Tips to open OBJ file

Can't open the OBJ file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open OBJ files as well as a list of programs that support OBJ files.

OBJ file extension

File Name Wavefront 3D Object Format
File Developer Wavefront Technologies
File Category 3D Image Files

The OBJ file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the OBJ files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the OBJ file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 6
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is OBJ file?

The .OBJ file is a three-dimensional graphic. The file is in text form and can use additional resources contained in .MTL files. Due to the saving method used, more advanced projects can significantly increase the size of the .OBJ file. An .OBJ file is widely recognized by many types of 3D graphics modeling software. The user does not have to make changes to the file in text form. This is done by visualization in the program, and the software takes care of converting the work into code.

How to open OBJ file?

An often recurring problem with Wavefront 3D Object Format is that OBJ is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open OBJ, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the OBJ file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install LightWave 3D

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that LightWave 3D is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name LightWave 3D into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open OBJ files.

Programs to open OBJ file

Remember to download programs supporting OBJ files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of LightWave 3D with OBJ files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the OBJ file still does not use the LightWave 3D program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the LightWave 3D application as the default for handling the OBJ file.

Step 3. Update LightWave 3D to the latest version

If, however, after binding LightWave 3D with Wavefront 3D Object Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the NewTek, Inc. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the OBJ file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The OBJ file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the OBJ file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file OBJ or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected OBJ file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of OBJ file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular OBJ file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Wavefront Technologies
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted OBJ files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the OBJ file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the OBJ file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.