.MDL File Extension

MDL files exist as 8 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 2: Warcraft 3 3D Model Text File

MDL files are text versions of 3D model files used in Warcraft III. They define 3D models like buildings and units. MDL files can be edited and then converted into MDX files for use in the Warcraft II...

General Information

Title MDL File Extension
Extension .mdl
Full Form Warcraft 3 3D Model Text File
File Type 3D Model File
Developer Blizzard Entertainment
MIME Type text/plain

File Function

Primary Function Store 3D models
Additional Functions Animation, Texturing
Features ASCII text, Human-readable

File Characteristics

Quality Game-specific
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency Yes
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Game Modding Yes
Custom Maps Yes
Educational Purposes Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Script injection
Best Practices Validate source, Safe handling

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2002
Latest Version Associated with Warcraft III: Reforged

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .mdx, .blp

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Blender with MDL Importer Plugin Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Warcraft III Paid Windows, Mac
MDLX Converter Free Windows

Type 3: Half-Life Model File

MDL defines model structure, animation, bounding box, hit box, materials, mesh and LOD information. Additional data is stored in PHY, ANI, VTX and VVD files. To get latest header, use studio.h file in...

General Information

Title MDL File Extension
Extension .mdl
Full Form Half-Life Model File
File Type Game Model File
Developer Valve Corporation
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store models
Additional Functions Animation, Texturing
Features 3D model, Skins

File Characteristics

Quality Game dependent
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency Yes
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Video Games Yes
Modding Yes
3D Animation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks File replacement
Best Practices Verify source, Safe modding

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1998
Significant Update Source engine

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .bsp, .vmf, .vmt

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Valve Hammer Editor Free Windows
HLMV (Half-Life Model Viewer) Free Windows
Blender with Source Tools Free Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 4: Flight Simulator Airplane Model

An MDL file contains a simulation model created using Simulink. It has the block diagram and properties of the simulation. MDL files use plain text and list objects. The objects have properties and va...

General Information

Title MDL File Extension
Extension .mdl
Full Form Aircraft Model File
File Type 3D Model File
Developer Microsoft
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store aircraft models
Additional Functions Texture mapping, Animation data
Features 3D geometry, Textures

File Characteristics

Quality High-detail
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency Yes
Editable With tools

Use Cases

Flight Simulation Yes
Game Development Yes
3D Rendering Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Regular updates, Verified sources

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1982
Latest Update Flight Simulator 2020

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .bgl, .air, .cga, .sim

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Microsoft Flight Simulator Paid Windows
ModelConvertX Free Windows
Blender with Importer Plugin Free Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 5: Rational Rose Model File

The MDL file extension files can be on both desktop and mobile devices. They are supported by Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The MDL extension files have various formats and applications. ...

General Information

Title MDL File Extension
Extension .mdl
Full Form Rational Rose Model File
File Type Model File
Developer IBM
MIME Type application/vnd.rational-rose

File Function

Primary Function Store models
Additional Functions Visual representation, Software design
Features UML support, Diagramming

File Characteristics

Quality Structured data
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Software Modeling Yes
Documentation Yes
Code Generation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks File corruption
Best Practices Version control, Regular backups

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1990s
Latest Version Rational Rose XDE (discontinued)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .rpy, .cat, .smc

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
IBM Rational Rose Commercial Windows
IBM Rational Software Architect Commercial Windows
StarUML Commercial, Free Trial Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 6: DigiTrakker Module

General Information

Title MDL File Extension
Extension .mdl
Full Form DigiTrakker Module File
File Type Audio Module File
Developer n/a
MIME Type audio/x-mod

File Function

Primary Function Store music
Additional Functions Playback, Sequencing
Features Multi-track, Pattern-based

File Characteristics

Quality Depends on samples
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Music Production Yes
Game Development Historical
Audio Playback Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Virus scan, Authentic sources

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1990s
Latest Version n/a

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .mod, .s3m, .xm, .it

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
DigiTrakker Discontinued MS-DOS
OpenMPT Free Windows
XMP Free Cross-platform

Type 7: Lectra Modaris Clothing Design File

The MDL file extension has 26 file types in our database. On this page, you will find detail information about all the MDL files. The table below provides useful information about the MDL file extensi...

General Information

Title MDL File Extension
Extension .mdl
Full Form Lectra Modaris Clothing Design File
File Type CAD File
Developer Lectra
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store clothing patterns
Additional Functions Store design data, grading information
Features 2D pattern design, scalable

File Characteristics

Quality Precision dependent
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Fashion Design Yes
Pattern Making Yes
Clothing Production Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Limited
Best Practices Regular backups, access control

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Date unknown
Latest Version Depends on Lectra release

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .vet, .dxf, .plt

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Lectra Modaris Subscription Windows

Type 8: Luigi's Mansion 3D Model File

The mdl file extension contains 3D models used in games. Luigi's Mansion uses mdl files for its 3D models. Half-Life also uses mdl files for its character and creature models. These file types store m...

General Information

Title MDL File Extension
Extension .mdl
Full Form Luigi's Mansion 3D Model File
File Type 3D Model File
Developer Next Level Games, Nintendo
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store 3D models
Additional Functions Texture mapping, Animation data
Features Game asset, Proprietary format

File Characteristics

Quality High resolution
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency Yes
Editable With tools

Use Cases

Game Modding Yes
3D Rendering Yes
Animation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low risk
Best Practices Scan for viruses, Use trusted tools

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2001
Latest Version Varies with game updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .obj, .fbx, .dae

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Custom Luigi's Mansion Tools Free Varies
3D Modeling Software Varies Varies