Trimesh

Warnings

• gotcha Trimesh has many optional dependencies for different features (e.g., `scipy` for algorithms, `pyrender` for visualization, `lxml` for file formats, `rtree` for spatial queries). Missing dependencies lead to `AttributeError` or `ModuleNotFoundError` when trying to use those features.
  Fix: Install `trimesh[full]` to get most common optional dependencies, or install specific packages as needed (e.g., `pip install trimesh scipy pyrender`). Consult the official documentation for feature-specific dependencies.
• breaking The `trimesh.visual` module and visualization backend configuration have seen significant API changes and refactors, particularly around versions 3.x and 4.x. Old visualization code, especially custom `ColorVisuals` or direct `viewer` interaction, may break.
  Fix: Consult the `trimesh` documentation for your specific version regarding visualization. For robust rendering, consider using `pyrender` directly or `open3d` integration rather than `trimesh.show()` which relies on `pyglet`.
• gotcha The `trimesh.show()` function relies on `pyglet` and an active OpenGL context, which often fails in headless environments (e.g., CI/CD, cloud instances, WSL without display server) or systems with non-standard display drivers, resulting in a blank window or errors.
  Fix: For headless visualization, use `pyrender` or `open3d` which support offscreen rendering, or export your mesh to a common file format (e.g., OBJ, STL). For interactive use, ensure `pyglet` is installed and your environment has a working OpenGL display server.

Install

• pip install trimesh Basic installation
• pip install trimesh[full] Full installation with common dependencies

Imports

• Trimesh

  import trimesh
  mesh = trimesh.Trimesh(...)

  While technically possible, `trimesh.Trimesh` is the public-facing and recommended way to instantiate.
• load

  import trimesh
  mesh = trimesh.load('path/to/mesh.obj')

  `trimesh.io` functions are internally used; `trimesh.load` is the stable public API since v3.0.
• Scene

  import trimesh
  scene = trimesh.Scene(...)

Quickstart

This quickstart demonstrates creating a basic mesh, performing common analyses like volume and area calculation, and loading a mesh from a remote URL. It focuses on core functionality that doesn't require interactive display.

import trimesh
import numpy as np

# 1. Create a simple mesh (a box)
mesh = trimesh.creation.box()

# 2. Perform basic analyses
volume = mesh.volume
area = mesh.area
inertia = mesh.moment_inertia

print(f"Mesh volume: {volume:.2f}")
print(f"Mesh surface area: {area:.2f}")
print(f"Mesh moment of inertia:\n{inertia}")

# 3. Load a remote mesh (requires network access)
try:
    # Using a known stable URL for demonstration
    mesh_loaded = trimesh.load_remote('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mikedh/trimesh/main/models/feature.stl')
    print(f"Loaded remote mesh, volume: {mesh_loaded.volume:.2f}")
except Exception as e:
    print(f"Could not load remote mesh: {e}. Check internet connection or URL.")