Guide · 2026-11-12
glTF vs FBX vs OBJ: Which 3D Format for the Web?
A plain-language guide to the three most common 3D formats, and which one to use on a website.
The short answer
For websites, online stores and augmented reality, use glTF, usually in its single-file form, GLB. It was designed for the web: it loads fast, supports modern physically based materials and can be heavily compressed. FBX and OBJ are useful for moving models between 3D programs, but they are not good choices for a web page.
glTF and GLB
glTF is an open standard often called "the JPEG of 3D". A GLB file packs the geometry, materials and textures into one file that browsers and libraries like Three.js can load directly. It supports compression such as Meshopt and Draco, which can make files dramatically smaller. On this site, furniture models went from 6–16 MB to under 1 MB each.
GLB is also accepted by Shopify product media and by Android's AR viewer. For iPhone AR you also need a USDZ file, which can be generated from the same model.
FBX
FBX is a long-standing format for exchanging models, animation and rigs between programs like 3ds Max, Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D and game engines. It is very capable, but it is a proprietary format, the files are large, and browsers cannot load it without conversion. Use it to send work between 3D artists, not to show it on a website.
OBJ
OBJ is one of the oldest and simplest formats. Almost every program can open it, which makes it a safe fallback. But it only stores geometry and basic materials, has no compression and no animation, and textures travel as separate files. It is fine for 3D printing and simple exchange, and poor for the web.
What to ask your 3D artist for
Ask for an optimized GLB for the web, a USDZ if you need iPhone AR, and the source file (FBX or native) for future edits. That covers your website, your store and any later changes.