Convert 3DXML to glTF in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read 3DXML files and write glTF, carrying the mesh data across without re-tessellating it.
Spatial does not offer an online converter or a desktop conversion app. 3D InterOp is a component that software vendors embed in their own products.
- Reads 3D XML · Writes glTF
- Triangle mesh → triangle mesh
- C++ / C# APIs
3DXML to glTF at a glance
Both formats store triangles, so the facets carry over without re-tessellation. The differences are in structure, appearance and metadata.
| 3D XML (source) | glTF (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 3D XML | GL Transmission Format |
| Standard / owner | Dassault Systèmes | Khronos Group |
| File extensions | .3dxml | .gltf, .glb |
| Geometry | Tessellated geometry | Triangle mesh |
| Assemblies / structure | Yes | Yes: scene hierarchy |
| PMI | Graphical PMI | None |
| 3D InterOp support | Read and write | Write only |
What's preserved, what changes
Here is what your application can expect to carry across from 3D XML to glTF.
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Preserved
Mesh dataThe 3DXML facets are read and written to glTF without being re-tessellated.
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Preserved
Product structureThe 3DXML product structure is written to glTF.
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Preserved
PMI as wiresThe glTF writer supports wires, which lets CAD files with PMI be converted to glTF for the web.
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Improved
Compressed meshesThe glTF writer can compress meshes with Draco, available since 2026 1.0.1.
Why software vendors add 3DXML to glTF conversion
Lightweight review
glTF carries tessellated geometry that opens much faster than the full CAD model, so design reviews and digital mockups stay responsive.
Sharing outside engineering
Marketing, training and sales teams rarely have CAD software. A glTF file gives them the shape in a format their tools can open.
Easier handling of large assemblies
Without exact surfaces and feature data, glTF files are easier to transfer and display, even for large assemblies.
Things to check before you ship
- Written glTF versions: glTF 2.0 (.gltf or .glb).
- The glTF writer is available through the UConnect interface only.
- Supported 3DXML input: 3D XML 4.0 to 4.3 (tessellated data only).
- B-Rep stored in authoring-mode 3D XML files isn’t imported: only the tessellation is read.
- Test tessellation settings on your heaviest parts: finer meshes mean larger files.
- Validate a sample of translated files in the target system your users actually work with.
Working with Spatial was a real milestone for us: Thanks to the powerful 3DInterOp library, we were able to successfully bring our complex CAD-based solutions to the cloud while remaining flexible to meet individual customer requirements. For us, Spatial is not just a technology partner, but a true enabler of our product strategy.
Dr. Arno Michelis, Founder, Simus Systems
Read the Case StudyAbout the formats
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Source format
What is a 3D XML (.3dxml) file?
3D XML is Dassault Systèmes’ lightweight XML-based format for sharing 3D product data. 3D InterOp reads and writes its tessellated representation, with product structure and graphical PMI.
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Target format
What is a glTF (.gltf, .glb) file?
glTF is the Khronos Group’s open format for delivering 3D content on the web and in real-time applications. It stores meshes, materials and the scene in a compact .gltf or binary .glb file.
Frequently asked questions
No re-tessellation is needed. 3D InterOp reads the 3DXML facets as visualization data and writes them to glTF.
The glTF writer supports wires, so PMI can be carried to glTF as visual geometry for web viewing.
Yes. 3D InterOp reads the 3DXML product structure and writes it to glTF.
Yes. Since 3D InterOp 2026 1.0.1, the glTF writer can compress meshes with Draco. It writes glTF 2.0 as .gltf or .glb.
The glTF writer is available through the 3D InterOp UConnect interface.
No. B-Rep stored in authoring-mode 3D XML files isn’t imported: 3D InterOp reads the tessellation only.
3D InterOp reads 3D XML 4.0 to 4.3 (tessellated data only), as visualization data.
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Building software that needs to convert 3DXML to glTF?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read 3D XML and write glTF alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.