Compare
FBX vs glTF
FBX is used to exchange 3D production scenes; glTF is designed for efficient runtime delivery of 3D assets.
Which format should you choose?
Use FBX for supported production-scene workflows; use glTF/GLB for web or app delivery when the runtime supports the needed features.
Good fit for FBX
3D production handoff
- Passing rigged characters and animation between compatible creation tools
Good fit for glTF
Web and app 3D delivery
- Delivering a textured, animated model to a compatible real-time viewer
Basic information
| Field | FBX | glTF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .fbx | .gltf, .glb |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream | model/gltf+json, model/gltf-binary |
| Common uses | 3D production handoff | Web and app 3D delivery |
| How to open | Open in an FBX-capable editor or viewer and inspect meshes, materials, textures, scale, rigs, and animation. | Open with a glTF-capable viewer and inspect geometry, materials, textures, and animation. |
| Export or convert | When converting to glTF, verify materials, texture links, animation, units, and axis orientation. | When converting, check material appearance, texture links, animation, units, and scale. |
Choose by use case
Passing rigged characters and animation between compatible creation tools
3D production handoff
FBXDelivering a textured, animated model to a compatible real-time viewer
Web and app 3D delivery
glTFKey point 1
FBX feature support varies across exporters and importers.
More on the differencesKey point 2
glTF targets runtime asset delivery and supports scenes, meshes, materials, and animation.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Check materials, textures, animation, scale, axes, and external resources after export.
- .gltf may reference external resources.
- .glb packages content in a binary container; confirm the target runtime requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is glTF a direct replacement for FBX?
Not for every production workflow. Choose based on the required scene features and whether the destination is an editor or a runtime viewer.
Will glTF and FBX preserve identical materials and animation?
Not always. Verify the asset in the receiving application.