Learn about 3D File Formats and APIs that can open and create 3D files

The electronic representation of a three-dimensional object is known as 3D file. A 3D file format is used to store information about 3D models. It usually store information about 3D models as plain text or binary data. There are literally hundreds of 3D file formats and are widely used in 3D games, printing, computer-aided design, manufacturing, academia, engineering and more. Each industry has its own 3D file formats for several reasons. Below we are going to discuss about the most popular 3D file formats and the most recommended software that uses it.

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What are 3D File Formats?

Following is a list of popular 3D file formats that find their use in almost all daily work related to 3D.

What is FBX file?

Your file format guide to know what is an FBX file and APIs that can create and open them. Read More »

What is a GLTF file?

Your file format guide to learn what is an GLTF file and APIs that can create and open them. Read More »

What is a JT file?

Your file format guide to know what is a JT file and APIs that can create and open them. Read More »

What is a PLY file?

Your file format guide to know what is a PLY file and APIs that can create and open them. Read More »

3MF

What is a 3MF file? 3MF, 3D Manufacturing Format, is used by applications to render 3D object models to a variety of other applications, platforms, services and printers. It was built to avoid the limitations and issues in other 3D file formats, like STL, for working with the latest versions of 3D printers. 3MF is relatively a new file format that has been developed and published by the 3MF consortium. It is rich enough to fully describe a model, retaining internal information, colour, and other characteristics that makes it extensible for supporting new innovations in 3D printing. Read More »

GLB

What is a GLB file? GLB is the binary file format representation of 3D models saved in the GL Transmission Format (glTF). Information about 3D models such as node hierarchy, cameras, materials, animations and meshes in binary format. This binary format stores the glTF asset (JSON, .bin and images) in a binary blob. It also avoids the issue of increase in file size which happens in case of glTF. GLB file format results in compact file sizes, fast loading, complete 3D scene representation, and extensibility for further development. Read More »

3DS

A file with 3DS extension represents 3D Sudio (DOS) mesh file format used by Autodesk 3D Studio. Autodesk 3D Studio has been in 3D file format market since 1990s and has now evolved to 3D Studio MAX for working with 3D modeling, animation and rendering. A 3DS file contains data for 3D representation of scenes and images and is one of the popular file formats for 3D data import and export. Read More »

AMF - Additive Manufacturing File

Additive Manufacturing file format (AMF) defines open standards for objects description in order to be utilized by additive manufacturing processes such as 3D Printing. CAD programs use the AMF file format by making use of the information such as geometry, color and material of the objects. AMF is different than STL format as the lateral does not support color, materials, lattices, and constellations. Read More »

ASE

An ASE file is a 2D animation or graphics that contain layers, frames, palettes, tags, and settings. Read More »

DAE - Digital Asset Exchange File Format

A DAE file is a Digital Asset Exchange file format that is used for exchanging data between interactive 3D applications. This file format is based on the COLLADA (COLLAborative Design Activity) XML schema which is an open standard XML schema for the exchange of digital assets among graphics software applications. It has been adopted by ISO as a publicly available specification, ISO/pAS 17506. Read More »

DRC

DRC FIle Extension and associated file format - Coming Soon Read More »

JRXML - JasperReports Layout File

A JRXML file is created by JasperReports and contains design definition in popular XML file format. It stores all the design elements such as report layout, text fields, images, charts, parameters, and variables. JasperReports is a Java library used for creating reports programmatically by retrieving data from backend databases and storage media. Read More »

OBJ

What is an OBJ File? OBJ files are used by Wavefront’s Advanced Visualizer application to define and store the geometric objects. Backward and forward transmission of geometric data is made possible through OBJ files. Both polygonal geometry like points, lines, texture vertices, faces and free-form geometry (curves and surfaces) are supported by OBJ format. This format does not support animation or information related to light and position of scenes. An OBJ file is usually an end product of the 3D modeling process generated by a CAD (Computer Aided Design). Read More »

RVM

RVM data files are related to AVEVA PDMS. RVM file is an AVEVA Plant Design Management System Model. AVEVA’s Plant Design Management System (PDMS) is the most popular 3D design system using data-centric technology for managing projects. Read More »

U3D - Universal 3D File Format

U3D (Universal 3D) is a compressed file format and data structure for 3D computer graphics. It contains 3D model information such as triangle meshes, lighting, shading, motion data, lines and points with color and structure. The format was accepted asECMA-363 standard in August 2005. 3D PDF documents support U3D objects embedding and can be viewed in Adobe Reader (version 7 and onwards). U3D format was developed keeping in view the aim to establish a universal standard for three-dimensional data storage and exchange. Read More »

VRML

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is a file format for representation of interactive 3D world objects over the World Wide Web (www). It finds its usage in creating three-dimensional representations of complex scenes such as illustrations, definition and virtual reality presentations. The format has been superseded by X3D. Many 3D modelling applications can save objects and scenes in VRML format. VRML File Format VRML is a text file format that specifies information such as vertices and edges of a 3D polygon along with information such as surface colour, UV mapped textures, shininess, transparency and so on. Read More »

X - DirectX Model File

X is a DirectX Model image file used by DirectX technology which is for 3D graphics rendering in games. The file format specifies 3D object structures for meshes, textures, animations, and objects. Read More »

X3D - 3D Image File

X3D is an XML based 3D graphics file format for presentation of 3D information. It is a modular standard and is defined through several ISO specifications. The format supports vector and raster graphics, transparency, lighting effects, and animation settings including rotations, fades, and swings. It became successor of VRML file format in 2001. X3D has the advantage of encoding colour information (unlike STL) that is used during printing the model on a colour 3D printer. Read More »