How to open a .gltf file
Quick, free ways to open glTF on any system.
A .gltf file is a GL Transmission Format. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads glTF yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .gltf file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .gltf. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Windows 3D Viewer or Blender.
- On Mac, use Preview (some) or Blender.
- On Linux, try Blender or web viewers.
- Still stuck? Convert the .gltf to OBJ, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .gltf files
Windows
- Windows 3D Viewer
- Blender
- Babylon.js Sandbox (web)
macOS
- Preview (some)
- Blender
- web viewers
Linux
- Blender
- web viewers
Web
- Browsers via WebGL viewers
!
Before you open it: Safe. glTF is 3D data rendered in a sandboxed viewer.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .gltf file?
Almost always because no installed app understands glTF. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
What is the difference between glTF and GLB?
They are the same format. .gltf is the text (JSON) version with separate asset files, .glb packs everything into one binary file.