.usdz File Extension
.usdz file is, how to open packaged USD scenes, and how Poly supports USDZ files. File extension details for .usdz
Partial Support| File type | Universal Scene Description package |
|---|---|
| MIME type | |
| Encoding | Uncompressed, unencrypted ZIP package containing USD and related assets |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS |
| Opens with | Apple Quick Look, usdview, Blender |
| Poly support | Yes. Poly recognizes USDZ packages 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 scene metadata is shown in details. |
| Preview in Poly | Yes. Poly previews supported USDZ 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 .usdz?
A .usdz file is a packaged Universal Scene Description scene. OpenUSD specifies USDZ as an uncompressed, unencrypted ZIP archive whose entries can include USDA, USDC, USD, and supported image or audio assets.1 The package is intended to deliver a scene as one file without requiring a separate extraction step.
The package layout has format constraints. In particular, entries are aligned for direct access, and a package intended to open as a stage should begin with a native USD file.1 A .usdz suffix therefore identifies a package format, not an ordinary compressed ZIP archive.
How do I open a .usdz?
Apple Quick Look can preview USDZ on supported Apple devices. usdview and 3D applications with USD import support can inspect or edit the scene on desktop platforms. For web delivery, configure the official model/vnd.usdz+zip media type so the browser can identify the package.2
Use .usda or .usdc when you need to work on an individual scene file. Do not rename a ZIP archive to .usdz and expect it to become a valid USDZ package.
Poly support for .usdz
Poly recognizes .usdz as model/vnd.usdz+zip, previews supported geometry, makes the filename searchable, and records available scene metadata in the details panel. Visual similarity helps locate related 3D content. 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 |
|---|---|
| USD geometry, transforms, and scene hierarchy | Supported when present and valid; declared Y-up and Z-up stages are respected |
| Packaged materials and textures | Supported when representable and available in the package |
| External references | Companion files uploaded separately are not assembled into the stage; missing geometry can prevent a preview, while missing optional textures can change appearance |
| Cameras and lights | Not retained in the Poly rendition |
| Animation | Supported clips may be represented, but complete USD animation playback is not promised |
History and alternatives
Pixar published the USDZ specification as a delivery format for USD scenes and their related resources. Apple also adopted USDZ for Quick Look experiences, which helped make the suffix familiar in product and augmented-reality workflows.13
Choose .usd when a generic USD representation is enough, .usda for readable text, or .usdc for a binary scene. Use .glb when a runtime-oriented single 3D asset is a better fit.
Footnotes
- OpenUSD. USDZ File Format Specification. ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. Media Types. ↩
- Apple Developer. Advances in AR Quick Look. ↩