The Complete OBJ to 3MF Conversion Guide.

August 01, 2025

General Information

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

Converting and Optimizing OBJ Files to 3MF

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

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

What are OBJ and 3MF files commonly used for?

The OBJ file is a format mostly used for 3D modeling and generalized 3D applications.
The 3MF file is a format mostly used for 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

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Comparison of Features Supported by OBJ and 3MF

FeatureSupported by OBJSupported by 3MF
Morph TargetsNoNo
Rigid AnimationsNoNo
Skinned AnimationsNoNo
AnimationsNoNo
Free-Form SurfacesNoNo
Geometry CompressionNoPartial0
Quad MeshesYesNo
Basic 3D GeometryYesYes
PBR MaterialsPartialPartial1
Transparent MaterialsYesPartial2
Vertex ColorsNoYes
MaterialsYesYes
Scene CompositionNoYes
Hierarchical Scene GraphNoYes
Scene NodesYesYes
Standardized FormatPartial3Yes
Embedded TexturesNoYes
Multiple UV ChannelsNoPartial4
Normal MappingPartialNo
Procedural TexturesNoNo
Texture CompressionNoPartial5
Texture TransformsNoPartial6
TexturingYesYes

0 - ZIP-based compression of model data
1 - Basic PBR material properties
2 - Alpha channel support for transparency
3 - Compatibility of all properties strongly depend on particular compatibility of the tools that export / import the DCC file, as there is no clear standard for this format.
4 - Multiple texture coordinate sets supported
5 - Compressed textures within ZIP package
6 - Basic texture coordinate transformation

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Limitations of OBJ Files to 3MF Conversion Workflow

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

OBJ Feature (not supported by 3MF)Limitation Details
Quad Meshes

Quad Meshes Support:

OBJ: Full support | 3MF: No support

Quad Meshes illustratedlack of support for Quad Meshes illustrated

Impact:

Quad meshes are a common way to hand-model and edit 3D models. 3D artists get intuitive control and such meshes are also easy to refine, as well as well-suited for creation of skinned animations. However, real-time rendering pipelines and hardware are usually all based on triangles, so if a 3D model should not be edited any more, it is safe to convert quads to triangles (and engines will do this automatically before sending data to the rendering hardware). In this example, a part of a mesh is modeled with quads. Without support for this feature, quads will have to be triangulated, producing a pure triangle mesh.

Normal Mapping

Normal Mapping Support:

OBJ: Partial support | 3MF: No support

Normal Mapping illustratedlack of support for Normal Mapping illustrated

Impact:

Normal maps are used to model shading differences that are arising from small geometric details on a surface, such as fabric structures, visible gaps between bricks forming a wall, or rough rock surfaces. In this example, a normal map is used to model a fabric structure. Without support for this feature, the rendered fabric will look smoother than it actually is in the real world, as the fabric structure won't be visible.

Transparent Materials

Transparent Materials Support:

OBJ: Full support | 3MF: Partial support

Transparent Materials illustratedlack of support for Transparent Materials illustrated

3MF Notes:

Alpha channel support for transparency

Impact:

Transparency is commonly used for see-through objects, containing (usually partially) transparent surfaces. In this example, a transparent material is used to model the glass window of the microwave, so that one can see inside. Without support for this feature, the inside of the microwave cannot be seen, as the window will be rendered as an opaque surface.

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

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 OBJ and 3MF 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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Meet the Author

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3D Knowledge Team

3D Technical Artists

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