Have you ever worked on a 3D model only to discover that your team members couldn't open the file? File compatibility is one of the biggest challenges in collaborative product development. With dozens of 3D file formats available, each serving different purposes and containing unique features, choosing the right format can make or break your project workflow.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most essential 3D file formats, helping you understand when to use each one and how they can streamline your design and development process.
Definition and types
A 3D file is a digital object that stores information about one or more three-dimensional objects. There are many different 3D file formats, and they usually allow the user to view, edit and even manufacture the 3D model.
The information contained in a 3D file depends on the format. The different types of information that a file can include are the following:
Geometry: The file includes 3D models that are usually defined with points, lines or equations. Depending on the format, the surface of the model can be a mesh, which has a limited quality, or parametric surfaces, which allow for more detailed surfaces.
Scene: This refers to the position of the 3D model regarding to the different planes. It also considers lights and camera for those files used for model rendering.
Appearance: Textures and colours applied to the model's surface. Only some formats include this type of information. Depending on the manufacturing technology used, this information may be ignored. For example, FDM 3D printing (Fused Deposition Modelling) cannot usually print objects with multiple colours.
The key is understanding that no single 3D file format works for every situation. Each format serves specific purposes, and choosing the right one depends on your project requirements, team collaboration needs, and industry standards.
3D model of a Precious Plastic Shredder open in Autodesk Fusion 360
3D file formats can also be divided into two categories based on who created them and the context in which they are used.
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3D file formats based on who created them:
Proprietary: These formats are developed by software companies as the main format for their specific 3D modelling tool. They work well, but they are usually not compatible with any other software. For example, a design in F3D format (Autodesk Fusion 360) cannot be opened in SolidWorks.
Neutral: There are neutral and open formats developed by independent organizations. They're quite popular as they're compatible with most 3D modelling software.
3D file formats based on when they are used:
Design: These file formats are used during the design process as it's easy to edit the 3D model, appearance and scene. For example, if you're designing in Rhino, you will probably save the files using their own 3D file format (3DM).
Manufacturing: It's common to export designs from a proprietary format to a neutral format for manufacturing as it's critical that the manufacturing partner can properly open the file and transform the design into a product. Once you finish your Rhino design in 3DM format, you also export it in STL format for manufacturing.
3D file formats for design
.SLDPRT: This is the standard file format used in SolidWorks. It's a proprietary format and it can be combined with the SLDASM format, which combined multiple SLDPRT files creating an assembly. It is usually used for complex CAD designs and it's popular in the engineering and manufacturing industries.
.STEP: The STEP or STP format is one of the most popular neutral file formats. It covers all the information needed to make a product, including shapes, features, material properties and more. It is supported by most 3D modelling software and it's editable, being recommended for collaborative projects. Also, this format is also suitable for manufacturing.
.F3D: The F3D format is the default file format in Autodesk Fusion 360. Even though the files are usually stored in their cloud service, it's possible to export them. It includes different types of information, including 3D models, scenes and attributes. It's a fairly new format and it's being quickly adopted by designers and engineers.
.BLEND: Blender's own file format is one of the most complete ones. It allows storing data about 3D models, colours, textures, scenes and even animations. This software is used in the design, video game and animation industries.
.3DS: This format is used in Autodesk 3ds Max. It's similar to Blender's file format, as it stores all the information, including designs and animations. It's used in the video game and animation industries, and it's a very popular format as the 3D modelling software was released in 1996.
.SKP: It's used in SketchUp, an accessible 3D modelling software used mainly for concept designs and renders. It's a popular format among interior designers and architects.
.IGS: This neutral file format is still one of the most popular ones despite the fact that the STEP format was supposed to replace it. It is compatible with many 3D modelling tools.
.3DM: Used as the standard format in Rhino and Grasshopper. It is popular in the industrial design and architecture industries due to the complex models it can generate, which can be stored in the 3DM files as parametric surfaces or simpler meshes.
.IPT: The Autodesk Inventor format is similar to the Solidworks or Autodesk Fusion 360 files as it can store high-quality 3D models. Due to Autodesk's software portfolio, Inventor is also capable of working with 2D files. Multiple IPT files can be combined into a .IAM assembly file.
3D file formats for manufacturing
.STL: It's the most popular format in the digital fabrication industry. The 3D models are represented as a triangular mesh with variable density, no colours, textures or scenes are included. It is used during testing, especially with 3D printing, as the mesh can be easily processed to manufacture functional prototypes. It is not the most suitable format for complex manufacturing methods such as CNC machining.
