---
title: ".3mf file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .3mf file is a 3D Manufacturing Format. The modern replacement for STL, carrying colour, materials and units. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/3mf/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .3mf files

**.3mf file: 3D Manufacturing Format**

The modern replacement for STL, carrying colour, materials and units.

## What opens a .3mf file

- **Windows:** Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, Ultimaker Cura, Blender
- **macOS:** Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, Ultimaker Cura, Blender
- **Linux:** PrusaSlicer, Ultimaker Cura, Blender, FreeCAD

## What a .3mf file is

3MF was designed by the 3MF Consortium — Microsoft, Autodesk, HP and others — to fix STL's omissions: it stores units, colours, materials and multiple objects in one zipped XML package. Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer and Cura all support it, and it is now the default export from several slicers. Older printers and services that only accept STL are the reason it has not fully taken over.

## Converting it

A .3mf file is commonly converted to .stl, .obj, .gcode or .step. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .3mf
- **Full name:** 3D Manufacturing Format
- **Category:** 3D and CAD
- **MIME type:** model/3mf
- **Created by:** 3MF Consortium
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .3mf file?

On Windows use Bambu Studio; on macOS use Bambu Studio; on Linux use PrusaSlicer. The modern replacement for STL, carrying colour, materials and units.

### What is a .3mf file?

3D Manufacturing Format. 3MF was designed by the 3MF Consortium — Microsoft, Autodesk, HP and others — to fix STL's omissions: it stores units, colours, materials and multiple objects in one zipped XML package. Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer and Cura all support it, and it is now the default export from several slicers.

### Can I convert a .3mf file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .stl, .obj, .gcode or .step, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.stl — Stereolithography Model](https://atoneplace.net/file/stl/)
- [.obj — Wavefront OBJ Model](https://atoneplace.net/file/obj/)
- [.fbx — Filmbox 3D Scene](https://atoneplace.net/file/fbx/)
- [.gcode — G-code Toolpath](https://atoneplace.net/file/gcode/)
- [.blend — Blender Project](https://atoneplace.net/file/blend/)
- [.3ds — 3D Studio Model](https://atoneplace.net/file/3ds/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)