What is .gltf?

.gltf and .glb are part of the glTF (GL Transmission Format) standard, a modern 3D format designed for efficient transmission and loading in real-time applications. glTF stores 3D scenes including meshes, materials, textures, animations, and cameras in a compact form that is easy for graphics engines to consume.

This quick guide explains when to use .gltf files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.

When to use .gltf files

You are building real-time 3D experiences on the web, in games, or in AR/VR.
You need a runtime-friendly format that loads quickly and minimizes parsing overhead.
You want a standardized, open format for delivering 3D assets across tools and engines.
You are converting from authoring formats like FBX or OBJ into an optimized delivery format.

How to open .gltf files

glTF/GLB files can be opened in 3D tools like Blender (import/export glTF), Godot, and many dedicated viewers. On the web, engines and libraries such as three.js, Babylon.js, and PlayCanvas load glTF/GLB directly. Many game engines and AR/VR platforms now support glTF either natively or via plugins. When you upload glTF or GLB files to FileXhost, they can be shared as downloadable 3D assets for developers and artists to integrate into their pipelines.

Algorithm details

glTF is a structured format based on JSON (for .gltf) and binary buffers. A .gltf file contains JSON describing the scene graph, nodes, meshes, materials, animations, and references to binary buffers and textures. A .glb file packages JSON, binary buffers, and images into a single binary container for easier distribution. The format is designed to map closely to GPU-friendly primitives, reducing the processing needed to display 3D content.

Browser & platform support

Desktop: Browsers can render glTF/GLB through WebGL or WebGPU using libraries such as three.js or Babylon.js. There is no built-in viewer, but many web apps provide interactive previews.
Mobile: Mobile browsers and apps using WebGL/WebGPU can display glTF/GLB models via compatible engines; AR viewers on iOS/Android often support glTF or derived formats.
OS: Operating systems rely on installed viewers or 3D tools to open glTF/GLB; some 3D viewers and file managers provide quick previews.

Format comparison

Feature	Details
Purpose	glTF is designed as a runtime delivery format, while formats like FBX and OBJ are more often used as authoring or interchange formats.
Features	Supports PBR materials, meshes, skeletons, animations, and cameras; comparable to FBX but focused on runtime efficiency.
File Structure	JSON + binary buffers for .gltf, single binary package for .glb; typically smaller and faster to parse than text-based OBJ.
Openness	An open standard maintained by the Khronos Group, with broad ecosystem support.

How to create gltf files

3D Tools: Export glTF/GLB from Blender, Cinema 4D (with plugins), and other DCC tools that support the format.
Game/Engine Pipelines: Many engines can export or consume glTF for asset interchange or delivery.
Conversion: Convert from FBX, OBJ, or Collada to glTF using Blender, FBX2glTF, or other converters.
Procedural Systems: Generators and configurators can emit glTF/GLB directly for web or app clients.

How to convert gltf files

FileXhost: Use FileXhost to distribute glTF/GLB assets so clients can download and integrate them.
Desktop: Use Blender, MeshLab, or other tools to convert glTF to FBX, OBJ, or engine-specific formats.
CLI: Use FBX2glTF, gltf-pipeline, or other command-line tools to convert into or optimize glTF/GLB.
Online Tools: Web-based converters can import FBX/OBJ and export glTF/GLB for quick transformation.

Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages

Optimized for real-time rendering and fast loading
Open, well-documented standard backed by the Khronos Group
Strong support in modern 3D engines and web libraries
Supports PBR workflows and animation in a compact package

Disadvantages

Less established than FBX in some legacy production pipelines
Requires compatible viewers or engines; not natively viewable like simple images or PDFs
Complex authoring still typically happens in DCC tools, with glTF used primarily for export/delivery

Tools & software

Modeling/Authoring

Blender, Sketchfab exporters, various DCC plugins

Engines/Libraries

three.js, Babylon.js, PlayCanvas, Godot, Unity (via packages), Unreal Engine (via plugins)

Converters/Utilities

FBX2glTF, gltf-pipeline, Blender, online glTF converters

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between .gltf and .glb?

.gltf stores JSON plus external binary buffers and textures, while .glb packs JSON, binary data, and images into a single binary file. glb is often easier to distribute, but both represent the same underlying glTF structure.

Should I use glTF instead of FBX?

Use FBX for authoring and interchange in traditional DCC pipelines, and glTF/GLB as the final delivery format for real-time applications, especially on the web and in cross-platform runtimes.

Can glTF store animations and PBR materials?

Yes. glTF supports skeletal animation, morph targets, and physically based materials, making it well-suited for modern rendering engines.

How do I view a glTF or GLB file in the browser?

Use a web-based viewer built on three.js, Babylon.js, or similar libraries, or drag-and-drop into online glTF viewers. Many tools provide hosted viewers where you can upload a glTF/GLB and inspect it interactively.

Technical specs

File type: 3D
Extension: .gltf
MIME type: model/gltf+json, model/gltf-binary
Compression: Uncompressed
Max file size on FileXhost: Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.

Upload your .gltf file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.

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