Blender 3D file formats: what opens and how
Blender is the free, open-source 3D suite used for modelling, sculpting, rendering and animation, and it is often the first stop for cleaning up a downloaded or generated model. It opens 7 of the 9 common 3D formats below without conversion; for the rest, convert to GLB first.
Format support at a glance
| Format | Support | How |
|---|---|---|
| GLB | Built in | File › Import › glTF 2.0 (.glb/.gltf) |
| glTF | Built in | File › Import › glTF 2.0 (.glb/.gltf) |
| OBJ | Built in | File › Import › Wavefront (.obj) |
| STL | Built in | File › Import › STL (.stl) |
| FBX | Built in | File › Import › FBX (.fbx) |
| PLY | Built in | File › Import › Stanford PLY (.ply) |
| 3MF | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
| DAE | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
| USDZ | Built in | File › Import › Universal Scene Description (.usd*) |
Which format to choose
GLB and FBX are the most dependable choice for Blender. Materials arrive as Principled BSDF node setups and animations as actions, so a GLB is the most complete way to bring a model into Blender. If a model arrives as 3MF, DAE, convert it to GLB so materials survive the trip.
Units and orientation
Blender works in metres and is Z-up (the glTF and FBX importers rotate Y-up files for you). Most problems after an import, such as a model that is invisible, enormous or lying on its side, come from a mismatch with the exporting app rather than a broken file.
- Press Numpad . (period) after importing to frame the new object; tiny or huge models are usually a units issue, not a broken file.
- Apply scale with Ctrl+A › Scale before exporting again, or the next app inherits the odd scale.
Questions
- What 3D formats can Blender open?
- Without conversion: GLB, glTF, OBJ, STL, FBX, PLY, USDZ.
- How do I get an unsupported format into Blender?
- Convert it to GLB with one of our in-browser converters, then import the GLB. In Blender: File › Import › glTF 2.0 (.glb/.gltf).
- Does Blender keep textures and animation?
- Yes, when the format carries them. GLB and FBX keep the most; STL and PLY carry no textures.
Source: the official Blender documentation. Menu names can move between versions.
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 Spotted something out of date?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.