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OBJ File - What is an .obj file and how do I open it?
Learn about .OBJ files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Genel Bakış
What is an OBJ file? An OBJ file is a standard 3D image format that can be exported and opened by various 3D image editing programs. It contains a three-dimensional object, including 3D coordinates, texture maps, polygonal faces, and other object information. OBJ files may also store references to one or more .MTL files that contain surface shading material for the object.
More Information OBJ file open in Microsoft 3D Builder CAD users classify the OBJ format as a universal 3D model format since 3D image editing applications widely support it. The format is text-based and straightforward, which is one reason why many programs use it. However, the simple format structure may also lead to huge OBJ file sizes if they store large and complex 3D objects. You may encounter an OBJ file in various ways, such as when modifying 3D objects in a video game, creating visual effects for a film, or designing a 3D mockup of a real-life object or building. Since the OBJ 3D format is so widely supported, many users export their models as OBJ files when transferring them from one 3D program to another or sharing a 3D model with a co-worker. NOTE: While the OBJ format is one of the most common formats for storing 3D models, it is only one of many options for saving models. Some other options include .DAE , .STL , .IGS , .FBX , .MAX , .DWG , and .3DS .
Adobe Photoshop 2022 Icon
Gezinme
DeveloperN/A
Popularity3.4 | 51 Votes
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.OBJ File Extension
2 file types use the .obj file extension.
Wavefront 3D Object File
| Developer | Wavefront Technologies |
| Popularity |
3.9 | 269 Votes |
What is an OBJ file?
An OBJ file is a standard 3D image format that can be exported and opened by various 3D image editing programs. It contains a three-dimensional object, including 3D coordinates, texture maps, polygonal faces, and other object information. OBJ files may also store references to one or more .MTL files that contain surface shading material for the object.
More Information
OBJ file open in Microsoft 3D Builder
CAD users classify the OBJ format as a universal 3D model format since 3D image editing applications widely support it. The format is text-based and straightforward, which is one reason why many programs use it. However, the simple format structure may also lead to huge OBJ file sizes if they store large and complex 3D objects.
You may encounter an OBJ file in various ways, such as when modifying 3D objects in a video game, creating visual effects for a film, or designing a 3D mockup of a real-life object or building. Since the OBJ 3D format is so widely supported, many users export their models as OBJ files when transferring them from one 3D program to another or sharing a 3D model with a co-worker.
NOTE: While the OBJ format is one of the most common formats for storing 3D models, it is only one of many options for saving models. Some other options include .DAE , .STL , .IGS , .FBX , .MAX , .DWG , and .3DS .
How to open an OBJ file
You can open an OBJ file with a large number of free and commercial applications. Some examples include Microsoft 3D Builder, Apple Preview , and Autodesk Maya .
However, you should select the program based on the context in which you will be using the OBJ file. For example, if you are looking to open and modify a 3D object utilized in film special effects and are on a tight budget, you could use the free Blender software.
Opening an OBJ file with a text editor
OBJ file open in Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Since OBJ files are saved in plain text, you can also open them with a text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad (Windows) or Apple TextEdit (Mac), or a source code editor. You may need to rename the .obj file extension to .txt for the text editor to recognize it.
When opened in a text editor or source code editor, you can modify the properties of the OBJ file. Remember that if you incorrectly edit the file, you may inadvertently corrupt the model.
How to convert an OBJ file
Many CAD applications and image editors, including Microsoft 3D Builder, Autodesk Maya, Blender, Apple Preview, and Adobe Photoshop, can convert OBJ files to other formats.
For example, Microsoft 3D Builder can convert OBJ files to the following formats:
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Programs that open OBJ files
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Platform
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PTC Onshape
Free +
Windows
Microsoft 3D Builder
Free
LightWave 3D
Free Trial
Autodesk Maya 2023
Free Trial
Autodesk 3ds Max 2023
Free Trial
DAZ 3D DAZ Studio 4
Free
Blender
Free
MeshLab
Free
MAXON Cinema 4D
Free Trial
Autodesk AutoCAD with OBJ Import plugin
Free Trial
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks with OBJ Import plugin
Free Trial
Siemens Solid Edge
with OBJ Import plugin
Free Trial
CADSoftTools ABViewer
Free Trial
CADSoftTools CST CAD Navigator
Free Trial
Adobe Photoshop 2025
Free Trial
Mac
Apple Preview
Included with OS
LightWave 3D
Free Trial
Autodesk Maya 2023
Free Trial
DAZ 3D DAZ Studio 4
Free
IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe
Free Trial
Cheetah3D
Free Trial
Blender
Free
MeshLab
Free
MAXON Cinema 4D
Free Trial
CADSoftTools CST CAD Navigator
Free Trial
Adobe Photoshop 2025
Free Trial
Linux
Autodesk Maya 2023
Free Trial
Blender
Free
MeshLab
Free
GLC_Player
Free
Blaze3D
Free Trial
CADSoftTools CST CAD Navigator
Free Trial
Web
Online 3D Viewer
Free
Autodesk Tinkercad
Free
Android
Shyam Barange 3D Model Viewer
Free
Prisma3D
Free
Category: 3D Image Files
Updated: December 22, 2022
Relocatable Object Code
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
3.4 | 51 Votes |
An OBJ file contains machine code generated by a compiler or assembler and is designed to be linked with other code or files, such as .H files, to create an executable program . It may contain code, constants, variables, and references to external resources required by a program. The OBJ format is commonly used across various programming languages and systems, especially in C and C++ development, and is supported by many IDEs and compilers, such as Microsoft Visual Studio and GNU Compiler Collection (GCC).
More Information
OBJ files are "relocatable," meaning they contain code unbound to specific locations in the computer's memory . Software developers use linker tools, such as "ld" (or "GNU Linker") and Visual Studio's LINK.exe , in the final stages of the build process to combine multiple OBJ files with other resources, resolve dependencies (such as function calls across different OBJ files), and then assign actual memory addresses to the code to ensure the final program runs as a coherent whole.
Because of their flexibility, OBJ files enable modular development where each module or library can be compiled separately and linked as needed. This method allows developers to modify or replace aspects of a program without needing to recompile the entire codebase. It also streamlines software development, especially in larger projects where different teams may work on separate components.
Programs that open or reference OBJ files
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2022
Free +
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC)
Free
Mac
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC)
Free
Linux
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC)
Free
Category: Developer Files
Updated: October 17, 2024