Glossary
Complete 3D terminology reference, sorted alphabetically. Each term includes a definition and its specific connection to Meshy.
A
Albedo Map: The base color texture of a 3D model, without lighting or shadow information. In Meshy, Albedo maps are generated as part of the PBR texture set via AI Texturing.
F
FBX: A proprietary Autodesk file format widely used for 3D asset exchange between game engines (Unity, Unreal) and DCC tools. Meshy exports FBX with embedded textures and optional rig data.
G
GLB / GLTF: Open standard 3D file formats. GLB is the binary version (single file, embedded textures). GLTF is the JSON version (multiple files). GLB is Meshy's recommended format for web and AR use.
L
Low Poly: A 3D modeling style using minimal polygons, popular in games and stylized art. Meshy supports Low Poly output mode in both Text to 3D and Image to 3D.
M
Mesh: The geometric structure of a 3D model, composed of vertices, edges, and faces. Meshy generates meshes automatically from text, image, or conversation input.
Metallic Map: A PBR texture map that defines which parts of a surface are metallic (white) vs non-metallic (black). Generated by AI Texturing with "Generate PBR Textures" enabled.
N
Normal Map: A texture that simulates surface detail without adding geometry. Uses RGB values to encode surface direction. Meshy generates normal maps as part of the PBR texture set.
P
PBR (Physically Based Rendering): A rendering approach that simulates real-world light interaction. Uses Albedo + Normal + Roughness + Metallic maps. Meshy's AI Texturing generates complete PBR texture sets.
Polygon Count: The number of faces in a mesh. Lower counts = better performance. Meshy's Remesh tool lets you target specific polygon counts.
R
Remesh: The process of regenerating a model's mesh topology. In Meshy, Remesh optimizes polygon count and ensures watertight geometry.
Rigging: The process of adding a bone/skeleton system to a mesh for animation. Meshy supports automatic rigging for humanoid and quadruped models.
Roughness Map: A PBR texture defining surface smoothness. Black = smooth/glossy, white = rough/matte. Generated by AI Texturing.
S
STL: A file format that stores only geometry (no color/texture). The standard format for 3D printing. Meshy exports STL for FDM/SLA printing.
T
Topology: The arrangement and flow of polygons on a mesh surface. Clean topology (even quads following surface contours) is essential for animation and deformation.
U
USD / USDZ: Universal Scene Description format by Pixar. USDZ is the compressed version used by Apple for AR Quick Look. Meshy exports USDZ for Apple AR compatibility.
UV Mapping: The process of projecting a 3D surface onto a 2D plane for texture application. Meshy's Unwrap UV tool generates automatic UV layouts.
W
Watertight Mesh: A closed mesh with no holes or open edges. Required for 3D printing. Meshy's Remesh tool can produce watertight output.