Open U3D files

  • Full name
    Universal 3D Format
  • Developer
    3D Industry Forum
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a U3D 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 U3D file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your U3D file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is U3D file?

The file extension U3D marks 3D CAD files in the so-called Universal 3D format. The universal 3D format is a format standardized by the 3D Industry Forum (including, but not limited to, Intel, HP, and Adobe). The goal is a cross-manufacturer exchange format for three-dimensional data of all kinds.

More info

There are now 4 editions of the U3D format. Edition 1 is supported by many applications and can store Vertex Geometry, colors, textures and light sources. While Editions 2 and 3 contain almost only bug fixes and minor enhancements, the 4th edition also allows you to save crooked surfaces.

The U3D format is used for data exchange, especially for the integration of 3D graphics in PDF documents. Therefore, there are also some programs (eg Deep Exploration, Allplan, Acrobat) that can directly export PDF documents with embedded U3D models.

Support for the format may be restricted or require plugins.

Programs which can open a U3D file

How to open file with U3D extension?

In order to open a file with U3D extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening U3D 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 U3D files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install DAZ Studio or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening U3D files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support U3D files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of U3D files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set DAZ Studio as the default program for opening U3D 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 U3D 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 DAZ Studio applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where DAZ Studio has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with U3D files

Sometimes problems with opening U3D files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • U3D 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 U3D files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • U3D 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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