Data objects

A dataset loaded into OVITO from a simulation file typically consists of multiple data objects, each representing a different aspect of the information – such as the simulation cell geometry, atomic coordinates, or bond connectivity. Modifiers operate on these different data objects and can dynamically generate new ones as the dataset is processed in the data pipeline.

In OVITO, data visualization is handled by visual elements, which generate the three-dimensional graphical representation of numerical data. Data objects themselves do not have configurable visualization parameters, but they are associated with corresponding visual elements that control how the data is rendered.

Data object type	Description
Particles	A set of particles with associated per-particle property values.
Bonds	A set of bonds connecting pairs of particles.
Simulation cell	Defines the simulation cell geometry and boundary conditions.
Surface mesh	A mesh representing a closed 2D surface embedded in the simulation domain.
Triangle mesh	A general polyhedral mesh composed of vertices and triangular faces.
Data table	A structured table with values arranged in columns and rows, visualizable as a 2D data plot.
Voxel grid	A structured 2D or 3D grid composed of uniform voxel elements.
Lines	Trajectory lines generated by the Generate trajectory lines modifier or the `DataCollection.lines.create()` Python API.
Dislocations	Line defects in crystalline materials extracted by the Dislocation analysis (DXA) modifier.
Vectors	Arrow glyphs created using the `DataCollection.vectors.create()` Python API.