.3mf File Extension
.3mf file contains, which applications open it, and how Poly supports this 3D format. File extension details for .3mf
Full Support| File type | 3D Manufacturing Format model |
|---|---|
| MIME type | |
| Encoding | ZIP package containing XML and related resources |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Opens with | PrusaSlicer, Microsoft 3D Viewer |
| Poly support | Yes. Poly recognizes valid 3D Manufacturing Format model files and makes supported geometry and scene metadata available. |
| Indexed by Poly | Yes. Poly indexes the filename and creates visual similarity information for supported 3D content; available metadata is shown in details. |
| Preview in Poly | Yes. Poly previews supported 3D Manufacturing Format model geometry and scene content. |
| Poly agent | Yes. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files. |
What kind of file is a .3mf?
3MF is a ZIP-based XML package for additive manufacturing. A document can contain one or more objects plus relationships, core properties, colors, textures, thumbnails, print settings, and extension data. Which manufacturing constructs are present depends on the producing application. The suffix normally uses the model/3mf MIME type.1
How do I open a .3mf?
PrusaSlicer and Microsoft 3D Viewer are practical 3MF applications. Use PrusaSlicer when print preparation matters, and export to GLB when compact interactive delivery is the goal.
Poly support for .3mf
Poly previews supported geometry, makes the filename searchable, and provides visual similarity for supported 3D content. Available mesh and scene metadata appears in the details panel. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files.
| Construct | Poly handling |
|---|---|
| Geometry | Mesh objects for manufacturing |
| Appearance | Colors, materials, and textures when included |
| Manufacturing data | Build instructions and extension metadata may be present |
| Poly limitation | Poly does not expose every optional manufacturing extension |
Download the original when you need editing, simulation, print preparation, or exact project round-tripping.
History and alternatives
The 3MF Consortium introduced 3MF to exchange full-fidelity manufacturing models across design software, services, and printers. The specification is now recognised as ISO/IEC 25422:2025. 1
Choose glTF or GLB for interactive scenes, OBJ for straightforward mesh exchange, and 3MF for manufacturing packages. Convert with a format-aware application and verify materials, scale, transforms, and resource paths afterward.
Footnotes
- 3MF Consortium. 3MF specification. ↩ ↩2