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The glTF File Format

glTF is the Khronos open standard for delivering 3D scenes and models, often called the JPEG of 3D.

.gltfglTF 2.0 (GL Transmission Format)

What is a glTF file?

A .gltf file is JSON describing the scene, meshes, PBR materials and animations. Geometry and textures either sit beside it as .bin and image files, or are embedded inside it as data.

It is designed for efficient loading at runtime rather than for editing, which is why most web 3D viewers and engines read it natively.

When to use glTF

Good for

  • Web and real-time pipelines
  • Inspecting or scripting scene data as text

Not ideal for

  • Sharing as one file (use GLB)
  • Exact CAD geometry (use STEP)

How to open, edit and create glTF files online

glTF compared with other 3D formats

FormatGeometryUnitsMaterialsAnimationBest for
STEP / STPExact solids (B-rep)StoredColours onlyNoCAD exchange, manufacturing
STLTrianglesNot storedNoNo3D printing
GLBTriangles + sceneMetresPBR + textures insideYesWeb, AR, games
glTFTriangles + sceneMetresPBR, textures besideYesWeb pipelines
FBXTriangles + sceneStoredYesYesGame engines, DCC tools

glTF file questions

Should I use .gltf or .glb?

Use GLB to share one self-contained file. Use .gltf when you want readable JSON or separate texture files.

Can VIZON export glTF?

Yes. Saved models export as glTF from Studio.

Open your glTF file in VIZON

Upload it to your library and open it in the browser, on any computer.