Opening USDZ Files

The USDZ file type is primarily associated with Apple Preview.

USDZ	File extension: USDZ
	File type:	compressed 3D model file

What is a USDZ file?

USDZ files mostly belong to Apple Preview.

USDZ files are 3D model files packaged as a ZIP container. They bundle all the data needed for a 3D scene, including geometry, textures, and animations.
These files use the Universal Scene Description format, which was developed by Pixar. This means they are tailored for complex 3D and augmented reality work. Apple devices support these files in Apple Preview and AR Quick Look, and you can also find work with them in Pixar RenderMan.

Key details as outlined by FilExt.com include:

Format: Internally a ZIP archive
Purpose: To store complete 3D scene data for AR and other 3D applications
Usage: Easily shared as a single file without needing separate components

FilExt.com note: This design makes USDZ files ideal for modern 3D workflows and augmented reality displays.

How to open a USDZ file

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

Online USDZ Text Viewer

Choose your .usdz file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

✈

Read our privacy guarantee in Filext’s terms and privacy policy

Please allow ads on our site

This helps us keep our servers running. Then re-upload your file to view it.

Click here to see how to disable the ad blocker for filext.com

Programs that open and convert USDZ files:

Apple Preview
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. USDZ files are often referred to as Apple Preview 3d images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
USDZ Universal (3D Augmented Reality scene) by Pixar
USDZ is a file format for 3D Augmented Reality scenes that was jointly created by Apple and Pixar to replace the old USD format (USD stands for Universal Scene Description). A USDZ 3D scene is a combination of several objects that can be rendered as one object. A USDZ file is essentially an uncompressed ZIP archive that contains files of other formats. The USDZ file format is used in all iOS Augmented Reality apps, and Apple's development application, ARKit can be used to open and edit the files.

USDZ file format:

Why is it important to know the file format? This is the only way to find out which program to use to open the file. The initial characters of a file are called signature, sometimes also referred to as "magic bytes". The signature can be used to infer the file format. File extension, signature and file format must match; otherwise errors will occur when the file is opened. So you need a detailed analysis of a file to find out the format and the associated program. Our evaluation of the USDZ files looks like this:

The USDZ extension is very commonly used. This USDZ file itself is among the most popular common file types and mainly uses a defined USDZ format. But the following two file formats are common:

98% of all USDZ files are based on the zip format, multiple files are compressed and combined into one USDZ file. A USDZ file contains 1 to 13 files, the average being 4. Tip: If you rename the file ending to .zip and then double-click it, you see the included files and images. The files are 570 KB to 22 MB in size, with a median of 7 MB. The following keywords are characteristic: usdc and PXR-USDC. The file name Scan.usdz is characteristic of these files. Files like these have the following tags: model, quick, look, polycam, apple, poly, iphone and scaniverse.
1% of all USDZ files start with the bytes PXR-USDC, which are crucial for this file format. The contents of these files cannot be read by a human; only a computer program can interpret the data. Most of these files are 600 KB to 14 MB in size. Several words can almost always be found in the files, e.g. PXR-USDC. Files like these have the following tags: scandy.

The remaining 1% of all USDZ files are files with no common format. Tagged as event, blue, perseverance, chair, floor or scene. You can get all the details of your USDZ file by dragging it onto this page or by clicking the button "Choose your .usdz file to analyze" above.

Technical Data for USDZ File Extension

File classification:

3D Image

Related files:

usd, gltf, ply, vrml, usdc, glb, zip, ar, ramp_experiment_final, jpg, png, fbx, obj, reality, txt, source, tx, pdf, ris, sst, blend, bin, dae, 3ds, stl

Mime type:

model/vnd.usdz+zip, application/octet-stream

a usdz compressed 3D model file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with USDZ files

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