How to Open Obj Files on PC or Mac

Last Updated: April 25, 2018

This wikiHow teaches you how to open a .OBJ file (a 3D image file) in Windows or macOS. Windows comes an app that supports .OBJ, but if you’re a Mac user, you’ll need to download a viewer like MeshLab.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Windows

1
Open the folder that contains the .OBJ file. An easy way to do this is to press ⊞ Win+E to open File Explorer, then browse to the folder where it’s saved.
2
Right-click the file. A context menu will expand.

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3
Click Open with. It’s at the top of the menu. Another menu will expand.
4
Click Paint 3D. This opens the file on your PC.
- .OBJ files are also supported by Adobe Photoshop and Mixed Reality Viewer. If you have and prefer one of those apps, select it instead.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

macOS

1
Download and install MeshLab for macOS. Meshlab is a free, open source app for viewing and editing .OBJ files. Here’s how to get it:
- Navigate to https://www.meshlab.net.
- Scroll down and click the macOS link to download the package file.
- Double-click the package file (ends with .dmg).
- Drag the Meshlab icon to the Applications folder.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.
- Delete the .dmg file when you’re finished.
2
Open Meshlab. It’s the eyeball icon in the Applications folder.
3
Click the Open/Import icon. It’s the open yellow folder with a curved arrow at the top-left corner of the app. The file browser will appear.
4
Select the .OBJ file and click Open. The .OBJ file is now open on your Mac.