What is .obj?

.obj (Wavefront OBJ) is a text-based 3D geometry format that stores information about vertices, edges, faces, normals, and texture coordinates for 3D models. It is widely supported across 3D tools and engines, making it a common interchange format for meshes and static scenes.

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

When to use .obj files

You need a simple, widely supported format to exchange 3D meshes between modeling tools.
You are exporting static models (characters, props, environments) without complex animation or rigging data.
You want a human-readable format that can be inspected or lightly edited in a text editor.
You are preparing assets to be converted into more modern runtime formats like glTF/GLB.

How to open .obj files

OBJ files can be opened in most 3D modeling tools, including Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, and SketchUp (with plugins). Many game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot) can import OBJ directly as static meshes. Viewers like MeshLab or online 3D viewers also support OBJ. When uploading OBJ files to FileXhost, they can be shared as downloadable assets for artists or developers.

Algorithm details

The OBJ format represents 3D geometry using plain text lines. Each vertex is defined with 'v' records, texture coordinates with 'vt', normals with 'vn', and faces with 'f' references that index into these lists. Faces can be triangles or quads, and materials are referenced via an accompanying MTL file that defines surface properties. Because it is text-based, OBJ is easy to parse but less space-efficient than binary formats.

Browser & platform support

Desktop: Browsers do not natively render OBJ files, but many WebGL and WebGPU-based viewers (often using three.js or similar libraries) can load and display them.
Mobile: Mobile 3D viewers and AR apps can often import OBJ, though glTF/GLB is increasingly preferred.
OS: Operating systems treat OBJ as a file type opened by installed 3D software or viewers; there is typically no built-in preview.

Format comparison

Feature	Details
Features	Supports geometry, normals, UVs, and basic material references but not complex animation, skeletons, or physics data.
Readability	Human-readable text format, in contrast to binary formats like FBX or GLB.
File Size	Often larger than binary equivalents because all geometry is stored as text.
Interoperability	One of the most universally supported 3D interchange formats, but not ideal as a final runtime format.

How to create obj files

3D Modeling Tools: Export OBJ from Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, SketchUp (with appropriate exporters), and others.
Scanning/Photogrammetry Pipelines: Some reconstruction tools output OBJ meshes for use in 3D workflows.
Procedural Generators: Tools and scripts that generate meshes programmatically can emit OBJ files as text.
CAD/Conversion Tools: CAD software and converters can export simplified meshes as OBJ for visualization or game use.

How to convert obj files

FileXhost: Use FileXhost to distribute OBJ assets; recipients can convert them locally using their preferred tools.
Desktop: Use Blender, MeshLab, or other modeling tools to convert OBJ to FBX, glTF/GLB, STL, or game-engine-specific formats.
CLI: Use command-line tools (e.g., assimp, obj2gltf, FBX/OBJ converters) to batch-convert meshes.
Online Tools: Web converters can transform OBJ uploads into formats like glTF, STL, or FBX.

Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages

Extremely widespread support across 3D tools and engines
Simple, text-based structure that is easy to parse and debug
Good for exchanging static meshes between different software packages
Often accompanied by MTL files for basic material setup

Disadvantages

No native support for skeletal animation, rigs, or advanced scene data
Text representation can lead to large file sizes for dense meshes
Material definitions are limited compared to PBR-focused formats like glTF

Tools & software

Modelers

Blender, Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, SketchUp (with exporters)

Viewers/Utilities

MeshLab, assimp-based viewers, online 3D viewers, three.js loaders

Engines/Frameworks

Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, three.js (via OBJLoader)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between OBJ and FBX?

OBJ focuses on static mesh geometry and simple materials, while FBX supports advanced features like animation, rigs, cameras, and lights. OBJ is simpler and more portable; FBX is richer but more complex and proprietary.

Can OBJ store textures?

OBJ files reference materials and textures via an external MTL file and image files. The geometry and material references are stored in OBJ/MTL, but the actual texture images live in separate files (e.g., PNG or JPG).

Should I use OBJ or glTF for web and real-time apps?

For modern web and real-time applications, glTF/GLB is usually preferred because it is compact, binary-friendly, and designed as a runtime format. OBJ still works well as an interchange or import format before converting to glTF.

Why is my OBJ file so large?

OBJ stores all vertex and face data as text, which is less efficient than binary storage. Dense meshes, high vertex counts, and duplicated data can all increase file size. Converting to glTF/GLB or applying mesh simplification can help.

Technical specs

File type: 3D
Extension: .obj
MIME type: model/obj, text/plain
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 .obj 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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