The Common 3D File Formats in 2025
There are many common 3D file formats available, which can make it challenging to choose the right one for 3D export. The main issue is that each software application tends to use its own preferred file format. As a result, you need to select the most suitable format from a wide range of options. It’s not always easy to determine which one is best for a particular situation.
The key requirements are that the format should integrate smoothly into your workflow and provide the necessary precision.
Making the wrong choice can lead to numerous problems, including data transfer errors, wasted time, data loss, and even slicing issues. This can result in significant delays, failed projects, or defective 3D files. Under such circumstances, producing high-quality architectural renderings on time becomes impossible.
What is a 3D file?
Put simply, a 3D file format is just a file format that holds data about 3D models. Geometry (its shape), look (its color, texture, and/or materials), scene (the location of a light source, camera, or other objects around the 3D model), and animations are all examples of this (how the 3D object moves, including morphs and skeletal information). 3D models are typically created in 3D modeling software. There are a lot of 3D design software available that you can use to prepare your 3D files, but the challenge is that most are not user-friendly and one has to take a lot of hours to learn how to design their models. Additionally, most easy-to-use programs available are too basic to be used for creating complex models.
If you're looking for a powerful 3D modeling software that is easy to use, consider using software like SelfCAD. With SelfCAD, users can prepare both simple and complex 3D files with ease. It’s also the only 3D design program that combines 3D modeling, sculpting, rendering, simple animations, and 3D printing tools all within a single program.
The in-built slicer of SelfCAD ensures that you prepare your 3D files for 3D printing without having to switch to another program. There are also a lot of interactive tutorials to help even beginners get started with the program much more easily. As we continue to learn about the common 3D file formats, it is essential to understand that 3D information is stored in 3D models as either plain text or binary data. Because each 3D software package has a file format tailored to that software, hundreds of 3D file types are available. For instance, Blender has BLEND, AutoCAD has DWG, Clo has .zprj, and Browzwear has .bw, to mention a few.
Proprietary 3D file formats
The issue with proprietary 3D file formats is that almost all of them are proprietary, which means other programs can't read them. Consider the following scenario: you're using Blender, while your 3D fashion designer colleague is using Browzwear. You have a 3D model that you need to share with a colleague, but you can't work on it together because you're working with separate proprietary 3D file formats. The blend is not compatible with Browzwear. Blender does not support importing bw files. So, what's the result? 3D file formats that aren't proprietary, such as FBX. While FBX is a proprietary format, many software programs widely use it as an exchange format.
Neutral 3D file Formats
Neutral (or open-source) 3D file formats were created to address the issue of interoperability. These nonproprietary formats act as a bridge between two proprietary formats. As you might expect, these neutral formats are prevalent among designers and 3D artists. If you want to share your 3D model with a colleague who isn't using the same 3D design program as you, you can convert it to a neutral 3D file format and send it to them to import into their program. For example, If you export an FBX from Browzwear, you can import it into Blender. You can continue to utilize various software while communicating with others with minimal effort.
8 Best Common 3D file formats of 2025
Most 3D modeling software handles most of the common 3D formats. However, to avoid unnecessary conversions, it is best to consider using appropriate neutral 3D file formats from the outset. Here are the eight most prevalent 3D file formats, along with their key considerations, to help you select the appropriate format for your specific needs.
1. FBX
FBX is a common 3D file format created by Kaydara and later acquired by Autodesk. It was intended to connect diverse file formats in the same pipeline. It ensures that Autodesk software programs such as Maya, MotionBuilder, 3Ds Max, Cinema4D, Rhino, Modo, and Mudbox work together. The most widely used animation format is FBX. That sets it apart from the competition – OBJ, which we'll discuss shortly. The FBX format is commonly used in game development pipelines and the film industry. It also supports geometry, materials, meshes, skeletons, textures, and morphs, among other features. As a result, FBX is utilized in various fields, including architecture, design, science, education, medicine, furniture, engineering, and product prototyping, among others. This CG format is prevalent for architecture rendering among all spheres.
2. 3DS
Autodesk 3ds software uses 3ds Max as one of its file types. It has been a common 3D file format widely regarded as a standard for exchanging data between 3D software packages for a long time. As a result, practically all 3D software packages support it, and the majority of tools, such as Autodesk 3ds Max, MeshLab, Cheetah3D, and IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe, can open it. However, it is primarily used for simple geometry because it retains the necessary information – mesh, object animation, lighting, camera location, material, color, roughness, and transmission. Other formats – MAX and PRJ – must be added to the scene to be filled.
