1 Apr 2025
Insight
Understanding 3D file formats is essential for professionals and hobbyists working in 3D modeling, game development, animation, engineering, AR/VR, and design. The format you choose can affect everything - from compatibility with software, to workflow speed, rendering quality, and how files behave in engines or printers. But how do you know what type of 3D file format is right for you? It depends on your specific use case, the tools you work with, and the end goal - whether that’s real-time rendering, 3D printing, animation, or asset sharing across platforms.
This guide is for:
- 3D artists and animators
- Game developers
- Engineers and CAD designers
- AR/VR developers
- Architecture and fashion professionals
- Students and educators in 3D-related fields
Let's jump in!
3D Modeling & Animation
.3ds (3D Studio) - The .3ds file extension is used in Autodesk 3D Studio, and it stands for 3D Studio Scene. A .3ds file contains mesh data, textures, lighting, and animation. It’s typically used for legacy 3D model exchange.
.fbx (Filmbox) - The .fbx file extension is used in Autodesk applications, and it stands for Filmbox. A .fbx file contains 3D models, animations, materials, and lighting setups. It’s typically used for transferring animated 3D assets between software.
.c4d (Cinema 4D) - The .c4d file extension is used in Maxon Cinema 4D, and it stands for Cinema 4D Scene. A .c4d file contains 3D models, lights, materials, and animation. It’s typically used for motion graphics and 3D design projects.
.lwo (LightWave) - The .lwo file extension is used in LightWave 3D, and it stands for LightWave Object. A .lwo file contains polygonal 3D models with surface and texture information. It’s typically used for content in LightWave scenes.
.ma (Maya ASCII) - The .ma file extension is used in Autodesk Maya, and it stands for Maya ASCII. A .ma file contains human-readable scene data such as geometry, materials, animation, and lighting. It’s typically used for precise scene management and scripting.
.max (3ds Max) - The .max file extension is used in Autodesk 3ds Max, and it stands for 3ds Max Scene. A .max file contains full 3D scenes including models, textures, lights, cameras, and animations. It’s typically used for professional 3D production pipelines.
.blend (Blender) - The .blend file extension is used in Blender, and it stands for Blender Project. A .blend file contains everything from 3D models and materials to animations, simulations, and rendering data. It’s typically used for complete 3D scenes.
.lxo (modo) - The .lxo file extension is used in modo, and it stands for Luxology Object. A .lxo file contains geometry, textures, materials, and lighting. It’s typically used for scene creation and rendering in modo.
.ms3d (MilkShape 3D) - The .ms3d file extension is used in MilkShape 3D, and it stands for MilkShape 3D Model. A .ms3d file contains low-polygon geometry, skeletal animation, and material data. It’s typically used for game development and modding.
.mud (Mudbox) - The .mud file extension is used in Autodesk Mudbox, and it stands for Mudbox Project. A .mud file contains high-resolution 3D sculpting data, including mesh layers and textures. It’s typically used for character detailing and digital sculpting.
.3b (3D-Coat) - The .3b file extension is used in 3D-Coat, and it stands for 3D-Coat Scene. A .3b file contains voxel and surface modeling data, paint layers, and UV maps. It’s typically used for digital sculpting and texturing.
.ac (AC3D) - The .ac file extension is used in AC3D, and it stands for AC3D Model. An .ac file contains polygonal geometry and texture references. It’s typically used for flight sims and lightweight 3D modeling.
.atl (Artlantis) - The .atl file extension is used in Artlantis, and it stands for Artlantis Project. A .atl file contains 3D scene data including models, lights, and cameras. It’s typically used for architectural visualizations.
.hip (Houdini) - The .hip file extension is used in SideFX Houdini, and it stands for Houdini Project. A .hip file contains full procedural networks for modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering. It’s typically used in visual effects pipelines.
.f3d (Fusion 360) - The .f3d file extension is used in Autodesk Fusion 360, and it stands for Fusion 360 Design. A .f3d file contains CAD and CAM models along with version control. It’s typically used for cloud-based 3D engineering.
.CATProduct (CATIA) - The .CATProduct file extension is used in Dassault Systèmes CATIA, and it stands for CATIA Product Assembly. A .CATProduct file contains assemblies composed of multiple .CATPart components. It’s typically used in mechanical engineering.
