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Convert Your 3D Mesh/Model OBJ Files to GLB

Our free and fast tool will convert most 3D mesh or OBJ (Wavefront) model files to a standard GLB (Graphics Language Transmission Format) file that can then be edited further in most popular 3D editing packages such as Blender or 3D printed without any further processing. Our conversion tool can also batch convert multiple OBJ files; up to 25 files at a time can be converted.

To convert your OBJ file, click the Upload button above and select the file to convert. Once selected, the file will be converted to a GLB file and will be ready for download shortly afterwards. For more information about the OBJ to GLB conversion process, see the conversion information section below.

Upload a OBJ

Click the "Upload a OBJ File" button and select a OBJ to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your GLB

Click the download link once completed to receive your GLB file.

Here we will look at both the OBJ and GLB file formats and compare their features to try to work out what format is best to use for a specific situation. Before we begin, if you are not familiar with 3D modeling and the terminology behind it, we thoroughly recommend this great article that explains 3D modeling concepts and the terminology that goes with it.

Structure

To get going, we will look at how both formats store 3D model data. Firstly, the OBJ format is a plain text format containing the elements that make up a 3D object, these elements being the vertices, normals, faces, and materials. The GLB format, however, stores this information in a more compact binary format.

As the OBJ format is plain text, these files can be manually edited, though in reality, the size of most OBJ files makes manual editing impractical. The simple format also makes them relatively straightforward to support within 3D modeling applications.

Supported Material

Both OBJ and GLB files support model materials, whether they be plain color materials or textured materials; both types are supported. With an OBJ, the materials are stored in a separate material (MTL) file. Any textures referenced within the MTL file are stored as separate files.

With the GLB format, materials and textures are integral to the file format and are stored within the main file along with the other 3D model data. Both formats support ambient, diffuse, and specular colors and textures in addition to bump maps.

A textured 3D model of Earth

A textured 3D model of Earth

A textured chair stored in OBJ format

A textured chair stored in OBJ format

A 3D model of a golden dragon in GLB format

A 3D model of a golden dragon in GLB format

Editing

The OBJ format has been around for longer than the GLB format and enjoys slightly more support amongst 3D editing applications; however, the GLB format has gained traction in recent years and is a popular option for importing into many 3D applications. The same applications may also support exporting to the GLB format.

File Size

The OBJ format, as it is a text-based format, tends to lead to larger files than the equivalent model stored in the GLB format. As the GLB format is a binary format, any additional texture files can also be included in the same file package, whereas for OBJ files, these will be separate files. For OBJ files, we have a tool to compress the 3D data within an OBJ file to help reduce the size without losing any detail in your 3D model.

Summary

As both the GLB format is a more modern format and supports animations, storing your models in the GLB format is most likely the best option; however, the OBJ format is still useful, especially if your 3D editing application does not support the GLB format.

File Format Information for OBJ to GLB

Description

The OBJ file format, originally created by Wavefront Technologies and later adopted by many other 3D software vendors, is a simple text-based file format for describing 3D models/geometry. This data can include vertices, faces, normals, texture coordinates, and references to external texture files.

As the format is text-based, it is relatively straightforward to parse in 3D modeling applications. A downside of the text-based format is that the files can be rather large compared to similar binary formats such as STL and compressed files such as 3MF.

OBJ Notes

If your OBJ file is uploaded with accompanying MTL and texture files, these will be applied to the conversion process.

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry
  • Materials (Via an MTL file)
  • Textures (PNG, JPG, TGA formats)
ExtensionGLB
Full NameGraphics Language Transmission Format
Type3D Model
Mime Typemodel/gltf-binary
FormatBinary
ToolsGLB Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create GLB Animation, GLB Asset Extractor, Text to GLB, GLB Viewer
Open WithBlender, MeshLab

Description

The GLB file format, which can also have the GLTF file extension depending on whether the content is binary or text/JSON, is a 3D file format used to describe 3D worlds and, as such, contains geometric data such as vertices, faces, normals, animations, and other 3D scene-related data.

