BVH File Extension
Biovision Hierarchy Animation Format
- File Type bvh
- Developer Biovision
- Popularity
- Application Poser
- Category 3D Image Files
What is a BVH file?
Files with the BVH extension are specifically tied to Biovision Hierarchy Animation Format, a 3D Image Files type, and there are 618 files in this category.
BVH files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. If you need to open a BVH file, you can use one of 11 programs, such as Poser, Cobalt and Blender.
File Signature
HEX code: 48 49 45 52 41 52 43 48 59. ASCII code: HIERARCHY.
Programs that support BVH files
How to open a BVH file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a BVH file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
Poser, Cobalt and Blender stand out as the preferred programs to manage BVH files effectively. To install the latest version of Poser on your computer, visit the Smith Micro website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.
After installation, your operating system should automatically open BVH files with Poser.
Set Poser as the default BVH handler
Choose an app to open a file on Mac
- Right click or use Control + left click on the desired BVH file to launch the file options menu;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Next, at the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu, in which "Recommended Programs" is selected by default;
- In this menu, select "All Programs", then find Poser and check the box next to "Always open in the application."
Set default programs for Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your BVH file, then select "Open With" and continue by clicking "Choose another app" from the options provided;
- In the pop-up window, find and select the Poser application from the available options;
- Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening BVH files.
Convert files to and from BVH
If you have trouble working with a BVH file, try converting it to AVI, JPEG, CR2, ANI, BLEND or similar 3d image files.
Be aware that converting a BVH file may reduce some features, but you can usually revert it to the original format.
Convert BVH to other file formats
Effective solutions for BVH file problems
There are some common issues with BVH files that can be resolved easily by making minor adjustments to your software. Below, you’ll find these issues along with practical troubleshooting tips.
What are the methods to detect if my BVH file has been corrupted?
BVH 3d image files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- An unexplained increase in the size of the BVH file;
- Trying to work with the archive in Poser or other programs causes instability or program crashes;
- The file does not open correctly or displays error messages;
- While working with the file, error alerts are encountered;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Poser;
Why does Poser crash?
Insufficient software updates can contribute to Poser crash. To avoid this, make sure that you have installed the latest updates for Smith Micro products.
Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.
How to repair a corrupted BVH file?
Open the damaged BVH file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair operation. Please wait patiently for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically repair the damaged 3d image files.
How to edit a BVH file?
To make changes to BVH files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the 3d image files. Online BVH editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Biovision Hierarchy Animation Format.
Best BVH editors 2026
Based on these criteria, we have prepared a list of available BVH editors.
| BVH Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blender | Blender Foundation | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.9 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Autodesk Maya | Autodesk | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
| QAvimator | Fig Mistwood | Windows | 4.4 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Poser | Smith Micro | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Cobalt | Vellum | Windows | 4.1 out of 5 (40 reviews) |