Export & Formats
Updated May 2026
3D AI Studio supports 9 export formats. This page explains each one, when to use it, and how to get your models in the right format. Generate a model first using Image to 3D or Text to 3D, then export from your Dashboard.
Quick Reference
| Format | Best for | Includes textures? | Includes animation? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLB | Web, AR, general use | Yes (embedded) | Yes |
| FBX | Unity, Unreal Engine, game dev | Yes | Yes |
| OBJ | Blender, ZBrush, universal editing | Separate files (.mtl + images) | No |
| STL | 3D printing (single color) | No | No |
| USDZ | Apple AR (iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro) | Yes (embedded) | Yes |
| BLEND | Blender projects | Yes (embedded) | Yes |
| 3MF | Multi-color 3D printing | Vertex colors | No |
| Collada (.dae) | Legacy pipelines | Yes | Yes |
| PLY | Point cloud, scanning data | Vertex colors | No |
Not sure which to pick? Use GLB. It works almost everywhere and keeps everything in one file.
How to Export
There are three ways to get your model in the format you need:
1. Direct download after generation
When you generate a 3D model, you can download it immediately as GLB (the default). For STL and USDZ, click the format dropdown in the 3D viewer and download directly. These conversions happen in your browser.
2. Change Format (Model Action)
From your Dashboard, open a model and go to Model Actions > Change Format. This converts your model server-side to any supported format: GLB, GLTF, FBX, OBJ, STL, USDZ, 3MF, PLY. Costs 1 credit. Learn more
3. Remesh Tool (with format conversion)
The Remesh Tool does format conversion AND mesh optimization in one step. You can adjust polygon count, topology (triangles or quads), texture resolution, and export format all at once. This is the best option when you need to optimize the model for a specific use case (games, printing, etc.).
The Prism remesh provider supports: GLB, FBX, OBJ, STL, USDZ, 3MF The Pro (Meshy) provider supports: GLB, FBX, OBJ, USDZ, BLEND, STL
Format Details
GLB
The recommended default. GLB packs geometry, textures, and materials into a single binary file. Small, fast, and supported by everything modern.
Use for: Web viewers (Three.js, model-viewer), AR/VR, Godot, sharing online, general storage.
FBX
The standard for game engines and professional 3D tools. Preserves materials, rigging, and animation data.
Use for: Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, rigged/animated characters.
Tip: When exporting from the Remesh tool with Prism, you can pick FBX presets for Blender, 3ds Max, or Mixamo compatibility.
OBJ
The simplest, most universally compatible format. Stores geometry and references textures via a separate .mtl file.
Use for: Blender, ZBrush, Maya, any legacy software. Maximum compatibility.
Note: Keep the .obj, .mtl, and texture files in the same folder for materials to load.
Use OBJ ZIP from the download dropdown to get everything bundled together.
STL
Geometry only, no textures or colors. The standard format for 3D printing.
Use for: FDM printing (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio), resin printing, CNC.
Tip: Before printing, check that your model is watertight. The Remesh tool can fix geometry issues and optimize polygon count. For multi-color printing, use 3MF instead - see the 3D Print Export tool.
USDZ
Apple’s AR format. Opens natively on iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro in Safari, Messages, and any ARKit app.
Use for: iOS/macOS AR Quick Look, visionOS apps, Apple ecosystem.
BLEND
Native Blender format. Preserves the complete scene including materials, modifiers, and Blender-specific data.
Use for: Projects where Blender is your primary tool.
3MF
Modern 3D printing format with color support. Carries vertex colors so multi-color printers (Bambu Lab AMS, Prusa MMU) know which filament to use for each part.
Use for: Multi-color 3D printing, manufacturing.
Tip: Use the 3D Print Export tool to map your model’s colors to your actual filament palette, then export as 3MF.
Choosing by Use Case
| I want to… | Format | Tool to use |
|---|---|---|
| Import into Unity or Unreal | FBX | Remesh or Change Format |
| View on a website or in AR | GLB | Direct download |
| Edit in Blender | OBJ, FBX, or BLEND | Change Format |
| 3D print (single color) | STL | Direct download or Remesh |
| 3D print (multi-color) | 3MF | 3D Print Export |
| View on iPhone/iPad AR | USDZ | Direct download or Change Format |
| Use in Godot | GLB | Direct download |
| Sculpt in ZBrush | OBJ | Change Format |
| Share with someone quickly | GLB | Direct download |
| Build a game asset pipeline | FBX | Remesh with Prism (quad topology, game-ready) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GLB, FBX, and OBJ?
GLB packs everything (geometry, textures, materials) into one binary file and works with most modern tools and web viewers. FBX is the industry standard for game engines like Unity and Unreal, supporting rigging and animations. OBJ is the simplest format, storing geometry with separate texture files, and works in virtually every 3D application. 3D AI Studio supports all three so you can pick the right one for your workflow.
Which 3D file format is best for 3D printing?
STL is the standard for single-color 3D printing and works with every slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio). For multi-color prints on printers with filament changers, use 3MF instead because it carries vertex color data. 3D AI Studio offers both formats, and you can use the Remesh tool to optimize the mesh for printing before download.
What is the best format for importing into Unity?
FBX is the best choice for Unity. 3D AI Studio’s FBX exports include materials, textures, and rigging data that Unity reads natively. GLB also works if you install a free package like GLTFast, but FBX gives you the smoothest import experience with no extra setup.
What is the best format for Unreal Engine?
FBX is the recommended format for Unreal Engine. It supports materials, skeletal meshes, and animation data natively. Download as FBX from 3D AI Studio, drag it into the Content Browser, and Unreal imports everything including PBR textures. For high-poly static meshes in UE5, enable Nanite after import for automatic optimization.
What is USDZ and when should I use it?
USDZ is Apple’s AR format that opens natively on iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro in Safari, Messages, and ARKit apps. Use it when you want people to view your 3D model in augmented reality on Apple devices. 3D AI Studio lets you download or convert to USDZ directly from the dashboard.
Should I use STL or 3MF for 3D printing?
Use STL for standard single-color printing since it is universally supported by every slicer. Use 3MF when you need multi-color printing because it carries color data for filament-switching printers like Bambu Lab AMS or Prusa MMU. 3D AI Studio’s 3D Print Export tool helps you map model colors to your actual filament palette before exporting as 3MF.
Can I convert between 3D file formats in 3D AI Studio?
Yes. 3D AI Studio has a Change Format tool on your dashboard that converts between any supported format for 1 credit. You can also use the Remesh tool, which does format conversion and mesh optimization in one step. This saves you from needing external conversion software.
Which format keeps textures embedded in a single file?
GLB, USDZ, BLEND, and FBX all embed textures within the file. GLB is the most portable single-file option. OBJ stores textures as separate files alongside a .mtl material reference, so you need to keep them all in the same folder. When sharing models from 3D AI Studio with someone else, GLB is the easiest format because nothing can go missing.
What format should I use for web and AR viewers?
GLB is the best format for web viewers (Three.js, model-viewer, Sketchfab) and general AR use. For Apple-specific AR (iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro), use USDZ. 3D AI Studio exports both formats, and GLB works as the default download for most web-based 3D experiences.