Convert IGES to glTF in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read IGES files and write glTF, generating the glTF mesh from the geometry it reads, with tessellation settings your application controls.
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 IGES · Writes glTF
- Exact geometry → triangle mesh
- C++ / C# APIs
IGES to glTF at a glance
IGES stores exact geometry; glTF stores triangles. The translation is a tessellation, and the settings you choose decide how close the mesh stays to the original.
| IGES (source) | glTF (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Initial Graphics Exchange Specification | GL Transmission Format |
| Standard / owner | ANSI | Khronos Group |
| File extensions | .igs, .iges | .gltf, .glb |
| Geometry | Exact B-Rep and surfaces | Triangle mesh |
| Assemblies / structure | No native assembly hierarchy | Yes: scene hierarchy |
| 3D InterOp support | Read and write | Write only |
What's preserved, what changes
Here is what your application can expect to carry across from IGES to glTF.
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Improved
Healed geometry3D InterOp heals IGES data automatically on import.
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Improved
Analytic shapesShapes the IGES file stores as splines are restored to their exact analytic form.
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Improved
Compressed meshesThe glTF writer can compress meshes with Draco, available since 2026 1.0.1.
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Changes
Geometry is tessellatedThe exact IGES B-Rep is replaced by a triangle mesh, generated by 3D InterOp from the exact geometry it reads. Accuracy depends on the tessellation settings your application uses.
Why software vendors add IGES 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 IGES input: IGES files up to version 5.3.
- 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 an IGES (.igs) file?
IGES is one of the earliest neutral CAD formats, an ANSI standard for exchanging 2D and 3D geometry. It stores exact curves, surfaces and solids, but not the product structure and manufacturing data STEP can carry.
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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
3D InterOp tessellates the geometry it reads from IGES when it writes glTF. Your application sets the tolerances, so it controls the trade-off between accuracy and file size.
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.
Yes. Healing runs automatically on IGES import, and shapes stored as splines are restored to their exact analytic form.
3D InterOp reads IGES files up to version 5.3.
3D InterOp writes glTF 2.0 (.gltf or .glb).
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Building software that needs to convert IGES to glTF?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read IGES and write glTF alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.