| Extension | 3MF |
| Full Name | 3D Manufacturing Format |
| Type | 3D Model |
| Mime Type | application/vnd.ms-package.3dmanufacturing-3dmodel+xml |
| Format | Binary |
The 3MF file format was created as a standard storage medium for 3D models for use within the area of 3D printing. A 3MF file will contain 3D model data stored within an XML-formatted document with additional assets such as image previews and material data. These files are wrapped up within a compressed ZIP file (using the 3MF extension).
The 3MF format was created in response to the constraints of the STL format, which is the most popular format for storing 3D printable models. Unlike the STL format, which can only store triangular information, the 3MF format can store mesh geometry along with material, units of measurement, and other relevant 3D printing information that is impossible to store within an STL file.
Storing the 3D data within a ZIP file container ensures the file size is kept to a minimum while making it easily extendable in the future. 3MF files are widely supported by 3D printing slicer software and are a common export option within 3D editing software.
3MF Converter Capabilities
When converting 3D model or mesh files using our 3MF converter, we will attempt to convert colour materials into a suitable format for use in the converted file.
| Extension | GIF |
| Full Name | Graphics Interchange Format |
| Type | Image |
| Mime Type | image/gif |
| Format | Binary |
| Opens With | Paint.Net |
GIF files have been around since the dawn of the internet and are a popular choice of format for storing images and animations. Images stored within a GIF file can be stored at low bits per pixel to reduce the size of the GIF file, leading to improved download speeds. Reducing the number of bits per pixel, if done correctly, can lead to no noticeable difference in image quality.
Along with static images, GIF files are also capable of storing short video or animation sequences. This capability has proved very popular, with animated GIFs being created and used on websites and social media. GIF files are also a popular format for storing and transmitting internet memes.
With newer and more capable formats such as PNG and WEBP taking over as the default standard for images and animations on the web, the GIF format is slowly declining in popularity. Support for GIF files within image editing software is still strong and will likely continue.
