---
title: "3D AI Studio Export Formats: Which to Download"
description: "Which format to download from 3D AI Studio: GLB, FBX, OBJ, STL, 3MF, USDZ and BLEND, and how to get each one for games, 3D printing, web and AR."
source: https://docs.3daistudio.com/export-formats
---

# Export & Formats

Which format to download from 3D AI Studio: GLB, FBX, OBJ, STL, 3MF, USDZ and BLEND, and how to get each one for games, 3D printing, web and AR.

3D AI Studio exports models as GLB, FBX, OBJ, STL, USDZ, BLEND, 3MF, Collada and PLY. Use **GLB** by default, **FBX** for Unity and Unreal, **STL** or **3MF** for 3D printing, and **USDZ** for AR on Apple devices.

Generate a model with [Image to 3D](https://www.3daistudio.com/ImageTo3D) or [Text to 3D](https://www.3daistudio.com/TextTo3D) first, then export it from your [Dashboard](https://www.3daistudio.com/Dashboard).

## Which format should I download?

Pick the format your destination expects. When in doubt, use GLB: it works almost everywhere and keeps geometry, textures and materials in one file. For a general introduction to every format, see the [3D file formats guide](https://www.3daistudio.com/convert/3d-file-formats).

| Format | Best for | Textures | Animation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **GLB** | Web, AR, Godot, sharing, general use | Embedded | Yes |
| **FBX** | Unity, Unreal Engine, rigged characters | Embedded | Yes |
| **OBJ** | Blender, ZBrush, maximum compatibility | Separate files (.mtl + images) | No |
| **STL** | Single-color 3D printing | No | No |
| **3MF** | Multi-color 3D printing | Filament colors | No |
| **USDZ** | AR on iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro | Embedded | Yes |
| **BLEND** | Native Blender projects | Embedded | Yes |
| **Collada (.dae)** | Legacy pipelines | Yes | Yes |
| **PLY** | Point clouds and scan data | Vertex colors | No |

## Should I download GLB or FBX?

Download GLB for the web, AR, Godot and sharing, and FBX for Unity, Unreal Engine and animation software. Both keep textures and animation, so the choice depends on where the model is going. The [GLB vs FBX comparison](https://www.3daistudio.com/convert/compare/glb-vs-fbx) covers the formats in depth.

| | GLB | FBX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| File structure | One binary file with everything embedded | One file, textures and materials included |
| Best for | Web viewers, AR, Godot, sharing | Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D |
| Rigging and animation | Supported | Supported, the standard for game pipelines |
| Unity | Needs a free package such as GLTFast | Native import, no setup |
| Web (Three.js, model-viewer) | Native | Not supported |

**Rule of thumb:** use FBX if the model goes into a game engine or animation tool, and GLB for everything else.

## Should I download STL or 3MF for 3D printing?

Download STL for single-color prints and 3MF for multi-color prints. STL stores geometry only and works in every slicer, while 3MF also carries the filament colors so printers with filament changers know which color goes where. The [3MF vs STL comparison](https://www.3daistudio.com/convert/compare/3mf-vs-stl) explains the formats in depth.

| | STL | 3MF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Color | None | Filament colors painted in |
| Slicer support | Every slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio) | Modern slicers |
| Best for | FDM and resin printing in one color, CNC | Bambu Lab AMS, Prusa MMU and other multi-color printers |
| How to get it | Direct download or [Export for 3D Printing](https://docs.3daistudio.com/utilities/export-for-3d-printing) | [Export for 3D Printing](https://docs.3daistudio.com/utilities/export-for-3d-printing) |

## How do I export a model in a different format?

Download GLB directly after generation, or convert to any other format with **Change Format** for 1 credit. If you also need a lower polygon count, use the Remesh tool, which converts and optimizes in one step. For files from other sources, the free in-browser [3D file converter](https://www.3daistudio.com/convert) handles pairs like [GLB to FBX](https://www.3daistudio.com/convert/glb-to-fbx) and [STL to 3MF](https://www.3daistudio.com/convert/stl-to-3mf).

| Method | Formats | Cost | Use when |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Direct download** in the 3D viewer | GLB (default), STL, USDZ | Free | You only need the file as it is |
| **[Change Format](https://docs.3daistudio.com/utilities/format-conversion)** (Model Actions) | GLB, GLTF, FBX, OBJ, STL, USDZ, 3MF, PLY | 1 credit | You need a different format, same mesh |
| **[Remesh Tool](https://docs.3daistudio.com/processing/remesh)** | Prism: GLB, FBX, OBJ, STL, USDZ, 3MF. Pro (Meshy): GLB, FBX, OBJ, USDZ, BLEND, STL | Depends on provider | You also want fewer polygons, quads or new topology |

To convert with Change Format:

1. Open the model from your Dashboard
2. Click **Process** to open **Model Actions**
3. Select **Change Format**
4. Pick the target format and download the new file from the model page

STL and USDZ downloads from the viewer are converted in your browser. Change Format runs on the server and keeps the original file.

