A 3MF file is an archive saved in the 3D Manufacturing Format (3MF), which is used by various 3D design programs to save 3D models. It contains a 3D model, material, and property information compressed with Zip compression. 3MF files may also store a print ticket, thumbnail image, and one or more digital signatures.

3MF file open in Microsoft 3D Builder The 3MF format is designed by the 3MF Consortium, which was created in 2015, to provide a more streamlined 3D printing process. It is intended to be the sole format used from design to fabrication, replacing .STL, .OBJ, .AMF, .VRML, and other 3D formats in order to reduce interoperability issues. A 3MF file always contains a 3D model, which includes a description of one or more 3D objects. The 3D model may also include texture information for each 3D object and a print ticket that contains recommended print options. The 3MF file may also store a .JPG or .PNG thumbnail image, digital signatures, core properties, and other metadata. NOTE: The 3MF consortium was created by Microsoft in 2015 and consisted of Autodesk, HP, Microsoft, GE Global Research, Fit AG, Shapeways, SLM Solutions Group, Ultimaker, Stratasys, Siemens PLM Software, and Dassault Systemes.