# GLB vs FBX vs OBJ vs STL: Which Meshy Format Should You Download?

> URL: https://help.meshy.ai/en/articles/13456840-glb-vs-fbx-vs-obj-vs-stl-which-meshy-format-should-you-download
> Language: en
> Last updated: 2026-07-28T08:04:07Z

Meshy supports multiple export formats so you can pick the best one for your workflow. Here's how to choose the right format based on what you're building.

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## 🕹️ Game Development

**Best choice:** **FBX**

**Also good:** **GLB**

- **FBX**

  - Industry standard for games

  - Supports meshes, materials, textures, armatures, and animations

  - Best compatibility with Unity and Unreal

- **GLB**

  - Lightweight, modern format

  - Great for fast loading, web games, and simple pipelines

  - Easy to optimize and compress

👉 **Use FBX if you need animation or maximum engine compatibility.**

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## 🎬 Animation & Film / VFX

**Best choice:** **FBX**

**Alternative:** **BLEND**

- **FBX**

  - Works across Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D, Houdini

  - Ideal for animation, rigging, and scene assembly

- **BLEND**

  - Blender-native format

  - Best if you're staying entirely inside Blender

👉 **Use FBX for studio pipelines, BLEND for Blender-only projects.**

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## 🖨️ 3D Printing

**Best choice:** **STL**

**Advanced:** **3MF**

- **STL**

  - Universal standard for 3D printing

  - Geometry-only, no textures or colors

- **3MF**

  - Supports color, materials, and multiple parts

  - Ideal for modern multi-color printers

👉 **Use STL for simplicity, 3MF for color or advanced prints.**

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## 🌐 Web, AR & Real-Time Preview

**Best choice:** **GLB**

**Apple ecosystem:** **USDZ**

- **GLB**

  - Compact, fast-loading, web-friendly

  - Perfect for WebGL, Three.js, Babylon.js

- **USDZ**

  - Required for Apple AR (iOS, Vision Pro)

  - Optimized for AR Quick Look

👉 **Use GLB for web, USDZ for Apple AR.**

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## 🧰 Raw Editing & Interchange

**OBJ**

- Simple geometry + materials

- Very widely supported

- No animation support

👉 **Use OBJ for quick edits or legacy tools.**

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## 📐 CAD, Architecture & Engineering

**Best choice:** **DXF**

- **DXF**

  - Drawing Exchange Format — Autodesk's open interchange standard

  - Compatible with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, and SketchUp

  - Ideal for CNC machining, laser cutting, and technical documentation

  - Exports clean geometry without textures — best for precision engineering workflows

👉 **Use DXF when importing into CAD software or preparing files for fabrication.**

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## Software Compatibility Cheat Sheet

| Software / Engine                     | Recommended Format   |
| ------------------------------------- | -------------------- |
| **Unity**                             | FBX, GLB             |
| **Unreal Engine**                     | FBX                  |
| **Blender**                           | FBX, BLEND, GLB, OBJ |
| **Maya**                              | FBX                  |
| **Cinema 4D**                         | FBX                  |
| **Houdini**                           | FBX                  |
| **Substance Painter**                 | FBX, OBJ             |
| **Web (Three.js, Babylon.js)**        | GLB                  |
| **Apple AR / Vision Pro**             | USDZ                 |
| **3D Printers / Slicers**             | STL, 3MF             |
| **AutoCAD / SolidWorks / Fusion 360** | DXF                  |