model/gltf-binary MIME Type

Learn what the model/gltf-binary MIME type represents, how GLB is structured, and how Poly supports Binary glTF.

MIME type details for model/gltf-binary

In active use
MIME typemodel/gltf-binary
Extensions
.glb
Magic number67 6C 54 46
First standardized2017
Created byKhronos Group
Browser supportChrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari
Example applicationsBlender, Khronos glTF Sample Viewer
Poly supportYes. Poly recognizes Binary glTF scenes and makes their supported geometry and scene metadata available in the file experience.
Indexed by PolyYes. Poly indexes filenames and creates visual similarity information for supported 3D content; available scene metadata is shown in details.
Preview in PolyYes. Poly previews supported GLB geometry and scene content.
Poly agentYes. 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 does model/gltf-binary represent?

model/gltf-binary is the registered media type for Binary glTF, normally stored as .glb. The GLB header uses the little-endian magic value 0x46546C67, displayed in file order as 67 6C 54 46. A JSON chunk describes the scene, and a BIN chunk can carry the buffers used by meshes, skins, and animation.1

The container can include image data, but external resources are still allowed. A valid signature is only an initial identification check. Applications must validate chunk lengths, JSON, buffer ranges, and referenced resources before rendering.

Opening and converting Binary glTF

Blender documents import and export for glTF 2.0, including GLB.2 The Khronos glTF Sample Viewer provides a browser-based conformance-oriented view of sample assets.3 Export to .gltf when a readable JSON description and separate resources are more useful. Export to GLB when a single binary delivery file is easier to distribute.

Support in Poly

Poly previews supported geometry, makes the filename searchable, and provides visual similarity for supported 3D content. Available mesh, node, material, vertex, triangle, camera, light, and animation counts appear as metadata when present. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files.

ConstructVerified handling
Meshes, nodes, and materialsSupported when valid glTF data is present
TexturesSupported when usable image resources are available
Cameras and lightsPoint, spot, and directional lights are supported; area-light behavior is approximate
Skins and animationSupported when represented; individual extension behavior can vary

Poly's view is an inspection and understanding surface. It does not replace Blender or another authoring application for editing, rigging, or exact export validation.

Format context and alternatives

Khronos designed glTF for efficient runtime delivery of 3D scenes. Binary glTF keeps the same scene model while reducing the number of separately managed delivery resources.1 .gltf is the natural companion when JSON and external resources should remain visible. STL is useful for simple triangle surfaces, while 3MF targets additive manufacturing.

Footnotes

  1. Khronos Group. glTF 2.0 Specification. 2
  2. Blender Manual. glTF 2.0 importer and exporter.
  3. Khronos Group. glTF Sample Viewer.
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