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Best 3D model format for Unity

Unity reads FBX, OBJ, DAE and DXF natively and calls FBX best practice. When to use each, and how glTF gets into Unity.

Aman PorwalFounder @ Vi3W

3 min read

A pencil sketch of a brass lantern on paper, with the same lantern rising off the page as a solid, lit object

Quick answer

What is the best 3D model format for Unity?

FBX. Unity's documentation says it uses FBX as its internal importing chain and recommends using it whenever possible. Unity also reads OBJ, DAE and DXF natively. glTF and GLB aren't in that native list, but can be imported with a package such as Unity's glTFast. Use FBX for characters and animation, OBJ only for simple static meshes.

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What Unity says

Unity's manual page on 3D formats lists the standard formats it reads: .fbx, .dae (Collada), .dxf and .obj. It also states: "Unity uses the .fbx file format as its internal importing chain. It's best practice to use the .fbx file format whenever possible."

So the answer for most projects is FBX.

The formats in practice

FBX

  • Meshes, hierarchy, materials, skeletons, skin weights, animations, blend shapes, cameras and lights.
  • The format every DCC tool and asset store supports.
  • Use it for anything animated, and as your default.

OBJ

  • Geometry, UVs and normals, with materials in a separate .mtl file.
  • No hierarchy beyond groups, no animation, no PBR material definitions.
  • Fine for a quick static prop. Textures often need to be assigned by hand. FBX vs OBJ compares the two in detail.

glTF / GLB

  • Not in Unity's native list, but common, especially from web tools and AI generators.
  • Unity's glTFast package (installed through the Package Manager) imports glTF and GLB.
  • Good option if your source only offers GLB, or if you share assets with web projects.

DAE and DXF

  • Supported, rarely the best choice today. DXF is mostly for CAD geometry.

Native application files (.blend, .max, .ma)

Unity can import some proprietary files by running the application in the background, which requires that software installed. Unity's page advises against relying on proprietary formats in production; export FBX instead.

Choosing for your asset

  • Character with animation: FBX.
  • Static prop from Blender: FBX.
  • Static prop from an AI generator or the web: FBX if offered; GLB with glTFast otherwise.
  • Simple placeholder geometry: OBJ is fine.

Exporting FBX for Unity from Blender

  1. Apply transforms: Ctrl+A › All Transforms.
  2. File › Export › FBX.
  3. Set Apply Scalings to "FBX All" and check forward and up axes (Unity is Y-up). Many artists use "-Z Forward, Y Up".
  4. Enable Apply Modifiers.
  5. For textures, set Path Mode to Copy and enable Embed Textures, or copy the texture files into the project yourself.

If a model comes in the wrong size, see imported model the wrong size. If materials come in pink or blank, see textures missing after import.

From Vi3W to Unity

Vi3W exports FBX, GLB and OBJ. For Unity, choose FBX and drop it into the Assets folder. OBJ from Vi3W carries geometry only, without the PBR maps, so it's the least useful option for Unity. The Unity integration guide has import settings for Vi3W models.

Need assets for your Unity project? Generate one in Vi3W and export FBX.

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Frequently asked questions

how to make 3d model for unity

Model it in a DCC tool such as Blender, or generate it with an AI 3D tool, then export FBX at real-world scale with transforms applied and drop the file into your project's Assets folder. Check the import settings (scale, normals, materials) in the Inspector.

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