Compare
X3D vs glTF
X3D is a standard for representing interactive 3D scenes, while glTF is a format for delivering 3D assets to web and real-time viewers.
Which format should you choose?
Consider X3D for standardized interactive scenes with a compatible runtime; choose glTF or GLB for common web-based 3D asset display.
Good fit for X3D
Interactive 3D content
- Building a scene whose viewer supports X3D interaction nodes
Good fit for glTF
Web and app 3D delivery
- Delivering a textured, animated model to a compatible real-time viewer
Basic information
| Field | X3D | glTF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .x3d, .x3dv, .x3db | .gltf, .glb |
| MIME type | model/x3d+xml, model/x3d-vrml, model/x3d+binary | model/gltf+json, model/gltf-binary |
| Common uses | Interactive 3D content | Web and app 3D delivery |
| How to open | Open in an X3D-capable viewer or browser runtime and test interaction and external assets. | Open with a glTF-capable viewer and inspect geometry, materials, textures, and animation. |
| Export or convert | When converting to glTF or DAE, verify interactions, animation, materials and references. | When converting, check material appearance, texture links, animation, units, and scale. |
Choose by use case
Building a scene whose viewer supports X3D interaction nodes
Interactive 3D content
X3DDelivering a textured, animated model to a compatible real-time viewer
Web and app 3D delivery
glTFKey point 1
X3D can describe 3D scenes that include interactive elements.
More on the differencesKey point 2
glTF is oriented toward delivering assets for real-time rendering.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Choose based on the required viewer or runtime and how much scene behavior must be preserved. Test geometry, materials, animation, interaction, and extensions in the target environment.
- X3D represents interactive scene content and depends on a runtime that understands the needed features.
- glTF/GLB is widely used for distributing renderable assets to real-time applications.
- The formats have different support ecosystems; conversion may not preserve all scene behavior.
Frequently asked questions
Which format is easier to display on the web?
glTF/GLB is commonly used for web 3D assets, but the site still needs a compatible viewer; X3D also requires a supporting runtime.