NetImmerse File Format: Liberation Association The NetImmerse File Format, (NIF) is a file format used for 3d models, (meshes) within NDL's NetImmerse and Gamebryo game engines. These engines are used in a number of games. NDL's official plugins for exporting NIF files usually only work for 3ds Max and Maya. The problem this creates is two fold:
1. The software (3ds Max and Maya) is extremely expensive.
2. The plugins do NOT work in newer versions than they were designed for. This creates a hindrance to the modding community. The goal of this group is to research the NIF file format, and build the tools to allow the community at large to create NIF models for use in games. It is specifically NOT our goal to undermine any intellectual property rights of Numerical Design Limited (NetImmerse and Gamebryo), Autodesk, Inc (3ds Max), Alias (Maya), Bethesda Softworks LLC (Morrowind), or any other company or person. Any involvement with pirating or other illegal software is specifically prohibited within this group.

NIFLA’s Successor: NifTools - NIF File Format Library and Tools The NIF File Format Library and Tools Project is a new open source project created by NIFLA volunteers and hosted by SourceForge. The aim of the NifTools project is to build software that enables users to create and edit content stored in the NetImmerse File Format. We have a public forum available for feedback, support, general discussion, and collaboration. I wish to thank all of NIFLA’s members for the support that has given us so much success. I hope that many of you will help us continue developing the tools at NifTools.
humbly,
-Mannon