Open OBJ files

  • Full name
    3D Object Format
  • Developer
    Wavefront Technologies
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a OBJ 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 OBJ file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your OBJ file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is OBJ file?

The file extension OBJ marks 3D model data in Wavefront format. It is a 3D data format developed by Wavefront Technologies (now part of Autodesk) for its Advanced Visualizer in the 1980s. The OBJ format is an open format and is often used today as an exchange format because it can read and write many 3D programs. Some programs like AutoDesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks, Google SketchUp or TrueSpace (luuv plugin) require a plugin to process OBJ files.

More info

OBJ is an ASCII based format and can include 3D model data as well as material references defined in an associated mtl file. Unfortunately, the export functions of some 3D applications are limited in that they can not export all their own geometric descriptions to OBJ and often can not read all data types (eg The Materials).

Programs which can open a OBJ file

How to open file with OBJ extension?

In order to open a file with OBJ extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening OBJ 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 OBJ files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install LightWave 3D or other program from the list

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

Set LightWave 3D as the default program for opening OBJ 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 OBJ 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 LightWave 3D applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where LightWave 3D has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with OBJ files

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

  • File data is corrupted
  • OBJ 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 OBJ files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • OBJ 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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