How to Open OBJ Files in three.js
three.js is the most popular JavaScript library for 3D on the web, and it ships a loader for almost every common model format.
Short answer · Built in
Yes. three.js opens OBJ files as shipped: OBJLoader, plus MTLLoader for the .mtl materials.
Import OBJ into three.js, step by step
- 1Check the fileKeep the .mtl file and any texture images in the same folder as the .obj, with their original names; the OBJ refers to them by name.
- 2Import into three.jsOBJLoader, plus MTLLoader for the .mtl materials.
- 3Check scale and orientationthree.js works in unitless (most scenes treat 1 unit as 1 metre) and is Y-up. OBJ files are unitless, so the size depends on what the exporter assumed.
- 4Check materials and animationOBJ carries basic materials in a separate .mtl file, and no animation. Look at the model under a neutral light before you build on it.
What comes through
| Shape | Yes, always. |
| Colours and materials | Yes: basic materials in a separate .mtl file. |
| Textures | OBJ doesn't store texture images. |
| Animation | No: OBJ has no animation. |
Things to watch for
- Load the .mtl first and pass its materials to OBJLoader with setMaterials().
- Compress big models with Draco or Meshopt and load them with the matching decoder; it can cut download size several times over.
Questions
- Does three.js support OBJ files?
- Yes. three.js opens OBJ files as shipped: OBJLoader, plus MTLLoader for the .mtl materials.
- Why is my OBJ model the wrong size in three.js?
- OBJ files are unitless, while three.js works in unitless (most scenes treat 1 unit as 1 metre). Compress big models with Draco or Meshopt and load them with the matching decoder; it can cut download size several times over.
- What is the best 3D format for three.js?
- GLB and FBX are the most reliable choice for three.js. If you have a choice when exporting, pick GLB over OBJ.
Menu names follow the three.js open-source project's current release. Check the official three.js 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 Spotted something out of date?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.