When you receive a 3D model, the most common source of confusion is the file format. The wrong format can make even a flawless model unusable. This guide explains the five most common formats and when to use each — simply.
Short answer
- OBJ — universal, for static models and simple texture transfer.
- FBX — for animation, rigging and game engines.
- STL — for 3D printing (geometry only, no color).
- glTF/GLB — the “JPEG of 3D” for web, WebGL and real-time.
- USDZ — for AR on Apple devices (iPhone/iPad).
When to use OBJ
OBJ is a universal format almost every tool can open. It carries geometry and basic UV/texture data but no animation or rigging. It’s ideal for moving a static product model between programs. It’s commonly used in 3D product modeling projects.
When to use FBX
FBX carries animation, rigging and camera data alongside geometry. It’s the standard when importing models into Unity and Unreal Engine. It’s the first choice for animated work like 3D character animation.
When to use STL
STL defines only surface geometry — no color, texture or material. That’s why it’s the standard for 3D printing. If you’re going to physically produce an object, you’ll want STL (or STEP).
When to use glTF / GLB
glTF is a modern format designed for real-time and the web; it’s compressed, fast and supports PBR materials. It’s ideal for showing 3D products on your website and for metaverse and WebXR content. GLB is the binary version that bundles all assets into one file.
When to use USDZ
USDZ is Apple’s AR format. If you want a user to see a product in their own room via AR on an iPhone, you need USDZ. It’s critical for e-commerce and mobile AR experiences.
One model, many formats
The good news: from a single, well-built source model, we can export every format you need with Blender. We manage the same product as a lightweight glTF for web, an STL for print and a high-resolution version for cinematics — all within one project. We cover the basics in What is 3D modeling.
Frequently asked questions
I don’t know which format I need — what should I do? Just tell us where you’ll use the model (web, print, game, AR); we’ll determine the right format.
Can we change the format later? Yes. Because we keep the source file, re-exporting to different formats is straightforward.
Let’s plan the right format strategy for your project: explore the 3D Modeling service or get a quote.