UltiMaker Cura 3D file formats: what opens and how
UltiMaker Cura is a free slicer used with UltiMaker printers and hundreds of other FDM machines. It opens 3 of the 9 common 3D formats below without conversion; for the rest, convert to STL first.
Format support at a glance
| Format | Support | How |
|---|---|---|
| GLB | Convert first | Convert to STL |
| glTF | Convert first | Convert to STL |
| OBJ | Built in | File › Open File(s)… (Ctrl+O) |
| STL | Built in | File › Open File(s)… (Ctrl+O), or drag the file into the window |
| FBX | Convert first | Convert to STL |
| PLY | Convert first | Convert to STL |
| 3MF | Built in | File › Open File(s)… (Ctrl+O) |
| DAE | Convert first | Convert to STL |
| USDZ | Convert first | Convert to STL |
Which format to choose
3MF and STL are the most dependable choice for UltiMaker Cura. Cura 3MF projects can also carry print settings. UltiMaker Cura is a slicer, so it only needs the shape: colour and textures are dropped, and anything it can't open converts cleanly to STL.
Units and orientation
UltiMaker Cura works in millimetres and is Z-up. 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.
- Use the Lay flat or Select face to align to build plate tool before slicing awkward shapes.
- Turn on X-ray view to spot non-manifold areas, which show in red.
Questions
- What 3D formats can UltiMaker Cura open?
- Without conversion: OBJ, STL, 3MF.
- How do I get an unsupported format into UltiMaker Cura?
- Convert it to STL with one of our in-browser converters, then import the STL. In UltiMaker Cura: File › Open File(s)… (Ctrl+O), or drag the file into the window.
- Does UltiMaker Cura keep textures and animation?
- UltiMaker Cura only uses geometry. Textures, materials and animation are ignored, so a plain STL or 3MF is all you need.
Source: the official UltiMaker Cura 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 Spotted something out of date?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.