simpler games. ASCII File FOrmat. .COLLADA A Variant of the .DAE file format. Written in XML. One of the largest file types. Easy to read. Used for big animations. Slow to parse. Not ideal for games.
.3DS Used for 3D Studio Max.

and thousands of others!

.OBJ File Example

<Extra Data .
TIP: .OBJ is an ASCII File FOrmat, So it is easier to read.

<- Vertices (Note the v, in Vertices).

<- Normal coordinates (Note the n in VN).

<- Vertex Indices (Contains BOTH vertices and normal In this example).

Some more examples of 3D Models:

TIP: This model contains Bones. A primary component in animated 3D Models. <-

TIP: This 3D Model uses Texture Coordinates (also known As UV Coordinates), to project part of a texture on a 3D Triangle. ^

Any Questions?
Sources: Introduction to 3D Game Programming: With DirectX 11. (Available in the library :3! Get it while you can!!!1!!). Game Engine Architecture Google Images :P
Aaaaaand, thats teh Sauce :3!