.art (ArtCAM) - The .art file extension is used in ArtCAM, and it stands for ArtCAM Relief. An .art file contains 3D relief models and toolpaths. It’s typically used in decorative CNC machining.
.tm (Terrain Model) - The .tm file extension is used in various CAD and GIS systems, and it stands for Terrain Model. A .tm file contains digital elevation models. It’s typically used for terrain simulation and visualization.
.wire (Alias) - The .wire file extension is used in Autodesk Alias, and it stands for Alias Wireframe. A .wire file contains precision curves and Class-A surfaces. It’s typically used in automotive and industrial design.
.GrowFX (GrowFX Plant) - The .GrowFX file extension is used in GrowFX, and it stands for GrowFX Procedural Plant. A .GrowFX file contains node-based parametric plant models. It’s typically used in architectural and environmental design.
.vdb (OpenVDB) - The .vdb file extension is used in OpenVDB, and it stands for Volumetric Database. A .vdb file contains sparse volumetric data like smoke and fog. It’s typically used in high-end visual effects.
.ls8 (GrowFX Scene) - The .ls8 file extension is used in GrowFX, and it stands for GrowFX Scene Version 8. A .ls8 file contains procedural vegetation setups. It’s typically used for versioned plant configurations.
.ls10 (GrowFX Scene) - The .ls10 file extension is used in GrowFX, and it stands for GrowFX Scene Version 10. A .ls10 file contains procedural parameters for 3D foliage. It’s typically used in the latest version of GrowFX for detailed greenery.
.xsi (Softimage Scene) - The .xsi file extension is used in Autodesk Softimage, and it stands for Softimage Scene. A .xsi file contains 3D models, animations, materials, and camera setups. It’s typically used in character animation and VFX production.
CAD & Engineering
.dwg (AutoCAD Drawing) - The .dwg file extension is used in AutoCAD, and it stands for Drawing. A .dwg file contains 2D and 3D design data including geometry, layers, and annotations. It’s typically used for technical drawings in architecture and engineering.
.dxf (Drawing Exchange Format) - The .dxf file extension is used in AutoCAD, and it stands for Drawing Exchange Format. A .dxf file contains 2D and 3D CAD data in a text-based format. It’s typically used for sharing drawings between different CAD programs.
.3dm (Rhinoceros 3D) - The .3dm file extension is used in Rhino, and it stands for 3D Model. A .3dm file contains NURBS curves, surfaces, and meshes. It’s typically used for precision modeling in architecture and industrial design.
.skp (SketchUp) - The .skp file extension is used in SketchUp, and it stands for SketchUp Project. A .skp file contains 3D models and scenes including materials and camera views. It’s typically used in architectural design and visualization.
.sldprt (SolidWorks Part) - The .sldprt file extension is used in SolidWorks, and it stands for SolidWorks Part. A .sldprt file contains a single 3D part including features, parameters, and history. It’s typically used for mechanical component design.
.igs (IGES) - The .igs file extension is used in CAD programs, and it stands for Initial Graphics Exchange Specification. An .igs file contains 2D or 3D geometry such as curves and surfaces. It’s typically used for exchanging data between different CAD systems.
.par (Solid Edge Part) - The .par file extension is used in Solid Edge, and it stands for Part. A .par file contains a single 3D part model. It’s typically used in product design and mechanical engineering.
.ipt (Inventor Part) - The .ipt file extension is used in Autodesk Inventor, and it stands for Inventor Part. An .ipt file contains a single parametric part model. It’s typically used for detailed mechanical design.
.stp (STEP) - The .stp file extension is used in CAD software, and it stands for Standard for the Exchange of Product Data. A .stp file contains 3D model geometry and assembly structure. It’s typically used for transferring data across different CAD systems.
.sat (ACIS) - The .sat file extension is used in various CAD tools, and it stands for Standard ACIS Text. A .sat file contains solid model geometry. It’s typically used in 3D modeling for mechanical design.
.jcd (JCAD Drawing) - The .jcd file extension is used in JCAD, and it stands for JCAD Drawing. A .jcd file contains 2D or 3D drawing views and annotations. It’s typically used for design documentation.
