OBJ File Extension
Wavefront 3D Object Format
- File Type obj
- Developer Wavefront Technologies
- Popularity
- Application Autodesk Maya
- Category 3D Image Files
- Format Text
What is a OBJ file?
The OBJ file extension is linked to Wavefront 3D Object Format and belongs to the 3D Image Files category, which includes 618 files.
OBJ file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS. To open a OBJ file, you can choose from 57 programs such as Autodesk Maya, LightWave 3D and Meshlab.
Programs that support OBJ files
Windows
Autodesk Maya
LightWave 3D
3D Builder
UVMapper- CloudCompare
- Rapidform Explorer (Geomagic Verify Viewer)
- CADRazor
- Autodesk Fusion 360
Cura Software
Blender
Adobe Photoshop
LogiKal
Meshlab- DSF Toolbox
- osgconv
- CrossManager
SketchUp- CINEMA 4D File Converter
- Alibre Design Professional
- meshconv
modo
SpeedTree
ViaCAD Pro
Adobe Creative Suite
Unity
Autodesk 3ds Max
PolyTrans- Mystic Fractal Firefly
- AnyCAD Exchange3D
- TransMagic
SolidWorks
pCon.planner- VTBuilder
Keyshot- Autoconverter
- ZModeler
- GLC_Player
DAZ Studio- Alteros 3D
3D Coat- AccuTrans 3D
Cinema 4D
3D Object Converter- IVCon
- OBJ Exporter For Revit
Poser- MakeHuman
- WoW Model Viewer
Vue
3D-Tool
Mac OS
How to open a OBJ file?
If you cannot open a OBJ file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
When it comes to opening and working with OBJ files, Autodesk Maya, LightWave 3D and Meshlab are the top choices for users. To install the updated version of Autodesk Maya, simply go to the Autodesk site and download the installer compatible with all major platforms.
When you finish installing Autodesk Maya, the system will automatically launch OBJ files with it.
Setting Autodesk Maya as default OBJ viewer
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right click on your OBJ file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
- Choose Autodesk Maya from the available applications listed in the pop-up window to set it as the default application to open your OBJ file;
- Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to confirm your selection.
Change the default app for a file type in Mac
- Initiate a right click or use Control + left click on the desired OBJ file to open a menu where you can select various actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu. It is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then search for Autodesk Maya. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Tips and tricks to solve problems with OBJ files
When facing challenges with OBJ files, simple adjustments in your software can often solve the problem. Find helpful troubleshooting guidance below.
Why does Autodesk Maya stop responding or crash intermittently?
The likely cause of Autodesk Maya crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for Autodesk products.
Restarting your computer is an essential troubleshooting step that can resolve many common problems. It is recommended to restart your computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What are the best practices for repairing a OBJ file that has gone bad?
Open the corrupted OBJ file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item. Then wait for the recovery process to complete, which allows you to automatically repair corrupted 3d image files.
How do I know if my OBJ file is corrupted?
Common indications of damaged OBJ 3d image files are:
- The file does not open or opens with errors;
- Editing the archive in Autodesk Maya results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
- File hangs or crashes in Autodesk Maya or other programs;
- Unexplained increase in OBJ file size;
- Error messages appear while working with the file;
How to edit a OBJ file?
To edit OBJ files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the 3d image files. Online OBJ editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Wavefront 3D Object Format.
Best OBJ editors in 2026
After analyzing the criteria, we have created a list of OBJ editors available for use.
| OBJ Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| Blender | Blender Foundation | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.9 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| LightWave 3D | NewTek | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| LogiKal | Orgadata AG | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Autodesk Maya | Autodesk | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
| Autodesk Fusion 360 | Autodesk | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.4 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
| 3D Builder | Microsoft | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| AutoQ3D | AutoQ3D Team | Mac OS | 4.2 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| Meshlab | Meshlab project | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.2 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
| UVMapper | Stephen L Cox | Windows | 4.1 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
Convert to and from OBJ
If obstacles arise while working with a OBJ file, you may convert it to formats like DXF, DWG, JPG, JPEG, PNG or other similar types for smoother handling.
Keep in mind that converting a OBJ file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Offline software options such as meshconv, modo and AnyCAD Exchange3D guarantee lossless conversion of OBJ files.