To convert to or from a given format, a Converter is necessary. Converters read and create 3D data. Most Converters both read and write a particular format. Some only read a format, allowing it to be converted to other formats. Others can only convert other formats to a new format, but cannot read that format. All Converters work together under the coordination of the main program.

Some Converters and conversion options are present only in the SGI IRIX version of Interchange. These differences are described in each Converter's chapter.

Converter chapters
Each Converter has its own chapter in this manual with a consistent style. Chapters are in alphabetical order according to the name of the file format.

Each chapter first describes the format descriptions the Converter adds to the Import Format and Export Format lists. The Geometry section of each Converter chapter describes the polygonal characteristics of the file format and how this data is processed. Similarly, the Material Attributes section describes how materials are translated.

The Options section describes the Converter's Options dialog that controls the way files are imported and exported. Not all Converters have Options dialogs.

At the end of each Converter's chapter is a Background section. This is a reference to the company responsible for the file format or the programs that use it.

Microsoft Windows details
The Microsoft Windows version of represents each Converter as a dynamic link library, or DLL. All Converter DLLs are stored in the directory along with the main program.

Each Converter also has a description file with the extension ".DSC". These files are are used by the main program. If you remove a description file, will no longer work properly.

Each Converter also has a Windows-style ".INI" configuration file that stores the values representing the settings on the Converter's Options dialog. If you remove this file, it will be re-created with default values.