3MF to GLTF Conversion
The following list contains valuable resources, packed with detailed guides and expert tips for converting 3MF files to GLTF format using our converters. Look into them now to ease your 3MF files conversion later.
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3MF vs GLTF Comparison
| Property | 3MF | GLTF |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .3mf | .gltf, .glb |
| Name | 3D Manufacturing Format | GL Transmission File |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
3D Manufacturing File
An open-source XML file format that was created by the 3MF Consortium, a group of companies and organizations involved in the 3D printing industry. Unlike the older STL format, which only stores the geometry of 3D models, 3MF can also store additional information, such as:
- Color: 3MF can define the color of each triangle in a 3D model, allowing for more realistic and detailed prints.
- Transparency: 3MF can specify the opacity of each triangle or vertex in a 3D model, enabling the creation of transparent or translucent objects.
- Texture: 3MF can associate a 2D image with a 3D model, and map the image coordinates to the model coordinates, resulting in textured prints.
- Metadata: 3MF can include custom data such as author, title, description, or license for each 3D model, facilitating the sharing and management of 3D files.
3MF File Converters: Our products, Autoconverter and Automesher Application, are compatible with 3MF. To import and export 3MF files they utilize the official lib3mf library. However, there is one limitation that you should be aware of: 3MF does not support group hierarchies, which are used to organize 3D models into hierarchical subgroups. Therefore, if you have a 3D model that contains group hierarchies, you will lose them when you convert it to 3MF.
Graphics Language Transmission File
A file format developed and maintained by the Khronos Group organization, a consortium of industry leaders that creates open standards for graphics, media, and parallel computing. It is designed to facilitate the efficient storage and exchange of 3D models. It has the following features:
- GLTF Versions: There are two versions of the GLTF file format that are available:
- GLTF 1.0: Supports basic geometry, simple materials with textures, basic skeletal animations with joint hierarchies, scenes with a single root node and a hierarchy of child nodes, etc.
- GLTF 2.0: Supports more features, such as PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials, Draco compression, advanced skeletal animations, skinning, morph targets, etc.
- ASCII and Binary Modes: By default, a GLTF file is saved in ASCII text mode, which is human-readable and easy to edit. To save a GLTF file with all referenced texture images in binary mode, the GLB file extension should be used. This reduces the file size and the number of files.
- Embedded Textures: GLTF/GLB files allow for a more streamlined and efficient way to manage 3D assets. By storing textures directly within the file, these formats eliminate the need for separate image files, making the 3D model self-contained and easier to distribute.
GLTF File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application allow you to import and export GLTF and GLB files, and convert them into various other 3D file formats. Our products also support the use of Draco compression, which can significantly reduce the size of GLTF and GLB files without compromising visual fidelity.