Format at a glance
- Full name
- Wavefront OBJ Geometry
- File extensions
- .obj
- MIME types
- model/obj
- Category
- 3D models
- Compression
- Depends on the contained codec
- Transparency
- Not applicable
- Animation
- Not applicable
- Properties
Suitable tools
What is this format?
Wavefront OBJ uses line-based records such as v, vt, vn and f. Faces may be triangles, quads or larger polygons with separate indices for positions, UVs and normals.
The format has no binding unit, animation, skeleton or modern physically based material model. External MTL and texture files must travel with the OBJ.
What is it used for?
- Exchange of static 3D models
- Import and export between DCC and CAD applications
- 3D-print preparation after cleanup
- Rendering and computer-vision data sets
Which programs can open it?
- Blender and MeshLab
- Autodesk Maya and 3ds Max
- Cinema 4D and CAD converters
- WebGL and 3D viewers
Support across devices and browsers
Blender, MeshLab, CAD software and slicers open OBJ.
Blender, MeshLab and compatible CAD or printing tools support OBJ.
Open-source 3D tools and command-line programs process OBJ.
3D viewers can display OBJ, usually with fewer editing features.
Compatible 3D viewers and CAD applications import OBJ.
Browsers require a JavaScript WebGL or WebGPU renderer; LocalFileLab reads only the implemented geometry data.
Advantages
- Simple, documented text structure
- Broad support for static meshes
- Can store UV coordinates and normals
Disadvantages
- No animation or skeletons
- Materials and textures are external
- No standardized unit or scene hierarchy
Comparison with alternatives
STL stores only triangle surfaces; OBJ can reference UVs, normals, groups and materials.
glTF supports modern scenes, materials and animation and is optimized for runtime delivery.
PLY suits scans and per-vertex attributes, while OBJ is more common in modelling software.
LocalFileLab support
OBJ is recognized as an input. Supported geometry and material references are read locally.
OBJ is available as a local output; available settings depend on the format.
LocalFileLab can compress OBJ locally or package it in a supported archive; already compressed content will not necessarily become smaller.
A complete OBJ preview is not currently available.
Complete preservation of format-specific metadata is not guaranteed.
Related formats
Frequently asked questions
Why are OBJ textures missing?
OBJ normally refers through an MTL file to external images. All files must stay together and paths must remain valid.
Which unit does OBJ use?
The standard defines no unit. Sender and recipient must agree on meters, millimeters or another unit.
Can OBJ store animation?
Not in the common standard. glTF, FBX and similar formats are more suitable for animation and scenes.