## Which format works with my software?

| I want to... | Format | Tool |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Import into Unity or Unreal | FBX | [Change Format](https://docs.3daistudio.com/utilities/format-conversion) or [Remesh](https://docs.3daistudio.com/processing/remesh) |
| Edit in Blender | GLB, FBX, OBJ or BLEND | [Change Format](https://docs.3daistudio.com/utilities/format-conversion) |
| Use in Godot | GLB | Direct download |
| Sculpt in ZBrush | OBJ | [Change Format](https://docs.3daistudio.com/utilities/format-conversion) |
| Show on a website or in AR | GLB | Direct download |
| View in AR on iPhone or iPad | USDZ | Direct download |
| 3D print in one color | STL | Direct download or [Remesh](https://docs.3daistudio.com/processing/remesh) |
| 3D print in several colors | 3MF | [Export for 3D Printing](https://docs.3daistudio.com/utilities/export-for-3d-printing) |
| Build a game asset pipeline | FBX | [Remesh](https://docs.3daistudio.com/processing/remesh) with Prism (quad topology) |
| Share a model quickly | GLB | Direct download |

Engine-specific steps are in the [Blender](https://docs.3daistudio.com/integrations/blender), [Unity](https://docs.3daistudio.com/integrations/unity), [Unreal Engine](https://docs.3daistudio.com/integrations/unreal) and [Godot](https://docs.3daistudio.com/integrations/godot) guides.

## Format details

### GLB

GLB packs geometry, textures and materials into a single binary file. It is small, fast and supported by every modern 3D tool, which makes it the recommended default.

**Use for:** web viewers (Three.js, model-viewer), AR and VR, Godot, sharing and general storage.

### FBX

FBX is the standard for game engines and professional 3D tools and preserves materials, rigging and animation data.

**Use for:** Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D and rigged or animated characters.

**Tip:** when exporting FBX from the Remesh tool with Prism, you can choose presets for Blender, 3ds Max or Mixamo.

### OBJ

OBJ is the simplest and most widely supported format. It stores geometry in the .obj file and references textures through a separate .mtl file.

**Use for:** Blender, ZBrush, Maya and older software where compatibility matters most.

**Note:** keep the .obj, .mtl and texture files in the same folder, or use **OBJ ZIP** from the download menu to get everything bundled.

### STL

STL stores geometry only, without textures or colors, and is the standard format for 3D printing.

**Use for:** FDM printing (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio), resin printing and CNC.

**Tip:** check that the model is watertight before printing. The [Remesh tool](https://docs.3daistudio.com/processing/remesh) can fix geometry issues and reduce the polygon count.

### 3MF

3MF is the modern 3D printing format with color support. It carries the filament colors, so multi-color printers such as Bambu Lab AMS and Prusa MMU know which filament to use for each part.

**Use for:** multi-color 3D printing and manufacturing.

**Tip:** use [Export for 3D Printing](https://docs.3daistudio.com/utilities/export-for-3d-printing) to map the model's colors to your filaments, then download the 3MF.

### USDZ

USDZ is Apple's AR format. It opens natively on iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro in Safari, Messages and any ARKit app.

**Use for:** AR Quick Look on iOS and macOS, visionOS apps and the Apple ecosystem.

### BLEND

BLEND is Blender's native format and keeps the complete scene, including materials and modifiers.

**Use for:** projects where Blender is your main tool.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the best format for importing into Unity?

FBX. Unity reads FBX materials, textures and rigging natively with no extra setup. GLB also works after installing a free package such as GLTFast.

### What is the best format for Unreal Engine?

FBX. Drag the FBX into the Content Browser and Unreal imports the mesh, materials, PBR textures, skeleton and animations. For high-poly static meshes in UE5, enable Nanite after import.

### Which format keeps textures in a single file?

GLB, FBX, USDZ and BLEND embed textures in the file. GLB is the most portable, so nothing goes missing when you share it. OBJ keeps textures as separate files next to a .mtl file.

### When should I export USDZ?

Export USDZ when people should view the model in AR on an iPhone, iPad or Vision Pro, where it opens directly in Safari and Messages. It is a direct download in the 3D viewer.

### What format should I use for websites?

GLB. It is the native format of web viewers such as Three.js, model-viewer and Sketchfab and is the default download in 3D AI Studio. Use USDZ in addition if you want AR on Apple devices.

---

> Documentation index for AI agents: https://docs.3daistudio.com/llms.txt