.gsm (ArchiCAD Object) - The .gsm file extension is used in ArchiCAD, and it stands for Geometric Description Language Model. A .gsm file contains parametric architectural objects. It’s typically used in BIM workflows.
.ad_pkg (Alibre Package) - The .ad_pkg file extension is used in Alibre Design, and it stands for Alibre Package. An .ad_pkg file contains a zipped archive of a complete project. It’s typically used for sharing and archiving assemblies.
.idw (Inventor Drawing) - The .idw file extension is used in Autodesk Inventor, and it stands for Inventor Drawing. An .idw file contains 2D drawing views of parts or assemblies. It’s typically used for technical documentation.
.rvt (Revit Project) - The .rvt file extension is used in Autodesk Revit, and it stands for Revit Project. A .rvt file contains architectural, structural, and MEP data. It’s typically used in building information modeling.
.rps (Rhino Print Settings) - The .rps file extension is used in Rhino, and it stands for Rhino Print Settings. A .rps file contains layout and print configuration for technical drawings. It’s typically used for preparing output from CAD models.
.tm (Terrain Model) - The .tm file extension is used in terrain modeling applications, and it stands for Terrain Model. A .tm file contains elevation and surface data for landscapes. It’s typically used in architectural and civil engineering projects.
.drs (Drawing Resource) - The .drs file extension is used in engineering software, and it stands for Drawing Resource File. A .drs file contains shared drawing templates and symbols. It’s typically used for standardizing documentation.
.x_t (Parasolid Text) - The .x_t file extension is used in CAD software, and it stands for Parasolid Text. A .x_t file contains solid model geometry in a readable text format. It’s typically used for exchanging precise 3D CAD data.
Game Development & Real-Time Engines
.unitypackage (Unity) - The .unitypackage file extension is used in Unity, and it stands for Unity Package. A .unitypackage file contains assets, scripts, and settings bundled for import into other Unity projects. It’s typically used for sharing project components.
.prefab (Unity) - The .prefab file extension is used in Unity, and it stands for Prefabricated Object. A .prefab file contains pre-configured game objects and components. It’s typically used to reuse objects consistently across scenes.
.uasset (Unreal Engine) - The .uasset file extension is used in Unreal Engine, and it stands for Unreal Asset. A .uasset file contains 3D models, materials, animations, or blueprints. It’s typically used for creating game environments and characters.
.w3d (Westwood 3D) - The .w3d file extension is used in Westwood’s 3D game engine, and it stands for Westwood 3D Model. A .w3d file contains models and animation data. It’s typically used in older game development pipelines.
.dts (Torque Game Engine) - The .dts file extension is used in Torque 3D, and it stands for Dynamix Three Space. A .dts file contains animated 3D models with bones and LODs. It’s typically used for in-game characters and assets.
.b3d (Blitz3D) - The .b3d file extension is used in Blitz3D, and it stands for Blitz 3D Model. A .b3d file contains mesh data, textures, bones, and animations. It’s typically used for lightweight 3D game development.
.mdl (Model File) - The .mdl file extension is used in various engines like Source or GoldSrc, and it stands for Model. A .mdl file contains model geometry, animations, and textures. It’s typically used in character and item assets.
.cga (CryEngine) - The .cga file extension is used in CryEngine, and it stands for Crytek Geometry Animation. A .cga file contains static or simple animated geometry used in CryEngine-based games. It’s typically used for rigid objects (not skinned characters).
.rsscn (RealityScan) - The .rsscn file extension is used in RealityScan, and it stands for RealityScan Scene. A .rsscn file contains a collection of scanned objects arranged in a scene. It’s typically used for photogrammetry-based environments.
.py (Python) - The .py file extension is used in scripting environments, and it stands for Python Script. A .py file contains code written in the Python programming language. It’s typically used for automating game logic or tools.
.mel (Maya Embedded Language) - The .mel file extension is used in Autodesk Maya, and it stands for Maya Embedded Language. A .mel file contains scripts for automating tasks or building tools. It’s typically used in animation and modeling pipelines.