.OBJ: Very popular alternative to STL files. It is supported by most 3D modelling tools. Apart from 3D models, if combined with an MTL format file, you can include textures and colors. This makes it one of the best formats to prototype using color 3D printers such as the HP Jet Fusion series.
.3MF: Also known as 3D Manufacturing Format, it's a neutral format supported by Microsoft, Autodesk, Ultimaker and more. This format was created as an advanced substitute to the old STL format. It packages 3D models and additional information such as manufacturing setting for 3D printing or the model's appearance.
.DAE: This file format is called COLLADA (Collaborative Design Activity). It was originally planned as a format to move data from one software to another, and it's compatible with most 3D modelling tools, game engines and other software tools. It's recommended when one product is designed with many different tools.
.PLY: Inspired by OBJ, PLY file format was developed mainly to store information captured by 3D scanners. The files include meshes as well as colors, textures. It is supported as an export format for some 3D modelling tools.
.STEP: This design file format can also be used during the manufacturing process and it's compatible with almost any type of design.
2D file formats for manufacturing
There are dozens manufacturing methods currently available, and even though the most complex ones are based on 3D models, there are other ones, such as laser cutting, who work with 2D vector files.
Modern CAD software bridges the gap between 2D and 3D workflows seamlessly. For example, Autodesk Fusion 360 can import 2D files like DXF or SVG, allowing you to extrude these shapes into 3D models. Conversely, you can extract 2D profiles from 3D models for manufacturing processes that require flat patterns or cross-sections.
Some of the most common 2D file formats used for product development include DWG, DXF, DWF, SVG and even PDF.
Fusion 360 2D file import feature that allows extrusion of vector files
Streamline collaboration with universal 3D viewing
Effective file sharing goes beyond just sending files – it's about ensuring everyone can view, review, and provide feedback regardless of their software setup. Rather than requiring team members to have specific CAD software installed, modern collaboration platforms offer universal viewing capabilities.
CAD ROOMS' integrated 3D viewer eliminates compatibility barriers by allowing you to share, review, and approve designs directly in your browser. With support for over 30 different CAD file formats, your team can collaborate seamlessly without worrying about software compatibility or version conflicts.
Conclusion
Design with the software you feel comfortable with, ensuring it's suitable for the type of proprietary product you are developing within your company. It's also crucial to export your 3D models in formats compatible with your manufacturing tools and the software your team members use.
CAD ROOMSis the best solution for managing, sharing, and collaborating on proprietary 3D files across teams in a corporate environment. With CAD ROOMS, you get a secure, cloud-based platform designed to enhance your workflow and accelerate your product development.
Book a demo today to see how CAD ROOMS can streamline your product development process, or start a free trial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the primary categories of 3D file formats, and how does the choice of format impact a product development workflow?
A: 3D file formats can be broadly categorized based on their origin and their stage of use in the product development lifecycle. Based on origin, they are split into Proprietary and Neutral formats. Proprietary formats, like SolidWorks' SLDPRT or Fusion 360's F3D, are developed by specific software companies and offer deep integration with their respective tools but often lack compatibility with other software. Neutral formats, such as STEP or IGS, are developed by independent organizations and are highly compatible across most 3D modeling software, making them ideal for collaboration. Based on usage, formats are categorized for Design or Manufacturing. Design formats, like Rhino's 3DM, are easily editable and used during the initial creation process. Manufacturing formats, like STL or 3MF, are typically neutral and used to export the final design for production, ensuring the manufacturing partner can correctly interpret the model. The choice of format is critical as it directly affects file compatibility, the ease of collaboration, the level of detail preserved (geometry, scene, appearance), and the suitability for the final manufacturing process. Selecting the wrong format can lead to significant workflow challenges and data loss.
Q: How do 3D files store information, and what are the key components that differentiate one format from another?
A: A 3D file is a digital container that stores information about a three-dimensional object. The information contained within the file is what primarily differentiates one format from another. The three main types of information are Geometry, Scene, and Appearance. Geometry defines the shape of the 3D model, which can be represented as a mesh (a collection of triangles with limited quality, common in formats like STL) or as parametric surfaces (defined by equations, allowing for more detailed and editable surfaces, common in CAD formats). Scene information refers to the model's position relative to different planes, as well as lighting and camera data, which is crucial for rendering. Appearance includes textures and colors applied to the model's surface. Not all formats include all three types of information. For instance, STL only includes geometry, while formats like BLEND (Blender) or 3DS (3ds Max) store all three, including complex data like animations. Understanding these components is essential for choosing a format that preserves all necessary data for a given project stage.
