What Is a GLB file?
GLB is a 3D file format that’s used in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), games, and web applications because it supports motion and animation. Another advantage of the format is its small size and fast load times. GLB files are a binary version of the GL Transmission Format (glTF) file, which uses JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) encoding. So, supporting data (like textures, shaders, and geometry/animation) is contained in a single file.
GLB, like glTF, is a royalty-free way to encode 3D data. A GLB file will generally be smaller (approximately 33 percent) than a glTF file and its supporting files. It’s also easier to upload a single file to a server rather than two or three, so GLB has an advantage there too. Many developers find it easier to edit the objects and senses in the glTF format and then convert it to GLB to deliver the file.
How to View GLB Files
GLB uses the same viewers as glTF files, including downloadable desktop viewers, mobile apps, and drag-and-drop viewers. See our guide on glTF for more details.
How to Open GLB Files
You can use Microsoft Paint 3D, Microsoft Remix 3D, and Trimble 3D Warehouse to open a GLB file. Additionally, any program that opens glTF files can also open GLB files. See this glTF article for more information.
How to Convert GLB Files
You can use glTF optimizers to convert files between glTF and GLB. There are many applications and web tools available, some convert files both ways, others do that plus convert files from 1.0 to 2.0, some convert 1.0 glTF to 1.0 GLB, and others will do conversions during file loading.
Once you have a glTF file, you can then convert it to a GLB file. Otherwise, you can use programs like BlackThread.io to convert other formats to GLB. Those formats include 3MF, AMF, FBX. OBJ and MTL, glTF, Collada, PCD, PLY, JSON, and STL.
To check for other conversion options, try the File-Extensions.org Converter page. You can enter GLB and different file types to see which applications or websites can do the job.
If you have any questions, please send us a message through the blue chat bubble in the bottom right corner of the screen, or send us an email at [email protected].