glTF

Developed by the Khronos Group, it enables fast loading and viewing of 3D models in web and mobile applications. The format supports compression, animation and materials, making it ideal for applications such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

Advantages of glTF

A key advantage of glTF is its small file size, achieved through optimizations such as compression support. This allows 3D models to load quickly, which is particularly beneficial in environments with limited bandwidth.

glTF also supports a wide range of features, including animations, different material properties and lighting effects, making it a versatile format for developers.

glTF and web applications

For web applications, glTF is a popular choice because it works seamlessly with JavaScript libraries such as Three.js.

Developers can use glTF to easily embed complex 3D models into web pages and create interactive 3D experiences without slowing down the user experience. This makes the format particularly interesting for e-commerce, architectural visualization and in-browser game development.

Augmented and virtual reality

glTF is not only useful for the web, but also plays an important role in the development of AR and VR applications.

Because the format renders 3D models with high accuracy and low loading time, it is often used in applications where a seamless user experience is critical. This ranges from presenting 3D objects in AR to immersive VR worlds.

Facts and features

• Open standard: Developed by the Khronos Group, glTF is an open, royalty-free file format.
• JSON-based format: glTF uses JSON to describe the structure of 3D scenes and binary files for complex data such as geometry and textures.
• Texture compression methods: glTF supports texture compression methods such as Basis Universal (BasisU) to further reduce file size.
• Tool support: Many 3D software packages and engines such as Blender, Unity and Unreal Engine provide direct support for glTF.
• PBR materials: Physically Based Rendering (PBR) is natively supported, enabling realistic lighting and surface effects in 3D scenes.
• Interoperability: glTF is cross-platform and can be used seamlessly between different applications, devices, and systems.
• Node hierarchies: Complex 3D structures can be created with support for node hierarchies and skeletal animation.
• Energy efficient: glTF can have a positive impact on the battery life of mobile devices through optimized file sizes and fast loading times.
• Extensible: glTF can be customized through extensions to support additional features, such as special shading techniques or additional geometric properties.
• Industry standard: glTF is increasingly considered the "JPEG of the 3D world" as it is a widely used solution for transferring 3D models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file extensions does glTF use?
glTF files typically have the extension .gltf for JSON-based text files, or .glb for binary versions of the format that contain all the data in a single file.

What 3D applications support glTF?
glTF is supported by a wide range of 3D applications, including Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya and SketchUp. Game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine also provide direct support.

What is the difference between glTF and OBJ/FBX?
glTF is more modern and offers more efficient data compression than older formats such as OBJ or FBX. While OBJ mainly supports geometry and textures, glTF can also manage animation, lighting and material properties.

Is glTF suitable for mobile use?
Yes, glTF is ideal for mobile applications because it has been specifically optimized for fast loading times and small file sizes, which are important in mobile and web environments.

Is glTF suitable for real-time applications?
Yes, glTF is designed for efficient use in real-time applications such as games, AR/VR and interactive 3D web applications.