Opening a 3MF File

The 3MF file type is primarily associated with 3D Builder.

3MF	File extension: 3MF
	File type:	3D print data

What is a 3MF file?

3MF files mostly belong to 3D Builder by Microsoft. 3MF file extension is associated with an XML format for archives which serve as containers for 3D printing data. 3MF files typically contain 3D models, scenes, materials, surfaces, objects, vector/raster images, and other graphics data; all of which are stored in an archive using ZIP compression. The 3MF Consortium, made up of Microsoft, HP, Dassault, Autodesk and several other companies created the 3MF format to provide a standard way for printing 3D models. The format is mostly used to store 3D models of product/machinery for the manufacturing industry. Programs such as Paint 3D, CATIA and other CAD software developed my members of the 3MF Consortium may be used to create, open, and modify the contents of 3MF files.

How to open a 3MF file

You need a suitable software like 3D Builder to open a 3MF 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 3MF file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a 3MF file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online 3MF File Viewer

Choose your .3mf file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to convert a 3MF file to OBJ, STL, PLY, 3DS, FBX, STP, ...

If you want to convert or edit a 3MF file, you can use our free Online 3MF File Converter (powered by Convert.Guru):

Just click the "Choose your .3mf file to view" button on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then select the 3D format (e.g. STL, OBJ, 3DS, X, X3D, STP, PLY, ...) you want.
Your file will be converted and downloaded.

Programs that open and convert 3MF files:

3D Builder by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. 3MF files are often referred to as 3D Builder 3d images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Netfabb (3D print data) by Autodesk
Netfaab is a 3D model fabrication software with capabilities for designing and simulating 3D graphics on various platforms. It is mainly used for additive manufacturing and it ships with an extensive toolset for creating, editing, converting, and/or importing/exporting 3D models in 3MF and other formats. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: Netfabb file formats reference, 3MF Specification
Paint 3D (3D print data) by Microsoft
Paint 3D is an easy-to-use 3D modeler and renderer developed by Microsoft for use on Windows operating systems. The program is also used for creating 2D graphics and saves 3D content in a single archive with 3MF file extension. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: 3MF Specification, Paint 3D
Solidworks (3D print data) by Dassault
SolidWorks is a CAD/CAE software that uses a parametric feature-based approach to create and render 3D models. It is compatible with Windows computers and supports multiple 3D graphics formats including 3MF. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: 3MF Specification, SolidWorks

3MF file format:

Each file has a definite file format, that is, how the stored data is arranged in the file. The first characters in a file identify the file format, for example, HTML files start with the bytes <html>. However, different programs can use the same file extension, and file extensions can be assigned incorrectly. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Our evaluation of the 3MF files looks like this:

The 3MF file ending is mainly used by one program with a specific format. The two most popular formats are as follows:

97% of all 3MF files use the ZIP format, multiple files are compressed and combined into one 3MF file. Most often they are 3 to 8 compressed files. File names inside are [Content_Types].xml, \_rels\.rels, \3D\3dmodel.model and \Metadata\thumbnail.png. Tip: If you rename the file ending to .zip and then double-click it, you see the included files and images. The file size is in the range of 32 KB to 6 MB. The files contain the following words: _rels/.rels and 3D/3dmodel.model. Files like these are about dragon, hungry, body, bulldozer, lagerbock, chess and shape.

All other 3MF files (3%) have no uniform format. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your 3MF file!

Technical Data for 3MF File Extension

File classification:

3D Image

Related files:

mf, gcode, stl, obj, png, glb, model, 3dmf, f3d, gx, jpg, zip, x3g, exe, pcapng

Related links:

3MF Specification

Mime type:

application/vnd.ms-3mfdocument

a 3mf 3D print data is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with 3MF files

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