.project (Game Project) - The .project file extension is used in game development environments, and it stands for Project File. A .project file contains configuration data and asset links. It’s typically used to manage settings in game engines.
Clothing & Character Design
.ztl (ZBrush Tool) - The .ztl file extension is used in ZBrush, and it stands for ZBrush Tool. A .ztl file contains high-resolution sculpted models with subdivision levels and polygroups. It’s typically used for character and organic modeling.
.duf (DAZ User File) - The .duf file extension is used in DAZ Studio, and it stands for DAZ User File. A .duf file contains character presets, materials, poses, and animation data. It’s typically used for 3D character design and storytelling.
.iprop (iClone Prop) - The .iprop file extension is used in iClone, and it stands for Interactive Prop. A .iprop file contains 3D objects with animations and interactions. It’s typically used as scene elements or accessories.
.pz3 (Poser Scene) - The .pz3 file extension is used in Poser, and it stands for Poser Scene. A .pz3 file contains complete scene data including characters, props, lighting, and animation. It’s typically used for rendering character-driven narratives.
.pos (Poser Pose) - The .pos file extension is used in Poser, and it stands for Pose File. A .pos file contains pose data for characters including bone transformations. It’s typically used to quickly apply poses to figures.
.bvh (Biovision Hierarchy) - The .bvh file extension is used in animation and mocap tools, and it stands for Biovision Hierarchy. A .bvh file contains motion capture data with skeletal hierarchy. It’s typically used for animating rigged characters.
AR/VR & Web 3D
.gltf (GL Transmission Format) - The .gltf file extension is used in 3D workflows, and it stands for GL Transmission Format. A .gltf file contains JSON-based 3D models, materials, and animations. It’s typically used for efficient delivery of 3D content on the web.
.glb (GLB Binary) - The .glb file extension is used in 3D web and AR applications, and it stands for GLB Binary. A .glb file contains embedded geometry, materials, and textures in a single binary package. It’s typically used for compact, real-time rendering.
.usdz (Universal Scene Description Zip) - The .usdz file extension is used by Apple’s ARKit and Pixar, and it stands for Universal Scene Description Zip. A .usdz file contains 3D assets, materials, and animations in a lightweight format. It’s typically used for AR on iOS and web platforms.
.obj (Wavefront Object) - The .obj file extension is used in many 3D tools, and it stands for Wavefront Object. A .obj file contains geometry data including vertices, UVs, and normals. It’s typically used for cross-platform model exchange.
.dae (Digital Asset Exchange) - The .dae file extension is used in COLLADA, and it stands for Digital Asset Exchange. A .dae file contains 3D scene data such as meshes, materials, and animations. It’s typically used for exchanging assets between 3D applications.
.abc (Alembic) - The .abc file extension is used in high-end animation workflows, and it stands for Alembic. A .abc file contains baked geometry, topology, and animation data. It’s typically used for rendering or simulation pipelines.
.wrl (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) - The .wrl file extension is used in early web 3D applications, and it stands for Virtual Reality Modeling Language. A .wrl file contains 3D objects, scene layout, and interaction nodes. It’s typically used in virtual reality environments.
.svg (Scalable Vector Graphics) - The .svg file extension is used in web and UI design, and it stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. An .svg file contains vector-based 2D graphics and XML-based markup. It’s typically used for icons, decals, and flat overlays in 3D environments.
.usd (Universal Scene Description) - The .usd file extension is used in Pixar’s USD framework, and it stands for Universal Scene Description. A .usd file contains layered 3D scenes, geometry, and materials. It’s typically used in collaborative 3D pipelines and AR/VR workflows.
.tbscene (Toolbag Scene) - The .tbscene file extension is used in Marmoset Toolbag, and it stands for Toolbag Scene. A .tbscene file contains scene setup including lights, materials, cameras, and imported models. It’s typically used for real-time asset presentation.
Render & Scene Formats
.vue (Vue Scene) - The .vue file extension is used in Vue, and it stands for Vue Scene File. A .vue file contains terrain, vegetation, atmospheric effects, and lighting setups. It’s typically used for creating and rendering realistic natural environments.
.scn (Scene File) - The .scn file extension is used in various 3D applications, and it stands for Scene. A .scn file contains object positions, lighting, animation, and camera data. It’s typically used for storing full 3D scenes.
