Opening 3DM Files

The 3DM file type is primarily associated with Rhino 3D.

3DMFile Extension 3DM
File extension: 3DM
File type:  3D model

What is a 3DM file?

3DM files mostly belong to Rhino 3D by Robert McNeel & Associates. 3DM file extension is a free and open 3D graphics format based on NURBS mathematical model. It is used as the native format for creating and storing 3D models created using Rhino3D, a CAD design software for Windows and Mac. A 3DM file created with Rhino3D may consist of curve data, points, surfaces, and other geometry information of a 3D model. The 3DM format also allows designers to accurately save and transfer 3D geometry data between 3D design software using polygon mesh representations and NURBS. Quickdraw 3D, an obsolete 3D design software for Mac, used 3DM files to store hierarchical descriptions of a 3D scene. Such a 3D scene typically consisted of NURBS data, matrices, surfaces, perspectives, named objects, transforms, and atmospheric elements like fogs. In3D, an obsolete, object-oriented framework for visualizing business data used the 3DML format to store data models for visualizing 3D graphics saved in a 3DM file.

How do you open 3DM files?

You need a suitable software like Rhino 3D to open a 3DM file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your 3DM file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a 3DM file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online 3DM Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert 3DM files:

  1. Rhino 3D by Robert McNeel & Associates
    See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. 3DM files are often referred to as Rhino 3D 3d images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
  2. AutoCAD (3D model) by Autodesk
    AutoCAD is a 3D computer-aided design software mostly used by architects, civil engineers, and in the manufacturing industry. The program can be used to create, edit, render, or compare multiple 3D drawing or models. AutoCAD can create, save and export/import 3D models in multiple formats including 3DM, STL, and 3DS. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: AutoCAD
  3. Cadent (3D model) by Cadent
    Cadent is a proprietary 3D software used in the dental industry. The 3DM file created by Candent contain some kind of 3D data. This software is outdated and no longer available. This file format is classified as 3D Image.
  4. Fusion 360 (3D model) by Autodesk
    Fusion 360 is an integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE program developed by Autodesk. The software simplifies the workflow for creating, editing, and rendering 3D graphics, models, and animations through one unified platform. Fusion 360 can open, read, edit, and export/import 3D graphics stored using 3DM format. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: Autodesk
  5. In3D (3D model) by In3D
    In3D is an 3D object-oriented framework for visualization of business data. It is used to define data models as well as observers and mappings for transforming and rendering such models. The In3D toolkit uses 3DML format to create web-ready 3D interactive graphics stored in 3DM files. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: 3DML
  6. Quickdraw (3D meta data) by Apple
    QuickDraw was a 3D graphics API developed by Apple for rendering 3D graphics on Mac operating system. Mac-based CAD software like Strata and RayDream used QuickDraw to model and render 3D models and scenes using 3DM format. QuickDraw files with 3DM extension had x-world/x-3dmf mime types. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: Quickdraw

3DM format details:

The file format, which is the arrangement and type of data in a file, determines which program can open the file. The file format can be determined based on the file extension and the signature (the first few characters of a file). File extension, signature and file format must match; otherwise errors will occur when the file is opened. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Our examination of the 3DM files comes to the following conclusion:

3DM is a very widely used file extension. The file type predominantly uses a uniform format. However, the following two file formats are common:

The remaining 3% of all 3DM files are different files with different signatures, the following 5 formats can be found: PAK. Files like these are sometimes linked to print, plan, glock, base, structure, table or park. If you want to find out what your 3DM file contains, drag and drop it onto this page.

Technical Data for 3DM File Extension


The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: Rhino 3d model
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\RHINOC~1.0EV\System\Rhino3.exe %1

ProgramID: Rhino 3d model
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\RHINOC~1.0\System\Rhino3.exe


a 3dm 3D model is a special file format by Robert McNeel & Associates and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with 3DM files

  • Associate the 3DM file extension with the correct application.
  • Update your software that should actually open 3d models. Because only the current version supports the latest 3DM file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Robert McNeel & Associates manufacturer website after an available Rhino 3D update.
  • To make sure that your 3DM file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
  • Click here to open your .3DM file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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