What Is a .x3d File? .x3d Format, MIME & How to Open

Quick facts

Extension.x3d

File typeX3D 3D Model

MIME typemodel/x3d+xml

Category3D Model

Charset—

CompressibleYes

What is .x3d

What is a .x3d file?

A .x3d file is a X3D 3D Model. It is a 3D model format used to store meshes, scenes and printing geometry.

In the mime-db registry it maps to model/x3d+xml, and it is marked as compressible. When serving .x3d over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to model/x3d+xml and is used by XML among others — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

How to open .x3d files

Use Blender or MeshLab to open and edit .x3d files.
Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

Developer info

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: model/x3d+xml

Common software that reads/writes .x3d:

BlenderMeshLabAutodesk Viewer

Relation chain

.x3dextension of

format

X3D 3D Modelserved as

mime type

model/x3d+xmlsent via header

http header

Related extensions

Related MIME types

Related programming languages

XML

.xml .adml .admx

Common uses

3D printing
Game assets
CAD and design exchange

How to edit .x3d files

Open the file with Blender, make your changes and save.
Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.

How to create .x3d files

Create a new file and save it with the .x3d extension, or export this format from Blender.

Frequently asked questions

What programs can open .x3d files?

Common options include Blender, MeshLab, Autodesk Viewer. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .x3d file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .x3d extension.

What is the relationship between .x3d and the model/x3d+xml MIME type?

model/x3d+xml is the media type identifier used for .x3d files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Sources & standards

Updated 2026-08-18

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