.rib (RenderMan Interface Bytestream) - The .rib file extension is used in RenderMan, and it stands for RenderMan Interface Bytestream. A .rib file contains 3D scene data, including geometry, lights, and shaders. It’s typically used for advanced film-quality rendering.
.ms (MaxScript) - The .ms file extension is used in Autodesk 3ds Max, and it stands for MaxScript. A .ms file contains scripts that automate tasks or generate scene content. It’s typically used for creating tools and controlling render behavior.
.tbscene (Toolbag Scene) - The .tbscene file extension is used in Marmoset Toolbag, and it stands for Toolbag Scene. A .tbscene file contains rendering setups including lighting, materials, and cameras. It’s typically used for real-time preview and portfolio rendering.
.tbmat (Toolbag Material) - The .tbmat file extension is used in Marmoset Toolbag, and it stands for Toolbag Material. A .tbmat file contains material properties such as texture maps and shader settings. It’s typically used for surface rendering and real-time look development.
.rsobj (RealityScan Object) - The .rsobj file extension is used in RealityScan, and it stands for RealityScan Object. A .rsobj file contains photogrammetrically reconstructed 3D models. It’s typically used for scene composition and real-world asset visualization.
.rsscn (RealityScan Scene) - The .rsscn file extension is used in RealityScan, and it stands for RealityScan Scene. A .rsscn file contains an arrangement of scanned objects with lighting and camera data. It’s typically used for rendering photorealistic digital twins.
.usd (Universal Scene Description) - The .usd file extension is used in Pixar’s USD system, and it stands for Universal Scene Description. A .usd file contains hierarchical 3D scene data including geometry, materials, and references. It’s typically used for scalable scene building and cross-software collaboration.
.mxs (Maxwell Scene) - The .mxs file extension is used in Maxwell Render, and it stands for Maxwell Scene. A .mxs file contains 3D scene data including geometry, lights, cameras, and material definitions. It’s typically used for physically accurate rendering.
.tgo (Terragen Object) - The .tgo file extension is used in Terragen, and it stands for Terragen Object. A .tgo file contains 3D model data with surface properties and displacement information. It’s typically used for adding detailed objects to landscape renderings.
Textures, Materials & Metadata
.mtl (Material Template Library) - The .mtl file extension is used alongside .obj files, and it stands for Material Template Library. A .mtl file contains material definitions including color, reflectivity, and texture maps. It’s typically used to apply visual properties to .obj models.
.mat (Material File) - The .mat file extension is used in various 3D applications, and it stands for Material. A .mat file contains data about textures, shaders, and surface attributes. It’s typically used for defining how 3D surfaces appear.
.spp (Substance Painter Project) - The .spp file extension is used in Adobe Substance Painter, and it stands for Substance Painter Project. A .spp file contains 3D models, texture layers, masks, and brushes. It’s typically used for texture painting workflows.
.sbs (Substance Designer Graph) - The .sbs file extension is used in Adobe Substance Designer, and it stands for Substance Graph. A .sbs file contains node-based procedural material networks. It’s typically used to create and edit .sbsar files.
.orbx (Octane Render Package) - The .orbx file extension is used in OctaneRender, and it stands for Octane Render Package. A .orbx file contains scenes, materials, textures, and lighting. It’s typically used for high-quality GPU rendering.
.fbm (FBX Material Folder) - The .fbm file extension is used in conjunction with .fbx files, and it stands for FBX Material Folder. A .fbm file contains textures and material maps referenced by the main model. It’s typically used during model import/export.
.ai (Adobe Illustrator) - The .ai file extension is used in Adobe Illustrator, and it stands for Adobe Illustrator Artwork. An .ai file contains vector graphics and illustrations. It’s typically used for logos and 2D elements in 3D textures.
.png (Portable Network Graphics) - The .png file extension is used across design software, and it stands for Portable Network Graphics. A .png file contains raster images with transparency support. It’s typically used for texture maps and UI elements.
.jpg (JPEG Image) - The .jpg file extension is used for images, and it stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. A .jpg file contains compressed raster graphics. It’s typically used for diffuse textures where small file size is needed.
