.OBJ File Extension

OBJ files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Wavefront 3D Object File

OBJ is a geometry definition file format developed by Wavefront Technologies for its Advanced Visualizer. The open file format represents 3D geometry - vertex positions, texture coordinates, vertex no...

General Information

Title OBJ File Extension
Extension .obj
Full Form Wavefront 3D Object File
File Type 3D Model File
Developer Wavefront Technologies
MIME Type text/plain

File Function

Primary Function Store 3D geometry
Additional Functions Texture mapping, other metadata
Features Geometric vertices, texture coordinates, color, faces

File Characteristics

Quality Highly detailed
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency Via materials
Editable Yes

Use Cases

3D Modeling Yes
Game Development Yes
Virtual Reality Yes
Animation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks None inherent
Best Practices Validate on import, sanitize data

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Late 1980s
Latest Update Continuously through software updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .fbx, .3ds, .ply, .stl

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Autodesk Maya Paid Windows, Mac, Linux
Blender Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Adobe Photoshop Subscription Windows, Mac

Type 2: Relocatable Object Code

An OBJ file is a standard 3D image format. It is exported and opened by various 3D editing programs. The OBJ file stores a 3D object. This includes 3D coordinates, textures, polygonal shapes, and othe...

General Information

Title OBJ File Extension
Extension .obj
Full Form Relocatable Object Code
File Type Object Code File
Developer Various
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Machine code
Additional Functions Linking, Debugging
Features Binary format, Relocatable

File Characteristics

Quality Binary code
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Indirectly

Use Cases

Software Development Yes
Executable Creation Yes
System Drivers Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Executable code
Best Practices Binary analysis, Secure compiling

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Varies
Latest Version Depends on compiler

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .o, .lib, .dll, .exe

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Microsoft Visual Studio Free, Paid Windows
GNU Compiler Collection Free Various
LLVM Free Various