Open 3DM files

  • Full name
    3DML Data Format
  • Developer
    Robert McNeel & Associates
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a 3DM file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a 3DM file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your 3DM file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is 3DM file?

3DM is a format for 3-dimensional data described by so-called NURBS. These Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines let you create all kinds and shapes of 3-dimensional objects in a 3D editor. But 3DM files can include Surfaces, Meshes and Solids.

More info

The 3DM format was created by the openNURBS Initiative, founded by Robert McNeel & Associates. McNeel is the company behind Rhino 3D, a NURBS Modeller program used in many different design areas. The 3DM format is therefore often referred to as Rhino 3D format.

The openNurbs Initiative offers free programming libraries so that any 3D software manufacturer can implement the 3DM format. The 3DM format should be a universal data exchange format for 3D data. So far, however, most of the 3D applications can only be equipped with a paid (Sycode 3dm, Rhino.Io) plugin to read and write 3DM files.

Alternatively, you can also use a converter like Okino PolyTrans. Since there are now 4 versions of 3DM (through the advancement), the success of an import by a plugin is never 100% guaranteed.

Programs which can open a 3DM file

How to open file with 3DM extension?

In order to open a file with 3DM extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening 3DM file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with 3DM files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install Rhino OSX or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening 3DM files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support 3DM files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of 3DM files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set Rhino OSX as the default program for opening 3DM files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate 3DM files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Rhino OSX applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Rhino OSX has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with 3DM files

Sometimes problems with opening 3DM files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • 3DM files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open 3DM files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • 3DM file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

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