BVH is the motion-capture skeleton format: a text hierarchy of joints with rotation channels and per-frame keyframes. It carries no mesh — only the skeleton and its animation.
Typical use: Convert BVH takes to glTF so motion data drops straight into three.js, Unity or Blender.
About the BVH format
BVH (Biovision Hierarchy) is motion capture in plain text: a joint hierarchy with rotation channels, followed by a MOTION block of per-frame values. It carries no mesh — which is exactly why it converts cleanly into glTF skeletons and animations.
The converted glTF carries the bone hierarchy and the animation clip, so a mocap take drops straight into three.js, Unity or Blender and can be retargeted onto any character.
Strengths
- ✓ Human-readable mocap standard
- ✓ Clean glTF skeleton mapping
- ✓ Decades of free mocap libraries
Limitations
- ✗ No mesh — needs retargeting to a body
- ✗ Euler rotation gimbal quirks
- ✗ Scale conventions vary per studio
- Structure
- HIERARCHY + MOTION text blocks
- Types / schema
- ASCII skeletal animation
- Compatibility
- Blender, Mixamo, three.js BVHLoader
- Best for
- Motion capture exchange
Convert BVH to…
2 direct directions plus 19 workflows, sorted A–Z; 🔥 marks popular targets.
Frequently asked questions
What is a BVH file?
BVH is the motion-capture skeleton format: a text hierarchy of joints with rotation channels and per-frame keyframes. It carries no mesh — only the skeleton and its animation.
How do I convert BVH files online?
Pick a target format from the "Convert BVH to…" list below, drop your file and hit convert. Everything runs in your browser — no install, no upload, no watermark, no limits.
Is it safe to convert BVH files here?
Yes. Every conversion is performed by your own device inside the browser — files never leave for a server, and the page keeps working even offline.
Which formats can BVH convert to?
This page lists all 21 directions across documents, images, audio, video, spreadsheets and archives — each one is its own free converter page.