3dz

.3dz3DZephyr File

3Dflow · 2015

Developer
3Dflow
Category
3D & CAD
MIME Type
application/vnd.3d-zephyr
First Released
2015
Open Format
No
File Signature
Not publicly documented, proprietary binary format.
At a Glance
.3dz
3DZephyr File

A project file used by 3DZephyr photogrammetry software to store 3D models generated from photos.

Reviewed on May 11, 2026
Compression
Binary
Transparency
N/A
Editability
High (within 3DZephyr)
Best for
Photogrammetry project storage

Key Features

  • Stores all project data for photogrammetry reconstructions.
  • Enables iterative editing and refinement of 3D models.
  • Includes camera calibration and pose information.
  • Contains mesh geometry and texture data.

Best For

  • Storing and managing 3DZephyr photogrammetry projects.
  • Preserving all reconstruction settings and data.
  • Enabling incremental work on 3D models.

Less Ideal For

  • Sharing final 3D models for viewing or rendering (use OBJ, FBX, etc.).
  • Directly importing into game engines or real-time applications.
  • General 3D modeling and sculpting workflows.
  • Storing simple 2D image data.

Common Use Cases

  • Saving ongoing photogrammetry projects in 3DZephyr.
  • Archiving completed 3D model reconstructions.
  • Transferring project data between different workstations.
  • Continuing work on a 3D model at a later time.

How to Open It

  1. Open the 3DZephyr software.
  2. Go to File > Open and select your .3dz file.
  3. If 3DZephyr is not installed, you will need to download and install it from 3Dflow's official website.
  4. Note: .3dz files are project files and are not designed to be opened by general-purpose 3D viewers.

What is a .3dz file?

The .3dz file format is used by 3DZephyr, a photogrammetry software that converts 2D images into 3D models. It acts as a project file, containing all the data and settings needed to reconstruct and process your 3D scene. This includes information about the input photos, camera positions, mesh data, and textures. By saving your work as a .3dz file, you can easily revisit, edit, and export your 3D models later without having to reprocess everything from scratch. It's essential for users who want to manage their photogrammetry projects efficiently.

Programs That Open .3dz Files

PlatformProgram
Windows3DZephyrFreeOfficial

How to Convert .3dz Files

FormatMethod
.OBJExport from 3DZephyr
.FBXExport from 3DZephyr
.STLExport from 3DZephyr

Common Problems with .3dz Files

⚠️ Cannot open .3dz file.
Ensure you have 3DZephyr installed, as .3dz is its proprietary project file format and cannot be opened by generic 3D viewers.
⚠️ File size is very large.
.3dz files contain a lot of data, including mesh and texture information. Large source images or complex scenes will naturally result in larger project files.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .3dz file?

.3dz is a project file format used by 3DZephyr photogrammetry software. It stores all the data related to a 3D reconstruction, including photos, camera positions, and the generated 3D mesh.

Can I view a .3dz file in any 3D viewer?

No, .3dz files are specific to 3DZephyr. To view or edit the 3D model, you need to open the project within 3DZephyr. You can export the model to common formats like OBJ or FBX for viewing in other software.

Is .3dz a 3D model file?

It's more accurately a 3D project file that *contains* a 3D model along with all associated data and settings for its creation and editing within 3DZephyr.

Technical Details

The .3dz format is a proprietary binary file format developed by 3Dflow. It functions as a container for all project-related data, including raw scan data, reconstructed mesh information, texture maps, and processing settings. This allows for a complete and editable reconstruction environment within the 3DZephyr application.

Did You Know?

The .3dz format is integral to 3DZephyr's workflow, acting as a snapshot of your entire photogrammetry process.
By saving as .3dz, users can pause and resume complex reconstructions, saving significant processing time.

Security Information

As a proprietary project file, .3dz files from trusted sources (like your own captures processed with 3DZephyr) are generally safe. However, like any executable or project file, exercise caution when opening files from unknown or untrusted sources, as they could potentially contain malicious code if the software itself were compromised.

Related Extensions