Guides
Best 3D model format for websites
GLB is the web's 3D format. Why, when USDZ is also needed, what to avoid, and how format choice affects load time.
2 min read
Quick answer
What is the best 3D model format for a website?
GLB, the binary form of glTF 2.0. It's an open Khronos standard designed for efficient delivery, packs mesh, PBR materials and textures into one file, supports compression, and is read by three.js, Babylon.js and Google's model-viewer. Add a USDZ copy only if you want iPhone AR Quick Look. Avoid FBX and OBJ on the web.
The answer: GLB
For websites, use GLB: glTF 2.0 in a single binary file. The Khronos Group designed glTF as a transmission format for real-time 3D, and it has become the default for the web. GLB vs glTF explains the two variants; for most sites, GLB's single file is simpler to serve and cache.
Why GLB wins on the web
- One file: mesh, materials, textures and animation together.
- PBR materials standardised, so models look consistent across viewers.
- Compact and fast to parse, designed for runtime loading.
- Compression: mesh compression (Draco, Meshopt) and compressed textures (KTX2) are glTF extensions that web viewers read.
- Supported everywhere on the web: three.js, Babylon.js, model-viewer, and most 3D viewers and e-commerce platforms.
- Android AR: Google's Scene Viewer reads glTF/GLB.
When you also need USDZ
iPhone and iPad AR. Apple's AR Quick Look uses USDZ, not GLB. If you want "View in your space" on iOS, provide a USDZ alongside your GLB. With model-viewer, that's the ios-src attribute. Convert GLB to USDZ shows how. Some platforms, such as Shopify, generate the USDZ for you.
Formats to avoid on the web
- FBX: proprietary, heavy, not designed for browsers.
- OBJ: no PBR materials, multiple files, no compression.
- STL: geometry only, no colour.
- Native files (.blend, .max): not loadable by web viewers.
Convert these to GLB first; Blender does it with File › Export › glTF 2.0.
How the format affects load time
The format isn't the only factor. What's inside matters more:
- Textures are usually most of the file size. A 4K texture set can be many megabytes; 1K–2K is plenty for most product or hero models.
- Polygon count affects size and rendering on phones.
- Compression can cut size dramatically.
How to reduce GLB file size walks through it.
Displaying it
- model-viewer: a web component; the quickest way to add a rotatable, AR-capable model to a page. Embed a 3D model on a website.
- three.js: full control for custom scenes. Three.js integration.
- E-commerce platforms: upload GLB as product media. 3D models on Shopify.
From Vi3W
Vi3W exports GLB, with PBR textures inside and the mesh retopologised, so it starts web-friendly. Its format guidance lists GLB as best for the web and Three.js. Check the file size, then compress if needed.
Need a model for your site? Generate one in Vi3W and export GLB.
Frequently asked questions
how to make 3d model for website
Model it in Blender or generate it with an AI 3D tool, keep the polygon count and textures modest, export GLB, compress it, and display it with a viewer such as model-viewer or three.js. Provide a poster image so the page shows something while the model loads.
Last reviewed