libigl

libigl is a high-level C++ library for geometry processing, established as the industry and academic standard for rapid prototyping in 3D graphics. Unlike heavier frameworks like CGAL, libigl is primarily header-only and leverages the Eigen linear algebra library to represent geometry as simple matrices (V for vertices, F for faces). This architecture allows developers to treat 3D meshes as standard data structures, making it highly compatible with modern AI and machine learning pipelines that require 3D data manipulation. In the 2026 landscape, libigl has solidified its position as the backend for many 'Generative 3D' applications, serving as the bridge between neural network outputs and manufacturable geometry. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for mesh parameterization, smoothing, boolean operations, and surface deformation. The library's philosophy of 'minimal dependencies' makes it exceptionally easy to integrate into larger software suites, while its Python bindings have expanded its reach into the data science community, enabling high-performance geometry processing within PyTorch and TensorFlow environments.