Q: What are the advantages of using the STEP format, and why is it recommended for collaborative design projects?
A: The STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data) format, also known as STP, is one of the most popular and versatile neutral file formats in the 3D modeling industry. Its primary advantage lies in its comprehensive data coverage and high compatibility. STEP files are designed to include all the necessary information to define a product, such as its precise geometric shape, features, and material properties. Unlike mesh-based formats, STEP uses boundary representation (B-rep) or constructive solid geometry (CSG), which makes the models editable and ensures high-quality data transfer between different CAD systems. Because it is a neutral format, it is supported by virtually all major 3D modeling software, eliminating the common problem of file incompatibility between team members using different proprietary tools like SolidWorks or Fusion 360. This universal support and the preservation of editable features make STEP the recommended format for collaborative projects where multiple engineers or designers need to work on and modify the same model across various software platforms.
Q: Compare and contrast the STL and 3MF formats, highlighting why 3MF is considered an advanced substitute for manufacturing.
A: STL (Stereolithography) is the most widely adopted format in digital fabrication, particularly for 3D printing. It represents 3D models as a triangular mesh, which is simple and easily processed by slicing software. However, STL has significant limitations: it cannot store information about color, texture, or scene, and its mesh-based geometry results in a fixed quality that can be problematic for complex manufacturing methods like CNC machining. 3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) was created as a modern, advanced substitute to overcome these limitations. 3MF is also a neutral format but is supported by major industry players like Microsoft and Autodesk. Crucially, 3MF packages the 3D model along with additional, vital information. This includes appearance data (colors and textures) and manufacturing settings specific to 3D printing, such as material and support structure information. By bundling all this data into a single file, 3MF streamlines the manufacturing workflow, ensures greater fidelity to the original design, and offers a more robust solution for modern additive manufacturing compared to the older, geometry-only STL format.
Q: For a designer focused on concept design and rendering, which file formats and associated software are most commonly used?
A: Designers focused on concept design, rendering, and visual presentation often gravitate towards software and file formats that excel at handling complex scene data, textures, and high-quality visuals. SKP, the file format for SketchUp, is highly popular among interior designers and architects due to the software's accessibility and its suitability for quick concept designs and photorealistic renders. For more complex visual media, the BLEND format, native to Blender, is one of the most complete options. It can store extensive data, including 3D models, colors, textures, scenes, and even animations, making it a staple in the design, video game, and animation industries. Similarly, the older 3DS format, used by Autodesk 3ds Max, is also widely used in the video game and animation sectors for its ability to store both design and animation information. These formats are chosen because they retain the aesthetic and scene-related data necessary for visual communication, which is paramount in the concept and rendering stages of design.
Q: What is the role of proprietary file formats like SLDPRT and F3D in the design process, and what is their main drawback?
A: Proprietary file formats, such as SLDPRT for SolidWorks and F3D for Autodesk Fusion 360, play a crucial role as the native working files within their respective CAD environments. Their main advantage is that they are perfectly optimized for the features and functionalities of the software that created them. They store high-quality, parametric 3D models and can be combined into assembly files (like SLDASM or IAM for Inventor) to manage complex, multi-part designs. This deep integration allows engineers and designers to utilize all the advanced tools and View Version History within the proprietary software efficiently. However, their main drawback is their limited compatibility. A file saved in a proprietary format generally cannot be opened or edited by a different software package. For example, an F3D file cannot be opened in SolidWorks. This lack of interoperability necessitates exporting the design to a neutral format (like STEP or STL) when collaborating with external partners or moving to a different stage of the product lifecycle that uses alternative software.
Q: Beyond 3D models, what other types of files are essential for manufacturing, and how do they complement the 3D formats?
A: While 3D file formats are essential for defining the geometry of the product, manufacturing often requires complementary files, particularly 2D file formats, to provide complete and unambiguous instructions for production. These 2D files typically take the form of technical drawings or blueprints, which are critical for traditional manufacturing methods like CNC machining and for quality control. They contain crucial information that is often difficult to convey solely through a 3D model, such as precise dimensions, tolerances (the permissible limits of variation in a dimension), surface finish requirements, and detailed notes on assembly or material specifications. Common 2D formats include DWG or DXF. These drawings serve as the legal document for manufacturing, ensuring that the final product meets the exact specifications. They complement the 3D model by providing the necessary context and constraints that guide the manufacturing process, making them indispensable for turning a digital design into a physical product.
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