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3MF File - What is a .3mf file and how do I open it?
Learn about .3MF files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a 3MF file? A 3MF file is a 3D model saved in the 3D Manufacturing Format (3MF), which is supported by various 3D design and printing applications. It is a Zip-compressed archive that contains a 3D model’s geometry, material information, and other properties. 3MF files may also include a print ticket (with recommended print settings), a .JPG or .PNG thumbnail, digital signatures, and other metadata (e.g., author, license, or production notes).
More Information 3MF file open in Microsoft 3D Builder The 3MF Consortium developed the format to simplify and modernize the 3D printing process, with the first version released in 2015. 3MF is intended to be an all-in-one solution that replaces older formats like .STL , .OBJ , and .AMF , helping to reduce compatibility issues and improve design-to-fabrication workflows. For example, while the STL format is widely supported, it only stores geometry (just the outer shell), with no color, materials, scale, or metadata. 3MF supports all of this information, combining it all into a single, standardized ZIP-based file. NOTE: Microsoft founded the 3MF consortium, which includes members such as Autodesk, HP, GE Global Research, Fit AG, Shapeways, SLM Solutions Group, Ultimaker, Stratasys, Siemens PLM Software, and Dassault Systèmes.
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Developer3MF Consortium
Popularity4.0 | 26 Votes
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.3MF File Extension
3D Manufacturing File
| Developer | 3MF Consortium |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 26 Votes |
What is a 3MF file?
A 3MF file is a 3D model saved in the 3D Manufacturing Format (3MF), which is supported by various 3D design and printing applications. It is a Zip-compressed archive that contains a 3D model’s geometry, material information, and other properties. 3MF files may also include a print ticket (with recommended print settings), a .JPG or .PNG thumbnail, digital signatures, and other metadata (e.g., author, license, or production notes).
More Information
3MF file open in Microsoft 3D Builder
The 3MF Consortium developed the format to simplify and modernize the 3D printing process, with the first version released in 2015. 3MF is intended to be an all-in-one solution that replaces older formats like .STL , .OBJ , and .AMF , helping to reduce compatibility issues and improve design-to-fabrication workflows.
For example, while the STL format is widely supported, it only stores geometry (just the outer shell), with no color, materials, scale, or metadata. 3MF supports all of this information, combining it all into a single, standardized ZIP-based file.
NOTE: Microsoft founded the 3MF consortium, which includes members such as Autodesk, HP, GE Global Research, Fit AG, Shapeways, SLM Solutions Group, Ultimaker, Stratasys, Siemens PLM Software, and Dassault Systèmes.
How to open a 3MF file
You can open 3MF files with various apps, including the free Microsoft 3D Builder app in Windows and the cross-platform Ultimaker Cura and PrusaSlicer apps. For example, to open a 3MF file with 3D Builder, click the hamburger menu icon and then select Open .
Since 3MF files are Zip-compressed, you can extract their contents with a Zip utility, such as Windows File Explorer, Corel WinZip , or Apple Archive Utility . You may need to rename the .3mf file extension to .zip for the utility to recognize the format and extract the contents of the archive.
How to convert a 3MF file
Various apps, including Microsoft 3D Builder and PrusaSlicer can convert 3MF files to other formats.
For example, 3D Builder can convert 3MF files to the following formats:
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Programs that open or reference 3MF files
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Windows
Microsoft 3D Builder
Free
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Free Trial
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Paid
McNeel Rhino
Free Trial
PTC Creo
Free Trial
Ultimaker Cura
Free
PrusaSlicer
Free
Mac
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Free Trial
Ultimaker Cura
Free
PrusaSlicer
Free
Linux
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Paid
PTC Creo
Free Trial
Ultimaker Cura
Free
PrusaSlicer
Free
Web
CAD Rooms
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Category: 3D Image Files
Updated: March 27, 2025