IGS or Initial Graphics Exchange Specification refers to a file format used for the exchange of 3D model data between CAD software. The format is widely used in the manufacturing industry to facilitate the transfer of designs between different software platforms. There are several synonyms for IGS that are often used interchangeably, such as IGES, which stands for Initial Graphics Exchange Standard, or 3D CAD data exchange format. Other synonyms include STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data), STL (STereoLithography) and OBJ (Object file format). These formats are all designed to serve the same purpose of enabling the transfer of 3D model data.