.psd (Photoshop Document) - The .psd file extension is used in Adobe Photoshop, and it stands for Photoshop Document. A .psd file contains layered image data. It’s typically used to build complex textures and visual assets.
.exr (OpenEXR) - The .exr file extension is used in high-end rendering workflows, and it stands for OpenEXR. A .exr file contains high dynamic range (HDR) image data. It’s typically used for light maps, environment textures, and compositing.
.svg (Scalable Vector Graphics) - The .svg file extension is used in web and UI workflows, and it stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. An .svg file contains XML-based 2D vector data. It’s typically used for icon overlays or decals in 3D scenes.
.pdf (Portable Document Format) - The .pdf file extension is used in document exchange, and it stands for Portable Document Format. A .pdf file can contain embedded graphics, layouts, and vector elements. It’s typically used for reference textures or visual guides.
.hrd (HyperShade Render Data) - The .hrd file extension is used in Alias software, and it stands for HyperShade Render Data. A .hrd file contains rendering-related attributes such as shaders and lighting information. It’s typically used for managing complex rendering setups.
.dn (Adobe Dimension) - The .dn file extension is used in Adobe Dimension, and it stands for Dimension Project. A .dn file contains 3D scenes, materials, lighting, and camera settings. It’s typically used for creating photorealistic product visualizations and branding mockups.
3D Printing
.stl (Stereolithography) - The .stl file extension is used in 3D printing, and it stands for Stereolithography. A .stl file contains surface geometry of a 3D object using a mesh of triangles. It’s typically used for manufacturing and prototyping.
.3mf (3D Manufacturing Format) - The .3mf file extension is used in 3D printing workflows, and it stands for 3D Manufacturing Format. A .3mf file contains model geometry, color, materials, and print settings. It’s typically used for improved compatibility with modern printers.
.ply (Polygon File Format) - The .ply file extension is used in 3D scanning and modeling, and it stands for Polygon File Format. A .ply file contains 3D mesh data with support for color and transparency. It’s typically used for scanned models and point cloud visualization.
.amf (Additive Manufacturing File) - The .amf file extension is used in advanced 3D printing, and it stands for Additive Manufacturing File. An .amf file contains model geometry, color, materials, and constellations. It’s typically used to support complex multi-material prints.
.gcode (G-Code File) - The .gcode file extension is used in CNC and 3D printing, and it stands for G-Code. A .gcode file contains machine instructions for printing or cutting. It’s typically used to control 3D printers or CNC machines.
.mpt (Material Path Template) - The .mpt file extension is used in 3D printing and machining, and it stands for Material Path Template. A .mpt file contains predefined toolpaths and material instructions. It’s typically used in automated manufacturing setups.
.mpf (Machine Process File) - The .mpf file extension is used in CAM workflows, and it stands for Machine Process File. A .mpf file contains process-specific commands for CNC or additive manufacturing machines. It’s typically used in production environments.
.nc (Numerical Control) - The .nc file extension is used in CNC machining, and it stands for Numerical Control. A .nc file contains machine-readable toolpaths and operations. It’s typically used to control mills, lathes, and routers.
.lyc (Lychee Slicer) - The .lyc file extension is used in Lychee Slicer software, and it stands for Lychee File. A .lyc file contains sliced 3D print jobs with support and exposure settings. It’s typically used for preparing resin prints.
.bip (KeyShot Scene) - The .bip file extension is used in KeyShot, and it stands for Bunkspeed Image Package. A .bip file contains 3D models, materials, cameras, and lighting settings. It’s typically used for rendering high-quality product visualizations.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the diverse landscape of 3D and 3D printing file formats is essential for anyone working across modeling, animation, engineering, game development, or AR/VR experiences. Each file extension serves a unique purpose — whether it’s storing precise CAD designs, enabling real-time game assets, or supporting high-quality renders and simulations.
By organizing and recognizing these formats according to their use cases, professionals can streamline workflows, ensure compatibility across tools, and choose the most efficient formats for their creative or technical projects. As the digital design industry continues to evolve, having a solid grasp of these foundational formats will help you stay versatile, efficient, and ready to adapt across platforms.
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