Guides
Guides to 3D files, CAD and web 3D
Short, practical answers to the questions people ask most about 3D files. Each guide gets to the point first, then shows you how, step by step.
Formats
3D File Formats Explained: Which One to Use
What STL, OBJ, glTF, FBX, STEP, IFC and other 3D formats store, and which one to pick for printing, web, CAD or BIM.
CAD
How to Open a STEP File Without CAD Software
Open .step and .stp files in your browser, then measure, section and convert them. No CAD licence needed.
Web and AR
glTF vs GLB: What Is the Difference?
Same glTF 2.0 model, two packages: JSON with separate files, or one binary file. Here is when to use each.
Optimisation
How to Reduce GLB and glTF File Size
Where the bytes in a GLB go, and how Draco, Meshopt, quantization and WebP shrink it without spoiling the look.
3D printing
How to Convert STEP to STL for 3D Printing
Turn STEP and STP files into print-ready STL meshes, pick the mesh quality and avoid scale surprises in your slicer.
BIM
How to View IFC Files Online (No Revit)
Open IFC building models in your browser without Revit, then hide elements, cut sections, measure and convert to GLB.
Developers
How to Embed a 3D Model on Your Website
Put an interactive, AR-ready 3D model on any page with one script tag and the free universal-3d-viewer web component.
Prefer to just do it?
Jump straight to a tool
Every guide leads to a free tool. Here are the most popular ones.
CAD parts and assemblies
BIM files without Revit
Measure and inspect meshes
From CAD to 3D printing
Animation to web-ready glTF
For AR on iPhone and iPad
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