Format Guide
X3D File Format (.x3d)
The ISO XML standard for interactive web 3D — VRML's modern successor with DOM integration and WebGL rendering.
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Where this format fits
Your file
Solid CAD
- STEP
- IGES
- BREP
Meshes
- STL
- OBJ
- 3MF
- PLY
- glTF
- GLB
- FBX
- DAE
- X3D
- OFF
- AMF
3D faces in drawings and scenes
- DXF
- DWG
- USD
What you get
3D printing
- STL
- 3MF
- OBJ
- PLY
Web, AR and games
- glTF
- GLB
- FBX
- DAE
Viewers and archives
- VRML
- X3D
- OFF
CAD exchange
- STEP
- IGES
- BREP
Solid CAD (STEP, IGES, BREP) can become a mesh or another solid format. A mesh converts to other meshes. Dashed formats (DXF, DWG, AMF, USD) can be read but not written. VRML reads .wrl, .vrml and gzipped .wrz files and writes .wrl.
- Convert a 2D-only DWG or DXF drawing. It needs 3D faces.
- Turn a mesh (STL, OBJ, 3MF) back into STEP, IGES or BREP.
- Read native SolidWorks, Inventor or CATIA files. Export STEP or IGES from that program first.
| Extension | .x3d (XML), .x3db (binary), .x3dv (VRML encoding) |
|---|---|
| Full name | Extensible 3D |
| Standard | ISO/IEC 19775 |
| Encoding | XML (primary), binary, VRML classic |
| Open standard | Yes — Web3D Consortium |
| Supports color | Yes — materials and textures |
| Supports animations | Yes — interpolators and scripts |
| Predecessor | VRML |
What is an X3D file?
X3D (Extensible 3D) is an ISO/IEC 19775 standard developed by the Web3D Consortium as the XML-based successor to VRML. X3D uses XML to define 3D scenes with geometry, materials, textures, lights, cameras, animations, and interactive behaviors (sensors, scripts). The X3DOM project enables X3D to run natively in web browsers using WebGL, without any plug-in. X3D scenes can be integrated into HTML pages as regular DOM elements. For engineering use, X3D is relevant in technical documentation (MBE — Model-Based Engineering), where annotated 3D models need to be embedded in web-based technical manuals and product documentation.
Common Uses of X3D Files
Engineers embed interactive X3D models in HTML documentation for part catalogs, maintenance manuals, and technical publications — readers can rotate and inspect components in-browser.
X3D is used in medical imaging, protein structure visualization, and scientific simulation output where interactive 3D data needs to be shared via browser.
Interactive 3D assembly-procedure training tools use X3D to deliver browser-based 3D content without requiring dedicated software on learner machines.
Software Support
FreeCAD, MeshLab, Blender (via export), X3DOM (browser renderer), InstantReality, and 3D CAD Converter.
Convert This Format
3D CAD Converter reads X3D and batch converts it to STL for 3D printing, to glTF/GLB for modern WebGL renderers, or to OBJ. It also writes X3D, so STEP and IGES parts can be published for X3D browser viewers.