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Web3D X3D/VRML2 format

by Bujus_Krachus·Workflow

Images © Bujus_Krachus. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

This add-on earns its place in the Blender extensions library as a maintained route between Blender and the X3D and VRML2 formats, carrying forward tooling that once shipped with Blender 4.1 under continued community support.

What is Web3D X3D/VRML2 format?

Web3D X3D/VRML2 format is a Blender add-on for exchanging web-oriented 3D scene formats. It imports Extensible 3D (.x3d) and VRML2 (.wrl) files and exports .x3d files, with support for X3D 3.3 (2015) and VRML 2.0 (1997). All of its options live under File → Import-Export.

X3D files are used for representing and sharing interactive 3D graphics and scenes, particularly on the web, across scientific visualization, VR/AR, education and engineering. VRML (.wrl) files cover 3D models and scenes for interactive web content, virtual reality, scientific visualization, architecture and education, and are also used in 3D printing, where the common STL format does not support colors.

Originally written by Campbell Barton, Bart, Bastien Montagne and Seva Alekseyev, the add-on was part of Blender 4.1's bundled tools and is now offered as-is with limited support from maintainer @Bujus_Krachus and the community. Version 2.5.1 brought several import fixes, including more fault-tolerant IndexedShape handling and corrected parsing of text objects.

Who is Web3D X3D/VRML2 format best for?

Web3D X3D/VRML2 format is best for importing and exporting X3D and VRML2 scenes for web-based interactive 3D, scientific visualization, VR/AR, education and engineering, and moving colored models toward 3D printing where STL cannot store color.

How much does Web3D X3D/VRML2 format cost?

Web3D X3D/VRML2 format is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Imports Extensible 3D (.x3d) and VRML2 (.wrl) files
  • Exports .x3d files
  • Supports X3D 3.3 (2015) and VRML 2.0 (1997)
  • Available from File → Import-Export inside Blender
  • Version 2.5.1 import fixes: color per face handled as a separate case from vertex color, plus a new mfstring handler producing matching results for X3D and VRML
  • IndexedShape import tolerates fewer points than coordIndex without raising an error
  • Correct parsing of quotes, backslashes and leading spaces in text objects

Tags

#X3D#VRML#VRML2#import-export#file format#web3d#Blender add-on#3D interchange

Frequently asked questions

Does Web3D X3D/VRML2 format work with Blender 4.2?

Web3D X3D/VRML2 format is listed as compatible with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer. It was previously part of Blender 4.1's bundled add-ons and is now offered as a separate extension, maintained with limited support by @Bujus_Krachus and the community. You can add it by dragging and dropping it into Blender or by installing it from disk, after which its import and export options appear under File → Import-Export. For behaviour on other Blender releases, check the developer's page.

Can Web3D X3D/VRML2 format export .wrl files?

Web3D X3D/VRML2 format handles VRML2 (.wrl) files on import only. It can import both Extensible 3D (.x3d) and VRML2 (.wrl) files, but export is limited to the .x3d format. On the standards side it supports X3D 3.3 from 2015 and VRML 2.0 from 1997. All of these options are reached through File → Import-Export inside Blender. For the current scope of supported formats and any changes, refer to the developer's page.

What permissions does Web3D X3D/VRML2 format request?

Web3D X3D/VRML2 format requests two permissions. Files access is required so the add-on can read and write files during import and export. Network access is required so it can download web resources while importing. Beyond those, the extension is distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. If you need more detail on how these permissions are used, the developer's page and issue tracker are the best places to look.

Is Web3D X3D/VRML2 format free to use?

Web3D X3D/VRML2 format is listed here as free. It is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later, and was originally authored by Campbell Barton, Bart, Bastien Montagne and Seva Alekseyev before being offered as a community-maintained extension. It is maintained with limited support by @Bujus_Krachus and the community, so bug reports, feature suggestions and code changes are welcomed there. For current licensing terms and any conditions attached, check the developer's page.

What changed in Web3D X3D/VRML2 format version 2.5.1?

Web3D X3D/VRML2 format version 2.5.1 focuses on import fixes. Color per face is again treated as a separate case from vertex color. Quotes, backslashes and leading spaces in text objects now parse correctly, and a new mfstring handler was added that produces the same results for X3D and VRML. IndexedShape import is also more fault tolerant, so fewer points than coordIndex no longer causes an error. Full version history is available on the developer's page.

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