OBJ vs FBX vs STL vs GLB: How to Choose the Right 3D File Format

The easiest way to choose a 3D file format is to look at two things: what it can carry (shape only, color and surface detail too, or motion as well) and where it will be used (on the web, for 3D printing, or in game and video production). Common formats such as OBJ, FBX, STL, glTF/GLB and 3MF each have their own strengths and intended uses; none of them is simply better than the others. In this article we walk through the six main formats (OBJ, FBX, STL, glTF, GLB and 3MF), with a comparison table, guidance on which one to pick for each use, and how to convert between them.

Note: Figmee currently lets you upload a drawing or illustration and generate and download figurine-style images and 3D model data (GLB / 3MF). Physical 3D print sales are Coming Soon.

The difference between 3D file formats comes down to what they can carry

A 3D model is made up of three broad kinds of information. The first is shape (the mesh), the second is color and surface appearance (textures / materials), and the third is motion (animation). The biggest difference between 3D file formats is how much of these three they can pack into a single file.

Some formats only need to carry shape, while others can carry color, surface detail and motion all together. Formats also differ in whether they split data across several files or bundle everything into one. So it helps to think of choosing a format as matching the information you want to carry with the person or place that will receive it.

The six main 3D file formats

OBJ (.obj): the standard for moving models between 3D programs

OBJ is a long-established format created by Wavefront Technologies for its own 3D CG software. At its core it stores shape (mesh) data, and color and surface appearance are added through a separate material file (.mtl). It cannot store animation, but because a huge range of software can read and write it, it is still widely used as the go-to format for handing over shapes.

STL (.stl): the common language of 3D printing

STL was born for stereolithography, and it describes a model's surface as a collection of triangles, carrying shape only. It holds no color, surface appearance or motion, so models are single-color. Its simplicity makes it easy to work with, and for many years it has been the standard format for submitting files to 3D printing.

FBX (.fbx): widespread in games and video production

FBX is a format handled by Autodesk. Beyond shape, it can carry color, surface appearance, animation and even bones (the skeleton that drives movement). Because it can carry everything needed to make a character move, it is widely used with game engines and in video production.

glTF and GLB (.gltf / .glb): the shared format of the web era

glTF is a royalty-free open standard defined by the industry consortium Khronos Group to exchange 3D scenes and models efficiently (source: Khronos glTF official site, as of July 2026). It efficiently carries shape, color, surface appearance (PBR) and animation, and the current glTF 2.0 has also been adopted as the international standard ISO/IEC 12113:2022. glTF (.gltf) splits its contents across several files, while GLB (.glb) is the binary version that packs everything into one file, which makes it well suited to sharing and web display. We cover it in more detail in What Is a GLB File?.

3MF (.3mf): a newer 3D printing format that carries color

3MF is an open standard defined by the 3MF Consortium for 3D printing (additive manufacturing) (source: 3MF Consortium official site, as of July 2026). Its defining feature is that a single file can include color, materials and print settings, none of which STL can hold, which makes it well suited to full-color 3D printing. We compare it with STL in detail in What Is a 3MF File?.

Comparison table of the main formats

Here are five representative format families, lined up by the information they can hold and what they are used for.

Format	Color / textures	Animation	Main use	Common software and situations
OBJ	Yes, in a separate file	No	Moving models between 3D programs	Blender and other 3D CG software
STL	No (shape only)	No	3D printing (single color)	Slicers, 3D print submissions
FBX	Yes	Yes	Games and video production	Game engines, 3D CG software
glTF / GLB	Yes (PBR support)	Yes	Web display, sharing, handoff	Browser viewers, Blender
3MF	Yes (full color)	Not intended	Full-color 3D printing	Slicers, 3D print submissions

Roughly speaking, the division of roles is this: glTF/GLB is for showing and sharing, STL and 3MF are for outputting a physical object, and FBX is for making things move.

Which format to choose for each use

Start with the big principles.

Sharing with someone or showing on the web → glTF/GLB. A single file carries color and surface appearance, and it displays easily in a browser as is.
3D printing → STL or 3MF. If single color is fine, go with the standard STL; if you want to keep the color, choose 3MF, which can also carry color and settings.
Games and video production → FBX. It carries animation and bones, and it works well with production tools.
Passing just the shape between 3D programs → OBJ. It is highly compatible and suited to simple handoffs.

If you are still unsure, work through these questions in order to narrow it down.

Do you need motion (animation)? (about 10 seconds) If yes, FBX or glTF/GLB.
Do you want to output it as a physical object (3D print)? (about 10 seconds) If yes, STL or 3MF. To keep color, 3MF.
Do you only want to show it on the web or in an app, or send it to someone? (about 10 seconds) Then glTF/GLB.
Is the recipient's software already decided? (about 30 seconds) If so, use a format that software can reliably read.

How to convert between formats

You can convert formats to suit your purpose. The basic flow is to import (load) and then export (save) in Blender, a free 3D program. For example, if you load a GLB via File → Import → glTF 2.0 and then save it as STL from File → Export, you have turned a GLB for the web into an STL for 3D printing.

There is one caveat we want to be upfront about. Converting to STL loses the color information (because STL is a shape-only format). Likewise, converting to a format that cannot hold animation drops the motion, and once information has been stripped it cannot be restored. If you want to 3D print while keeping the color, choose a format that carries color, such as 3MF, rather than STL. We describe the workflow for exporting and finishing 3D models made with AI and other tools in How to Edit a 3D Model Made with AI.

Frequently asked questions

So which format is the best?

It depends on the use. There is no all-purpose format that is best in every situation. The right answer is to choose by where it will be used: glTF/GLB for web display and handoff, STL or 3MF for 3D printing, and FBX for making things move in games or video.

Does converting reduce quality?

The shape itself is generally preserved, but any information the target format cannot hold is stripped out. For example, converting to STL removes color, and converting to a format without animation support removes motion. Conversely, between formats that support the same information (such as glTF and GLB), you can convert without losing content.

How do I choose between OBJ and FBX?

OBJ suits simply handing over a shape, while FBX suits carrying motion information such as animation and bones. Remember it this way and you will not go wrong: OBJ for lightweight exchanges where compatibility matters, FBX for handing over complete production data.

Which formats can I use the 3D models I make with Figmee in?

3D models generated with Figmee can be downloaded in GLB and 3MF formats, and you can rotate them 360° in your browser to check them before exporting. GLB is for web display and sharing, and 3MF is for full-color 3D printing. Physical 3D print sales are Coming Soon, so if you want a physical version, the flow is to take the exported data to an external 3D printing service.

Summary

The differences between 3D file formats can be explained by what information they can carry (shape only / color and surface appearance too / motion as well) and where they will be used. glTF/GLB for web display and handoff, STL (single color) or 3MF (full color) for 3D printing, FBX for games and video, OBJ for handing over shape only: remember this mapping and you will rarely be unsure. Conversion can be done entirely in the free Blender, but keep in mind that color and motion are lost when you convert to a format that cannot hold them.