Format Atlas

Guides

Choose a 3D file format

Separate web display, production scene exchange, geometry transfer, and printing; check whether materials, animation, and units must survive.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Web and real-time display → glTF or GLB
  • Scenes, rigs, and animation between creation tools → FBX
  • Geometry-focused model transfer → OBJ
  • Mesh for 3D printing → STL

Start with glTF or GLB for web display

For web or real-time apps, consider glTF or GLB. Test materials, textures, and animation in the target viewer or engine.

Check the receiver's production tools

FBX is used for production exchange. Specify the rigs, animation, cameras, and other elements to transfer, then verify them after import.

Check units and mesh for printing

STL transfers geometry for printing, but may not declare units. Check dimensions, face direction, holes, and closed mesh status in the slicer.

Formats to consider

glTF

Good for: Delivering 3D assets for web or real-time display

Less suitable for: Printing without confirming units

FBX

Good for: Exchanging materials, rigs, and animation in production

Less suitable for: Direct lightweight web delivery

OBJ

Good for: Moving geometry-focused meshes between tools

Less suitable for: Fully transferring animation

STL

Good for: Transferring geometry for 3D printing

Less suitable for: Exchanging scenes with materials and colors

Before you export

  • Check related textures and file references, not only extensions.
  • Verify materials, scale, axes, and animation after conversion in the target tool.
  • Inspect dimensions and mesh condition before printing.

Related comparisons

glTF vs OBJglTF packages 3D assets for web and real-time viewing, including supported materials and animation. OBJ is a broadly used mesh format focused mainly on geometry.FBX vs glTFFBX is used to exchange 3D production scenes; glTF is designed for efficient runtime delivery of 3D assets.STL vs OBJSTL is common for sending triangle meshes to 3D printing; OBJ can carry mesh attributes and may reference materials separately.STL vs FBXSTL is a triangle-mesh format commonly used to pass a finished shape to 3D printing. FBX can exchange richer production scene data such as materials, rigs, and animation, depending on the tools. Choose by the required downstream use.

Guides

Handing off 3D assets with their dependenciesSeparate finished-asset delivery from editable-scene exchange. Check referenced files and recipient capabilities, then verify appearance and motion in an independent workspace.

References and specifications