3ds is one of the top common 3D file formats of 2025 for drawings and objects. Because practically all 3D-related software understands the 3DS format, such files can be read or imported with a wide range of programs. Education, architecture, engineering, and manufacturing are the main usage fields.
3. OBJ
Wavefront Technologies created the OBJ 3D model format. It's often used to move mesh geometry from one 3D program to another. Its primary application is 3D design. The OBJ format does not support any type of animation, manipulation, or object hierarchy. Furthermore, the file does not contain any information on colors or materials. To do so, one must use the.MTL file, which is a supplement to the .obj file. Even though the OBJ file is simple and compatible with a wide range of different software tools, the MTL format isn't widely supported. When deciding between 3D file formats, keep this in mind to avoid losing important information.
The majority of applications support the. obj format because it is the most common 3D format. Maya, Blender, XSI, MeshLab, 3D Studio Max и Rhinoceros 3D, Cinema 4D, Modo, and many others are examples.
4. STL
3D Systems created the STL format. STereoLithography is the most popular interpretation of the acronym. Alternative variants say it stands for "Standard Tessellation Language file" or "Standard Transform Language." The information about the layout of a three-dimensional object is stored in this 3D file format. It is perhaps the most widely used file format for fast prototyping, 3D printing, and computer-aided manufacturing. STL is a standard format for 3D visualization and printing. However, it only supports simple geometry and hence offers low-fidelity data. Maple, FreeCAD, MeshLab, OpenSCAD, SketchUp, SolidWorks, Blender, Solid Edge, and Rhinoceros 3D are just a few software packages that accept this CG file type.
5. IGES
Although IGES is no longer maintained, it is still commonly used to transport 3D model data across CAD, CAM, and CAE software systems. International Graphics Exchange Standard is the abbreviation. There are three versions of this 3D format: "Bounded Surfaces," "Surfaced NURBS," and "BREP Manifold Solids." Because the first two versions are outdated, it is preferable to use the third. IGES keeps track of 2D and 3D geometry and bounded geometries, layers, and colors. Professional 3D artists now choose STEP. This 3D file format has a reputation for being an excellent choice for amateurs in 3D. It is mainly used for 3D modeling and technical drawing generation. In product design, IGES is still highly prevalent.
6. COLLADA
Sony Computer Entertainment created this 3D file format, which the Khronos Group now owns. COLLADA is a protocol that allows data to be exchanged across interactive 3D software programs. The file extension for this CG format is .dae. It saves data concerning geometry, materials, textures, and animation, among other things. It was designed to become a standard among 3D file formats, and every major 3D software application now supports it. 3ds Max (ColladaMax), Cinema 4D (MAXON), Blender, MeshLab, Poser Pro, Maya (ColladaMaya), Shade 3D, LightWave 3D, and SketchUp others are examples. It also works with various game engines, including Blender Game Engine, Visual3D Game Engine, Panda3D, and ShiVa.
7. 3MF
3MF stands for 3D Manufacturing Format, and it's an open file format used primarily for 3D printing, design, and modeling. It's based on XML and includes information about materials and colors that aren't available in the STL format. 3MF is compatible with Autodesk, PTC, Dassault Systèmes, Netfabb, SLM, HP, Microsoft, Materialize, Shapeways, 3D Systems, Siemens PLM Tools, and Stratasys' most popular 3D model\ling software.
8. STEP
STEP, also known as "Standard for Exchange of Product Model Data," is a 3D file format that allows users to transfer files between CAD programs and between CAD and 3D software. Fusion 360, CATIA, ArchiCAD, OnShape, SolidWorks, PTC Creo, and TurboCAD all support STEP as a widely established worldwide standard, making it straightforward to use in most CAD products. This format is ideal for architecture, building, and engineering projects, but it can also be used for 3D modeling of products.
Conclusion
Design your 3D files using the software you're most familiar with, and ensure it's suitable for the product you're creating. Also, make sure you export the models in multiple formats compatible with your team's manufacturing tools and software. If you would like to prepare your 3D files for 3D printing, you can check out the online slicer of SelfCAD that is compatible with most of the common FDM 3D printers to help you slice your designs and generate the G-Code that you can send to your 3D printer. We hope that this article has helped you better comprehend the various 3D file formats that are accessible. Please share your opinions and experiences in multiple formats in the comments section below.
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