The Complete 3MF to JT Conversion Guide.

August 01, 2025

General Information

This guide is part of the RapidPipeline 3D Formats Knowledge Database. It shows how to convert 3MF to JT, if you'd like to know more about the formats, please check out the following links:

Converting and Optimizing 3MF Files to JT

There are various ways to convert between 3MF and JT. With RapidPipeline, you can easily convert and and optimize 3MF files, at scale. It supports JT, as well as many other file formats (examples: FBX, glTF, OBJ, PLY, STL, USD, USDZ, VRM), at high quality.

Below you can find a video explaining how to convert your files:

What are 3MF and JT files commonly used for?

The 3MF file is a format mostly used for 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
The JT file is a format mostly used for lightweight 3D visualization and collaboration.

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Comparison of Features Supported by 3MF and JT

FeatureSupported by 3MFSupported by JT
Morph TargetsNoNo
Rigid AnimationsNoPartial0
Skinned AnimationsNoNo
AnimationsNoPartial1
Free-Form SurfacesNoYes
Geometry CompressionPartial2Yes
Quad MeshesNoYes
Basic 3D GeometryYesYes
PBR MaterialsPartial3No
Transparent MaterialsPartial4Yes
Vertex ColorsYesYes
MaterialsYesYes
Scene CompositionYesYes
Hierarchical Scene GraphYesYes
Scene NodesYesYes
Standardized FormatYesYes
Embedded TexturesYesPartial5
Multiple UV ChannelsPartial6Partial7
Normal MappingNoPartial8
Procedural TexturesNoNo
Texture CompressionPartial9Partial10
Texture TransformsPartial11Partial12
TexturingYesYes

0 - Basic rigid body animation for design review
1 - Simple animation support for assembly operations
2 - ZIP-based compression of model data
3 - Basic PBR material properties
4 - Alpha channel support for transparency
5 - Textures can be embedded for self-contained files
6 - Multiple texture coordinate sets supported
7 - Limited multi-texturing capabilities
8 - Basic normal mapping for enhanced visualization
9 - Compressed textures within ZIP package
10 - Efficient compression for visualization
11 - Basic texture coordinate transformation
12 - Basic texture transformation support

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Limitations of 3MF Files to JT Conversion Workflow

The following limitations should be taken into account when converting 3MF files to JT format:

3MF Feature (not supported by JT)Limitation Details
Embedded Textures

Embedded Textures Support:

3MF: Full support | JT: Partial support

Embedded Textures illustratedlack of support for Embedded Textures illustrated

JT Notes:

Textures can be embedded for self-contained files

Impact:

Embedded textures allow the storage and exchange of an entire 3D model and its materials within a single file, by embedding the texture images directly into the 3D file (and not storing them as separate image files). Without support for this feature, textures have to be stored in separate image files, and referenced from the main 3D model file.

PBR Materials

PBR Materials Support:

3MF: Partial support | JT: No support

PBR Materials illustratedlack of support for PBR Materials illustrated

3MF Notes:

Basic PBR material properties

Impact:

PBR materials enable Physically-Based-Rendering (PBR) for a standardized, photorealistic look of rendered images. PBR uses concepts like metallic-roughness or specular-glossiness properties and a microfacet-based modeling of the surface, using a concept called BRDF (Bi-Directional Reflectance Distribution Function). In this example, PBR materials are used to achieve realistic looking plastic and metal materials. Without support for PBR materials, only basic colors and shading can be used (for example, based on more simple shading models, such as the Blinn/Phong model).

What's the best way to get 3MF files into my 3D applications, and are there alternatives to using JT?

Doing 3D conversion right, especially at scale, can be tricky, as 3D data is in general a rather complex (yet very powerful!) medium. This also applies to 3MF and JT files - the conversion guide above provides a rough first idea about that. Once you know what you would like to do, tools like RapidPipeline can help you perform the necessary steps, and to even automate the process for thousands or even millions of files.

Especially when introducing pipelines and workflows at scale in an enterprise context, it is usually good to rely on dedicated tools and expertise, making sure you do not introduce any steps into your 3D workflow that are detrimental to the final output's quality, or that take your team too much time (and money).

If you're interested to hire dedicated expertise from the best in the field to help your company reach your goals fast and reliably, please do not hestitate to contact DGG. Being the creators of RapidPipeline, and ambassadors for open 3D standards for more than a decade, we have been building some of the world's most advanced 3D pipelines, having processed many millions of 3D assets.

Therefore, our expertise will help you to reach your goals faster, at scale, and with the least possible friction, since we are focused on maximum interoperability.

To get started with 3D data conversion and optimization today, sign up for a free account!

If you have any questions, feel free to chat with our human team.

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3D Knowledge Team

3D Technical Artists

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