3dxml

.3dxml — 3D XML

Dassault Systèmes · 2007

Developer

Dassault Systèmes

Key Features

XML-based structure for metadata and assembly information.
Efficiently represents complex 3D product data.
Supports embedding or referencing external geometry and textures.
Optimized for visualization and data exchange.

Best For

Quickly sharing 3D model data for visualization.
Distributing product information without exposing proprietary CAD data.
Interactive 3D experiences on the web or within applications.

Less Ideal For

Directly editing 3D models with complex CAD operations.
High-fidelity rendering or animation production.
Archiving raw CAD source files.
Applications requiring open-source or royalty-free 3D formats.

Common Use Cases

Sharing 3D product designs for review and approval.
Embedding 3D models within technical documentation or web pages.
Collaborating on product development across different engineering teams.
Providing interactive 3D product catalogs or configurators.

How to Open It

Use the official 3D XML Player or viewer from Dassault Systèmes.
Import into compatible CAD or PLM software that supports the format (e.g., CATIA, SOLIDWORKS).
Utilize specialized 3D viewers or conversion tools that can read 3D XML.

What is a .3dxml file?

3D XML is a lightweight, XML-based file format designed for representing 3D product data. It allows for the efficient exchange and visualization of complex 3D models, along with associated metadata and product structure. This format is particularly useful in manufacturing and engineering contexts, enabling collaboration and data sharing across different software applications without requiring the original CAD software. It focuses on delivering interactive 3D experiences accessible to a wide range of users.

Programs That Open .3dxml Files

Platform	Program
Windows	3D XML Player	Free	Official
	CATIA	Paid	Official
	SOLIDWORKS	Paid	Official
macOS	3D XML Player	Free	Official
Linux	3DEXPERIENCE Platform	Paid	Official
Web Browser	3DEXPERIENCE Platform (Web Viewer)	Paid	Official

How to Convert .3dxml Files

Format	Method
.STL	3D XML Player, CAD Software Import/Export
.OBJ	CAD Software Import/Export
.CGR	CATIA

Common Problems with .3dxml Files

⚠️ Inability to open without specific viewers or CAD software.

Ensure you have the official 3D XML Player installed or use a compatible CAD application.

⚠️ Loss of fidelity or features when converting to other formats.

Use conversion tools that specifically support 3D XML to minimize data loss, or export to formats that retain more information if direct editing is intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3D XML a CAD file format?▼

While it represents 3D product data and is often created from CAD software, it's primarily designed for visualization and exchange, not direct CAD editing.

Can I edit 3D XML files directly?▼

Direct editing of the geometry within a 3D XML file is generally not supported. It's intended to be a viewable representation of data.

How does 3D XML compare to STEP or IGES?▼

3D XML is generally more lightweight and optimized for visualization and collaboration within the Dassault Systèmes ecosystem, whereas STEP and IGES are more universal neutral CAD exchange formats.

Technical Details

3D XML files are essentially structured XML documents containing geometric data, assembly information, and metadata. They can embed or reference external geometry and texture files. While based on XML for structure, the geometric data itself is typically stored in a proprietary, compressed binary format for efficiency and performance.

Did You Know?

3D XML was developed by Dassault Systèmes to facilitate sharing of product data across their software suite.

The format's XML base allows for easy integration of metadata and product structure alongside geometric information.

Security Information

As a proprietary format, ensure you are using trusted software for opening and converting 3D XML files to avoid potential security risks or data corruption.