The format, described by its creators as the "JPEG of 3D", has gained in popularity and is supported by a wide range of 3D modeling applications such as Blender and MeshLab. The GLB format is an open standard that is maintained by the Khronos Group.

GLB Notes

If your original model file contains texture images and other texture-related data, these will be included in the final GLB file.

Supported Features

  • V2.0 and above files only
  • Mesh geometry
  • Materials
  • Textures

Unsupported Features

  • Animations

Comparing OBJ and GLB Features

 

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing
  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

How does it work?

Converting from the OBJ file format to GLB can be a complex process, and any tool used for this conversion process needs to be able to handle a variety of data conversion tasks as well as identify any defects within the 3D model and fix them. Here we will explain the conversion process used by our tool to accurately convert your OBJ file to a valid GLB 3D model. Let's start with the conversion process, which involves the following steps:

Step 1: Read the Source OBJ File

Step 1: Read the Source OBJ File

In its simplest form, an OBJ file is a plain text file containing human-readable 3D data such as vertices, faces, normals, and more. When combined, these make up the 3D model you see on your screen.

When our tool reads this 3D data, all we are interested in are the vertices, faces, normals, materials, and textures, as this is the only data that can be accurately converted into the final GLB file.

The OBJ file can contain data such as material definitions and textures that describe how a particular set of 3D geometry should be rendered. As we are saving to the GLB file format, which supports both materials and textures, our tool will attempt to parse the accompanying MTL file to determine which texture (image) files are needed. When uploading an OBJ file, please ensure you include the MTL file along with all the relevant texture files. If the MTL file is not present, the model will be processed without any materials.

For more information regarding the OBJ file format, please see this great article that goes into a lot of detail explaining the OBJ format.

Step 2: Process File Data

With the OBJ file data read, our tool generates an internal representation of the full 3D model and will attempt to fix any geometry issues encountered. Along with repairing any issues with the 3D model, the tool will remove any duplicated vertices and prepare the model for exporting to the GLB format.

Step 3: Saving to the GLB Format

With the conversion process entering its final stages, our tool now needs to take the in-memory 3D model we have created in step 2 and convert it to the GLB format.

Along with the completed GLB file, any textures that were present in the original OBJ file will be saved in either PNG or JPG format, depending on the original image format. If the original format was neither of these, for example, if your model contained a texture in the TGA format, it will be converted to a PNG.

My OBJ file contains materials and textures; how do I upload these?

If your OBJ file has separate material (MTL) and texture (PNG, JPG, etc.) files, you can drag and drop these onto the upload tool along with the main OBJ file. Our tool will intelligently detect which of these additional files belongs to the OBJ file. Alternatively, you can place these additional files, along with the OBJ file, within a ZIP or other compressed archive file and upload that.

How long does it take to convert my OBJ to GLB?

We aim to process all OBJ to GLB conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds but can be more for larger more complex files so please be patient.

How accurate is the OBJ to GLB conversion?

We aim to create the most accurate conversions with our tools. Our tools are under constant development with new features and improvements being added every week.

Is it safe to convert my OBJ to GLB on ImageToStl.com?

Yes, of course! We do not store the OBJ file you submit to us. The resulting GLB file, once created is deleted 15 minutes after upload and the download link will expire after this time.

Do I need a high-spec. computer to use the OBJ to GLB converter?

No. All our conversion tools process your OBJ file on our dedicated conversion servers, meaning you can use our tools on low-spec computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices and receive your converted GLB file quickly.

Can I convert my OBJ to GLB on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS or Mac OS?

Yes! Our OBJ to GLB tool will run on any system with a modern web browser. No specialist software is needed to run any of our conversion tools.

What if I am using an Ad Blocker, will that affect things?

Yes. Although you can use an Ad Blocker, if you like our OBJ conversion tool please consider white-listing our site. When an Ad Blocker is enabled there are some conversion limits on some of our tools and processing/conversion times will be longer.

Can I get support with converting my OBJ to GLB?

Yes. When you have converted your OBJ to GLB, there is a "Feedback" option that you can use to let us know of any issues you encountered when converting your file.

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