---
title: ".obj file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .obj file is a Wavefront OBJ Model. A plain-text 3D mesh format that nearly every 3D program can import. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/obj/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .obj files

**.obj file: Wavefront OBJ Model**

A plain-text 3D mesh format that nearly every 3D program can import.

## What opens a .obj file

- **Windows:** Blender, MeshLab, Autodesk Fusion
- **macOS:** Blender, MeshLab, Autodesk Fusion
- **Linux:** Blender, MeshLab, FreeCAD
- **In a browser:** Autodesk Viewer, Sketchfab

## What a .obj file is

OBJ came from Wavefront Technologies in the 1980s and stores vertices, faces and texture coordinates as readable text. Materials live in a separate .mtl file and the textures in image files alongside, so an OBJ arriving on its own often appears untextured. It has no animation or rigging support, which is why game pipelines use FBX or glTF instead.

## Converting it

A .obj file is commonly converted to .stl, .fbx, .gltf, .3mf or .blend. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

## Details

- **Extension:** .obj
- **Full name:** Wavefront OBJ Model
- **Category:** 3D and CAD
- **MIME type:** model/obj
- **Created by:** Wavefront Technologies
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

### How do I open a .obj file?

On Windows use Blender; on macOS use Blender; on Linux use Blender. A plain-text 3D mesh format that nearly every 3D program can import.

### What is a .obj file?

Wavefront OBJ Model. OBJ came from Wavefront Technologies in the 1980s and stores vertices, faces and texture coordinates as readable text. Materials live in a separate .mtl file and the textures in image files alongside, so an OBJ arriving on its own often appears untextured.

### Can I convert a .obj file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .stl, .fbx, .gltf, .3mf or .blend, 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/)
- [.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/)
- [.3mf — 3D Manufacturing Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/3mf/)
- [.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/)