Shopify 3D file formats: what opens and how
Shopify lets stores add 3D models to product media, which shoppers can spin on the product page and view in AR. It opens 1 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 | Products › open the product › Media › Add media, then upload the .glb |
| glTF | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
| OBJ | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
| STL | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
| FBX | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
| PLY | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
| 3MF | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
| DAE | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
| USDZ | Convert first | Convert to GLB |
Which format to choose
GLB is the most dependable choice for Shopify. Shopify uses the GLB for the 3D viewer and generates the USDZ that iPhones need for AR. If a model arrives as glTF, OBJ, STL, convert it to GLB so materials survive the trip.
Units and orientation
Shopify works in metres (real-world size matters for AR) and is Y-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.
- Model products at real-world size in metres, so they appear life-sized when shoppers use AR.
- Keep each GLB small (a few MB) with compressed textures; product pages load it on mobile data.
Questions
- What 3D formats can Shopify open?
- Without conversion: GLB.
- How do I get an unsupported format into Shopify?
- Convert it to GLB with one of our in-browser converters, then import the GLB. In Shopify: Products › open the product › Media › Add media, then upload the .glb.
- Does Shopify keep textures and animation?
- Yes, when the format carries them (animation isn't used). GLB and FBX keep the most; STL and PLY carry no textures.
Source: the official Shopify 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 Spotted something out of date?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.