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Can 3ds Max Open GLB Files? How to Import Them

Autodesk 3ds Max is a modelling and rendering package popular in architecture, product visualisation and game art.

Short answer · Convert first

Not directly. 3ds Max doesn't import GLB, so convert the file to OBJ first and import the OBJ.

Open the GLB to OBJ converter

Getting a GLB file into 3ds Max

  1. 1Check the fileA GLB is self-contained: geometry, materials and textures are inside the one file, so there is nothing else to copy.
  2. 2Convert GLB to OBJDrop the file into our GLB to OBJ converter. It runs in your browser, so the model never leaves your computer.
  3. 3Import into 3ds MaxFile › Import › Import…, file type OBJ.
  4. 4Check scale and orientation3ds Max works in set per scene in Customize › Units Setup and is Z-up. GLB files are metres by convention, so they normally arrive at the right size.
  5. 5Check materials and animationGLB carries PBR materials and embedded textures and can carry animation. Look at the model under a neutral light before you build on it.

What comes through

ShapeYes, always.
Colours and materialsYes: basic materials in a separate .mtl file.
TexturesLost on the way through OBJ.
AnimationNo: OBJ has no animation.

Things to watch for

  • If your 3ds Max version can't import glTF, converting GLB to OBJ keeps geometry and basic materials.
  • Match System Unit Scale in Customize › Units Setup to the file's units before importing to avoid scale surprises.

Questions

Does 3ds Max support GLB files?
Not directly. 3ds Max doesn't import GLB, so convert the file to OBJ first and import the OBJ.
Why is my GLB model the wrong size in 3ds Max?
GLB files are metres by convention, while 3ds Max works in set per scene in Customize › Units Setup. Match System Unit Scale in Customize › Units Setup to the file's units before importing to avoid scale surprises.
What is the best 3D format for 3ds Max?
FBX and OBJ are the most reliable choice for 3ds Max. If you have a choice when exporting, pick FBX over GLB.

Menu names follow Autodesk's current release. Check the official 3ds Max documentation if your version differs.

Written with AI assistance by the Renderlyst team in October 2026. Format support reflects each app's current release as we understand it, and we link the official documentation so you can confirm it for your version. Spotted something out of date? Email alishbakhalid766@gmail.com.