.3MF File Extension
3D Manufacturing File
| Developer | 3MF Consortium |
| Popularity |
4.1 | 20 Votes |
What is a 3MF file?
A 3MF file is a 3D model saved in the 3D Manufacturing Format (3MF), which various 3D design apps use to save models. It is a Zip-compressed archive that contains information about a 3D model, including its material and properties. 3MF files may also store a print ticket with recommended printing options, a .JPG or .PNG thumbnail image, digital signatures, and other metadata.
More Information
The 3MF Consortium developed the 3MF format, initially releasing it in 2015 to provide a more streamlined 3D printing process. It is intended to be the sole format used from design to fabrication, replacing STL, OBJ, AMF, VRML, and other 3D formats to reduce interoperability issues.
NOTE: Microsoft created the 3MF consortium, which comprises Autodesk, HP, Microsoft, GE Global Research, Fit AG, Shapeways, SLM Solutions Group, Ultimaker, Stratasys, Siemens PLM Software, and Dassault Systemes.
How to open a 3MF file
You can open 3MF files with various apps, including the free Microsoft 3D Builder and Microsoft Paint 3D apps 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 .
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: