NIF file

NIF file (NetImmerse File) is a format used by Fallout games using the Gamebryo and Creation Engines.

About
NIF tiles are used to render a NetImmerse Format 3D mesh to the screen; these are often used for 2D components that require animations or complex shapes. 3D meshes use similar coordinates to tiles in a menu, but with different axes. The contents of the specified NIF file are inserted almost directly into a tile's rendered content.

Note that the game engine deliberately limits the features that a NIF in a menu can use. NiMaterialProperty and NiAlphaProperty objects will be stripped out of your 3D content when it is spliced into the user interface.

The exact relationship between 2D and 3D content is as follows:

Gameplay
These include Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas (Gamebryo Engine), Fallout 4, and Fallout 76 (Creation Engine).

The format is used to store meshes (3d geometry) used by the game, such as characters, creatures, weapons, scenery, landscape, and others. NIF files are typically stored in BSA archives and can be viewed with official tools such as the GECK or Creation Kit and modified using third-party software.

Third Party Software
NIF files can be viewed and modified by third-party software. NIF files may need to be converted to another file type to be read by some third-party software. Both Nifskope and Outfit Studio will convert to the .obj format which is an open format.
 * Autodesk: 3ds Max
 * Blender
 * Maya
 * NifSkope
 * Outfit Studio