F3D is a fast and minimalist 3D viewer that runs from the command line and supports interactive use, drag-and-drop, and file manager integration.
F3D addresses the need for quick, lightweight 3D model visualization across many file formats. It emphasizes sensible defaults that let users view models immediately while remaining highly configurable through command-line arguments and configuration files. The tool supports numerous formats including glTF, OBJ, STL, STEP, FBX, DXF, USD, and volume data. It offers multiple rendering modes including physically-based rendering, raytracing, and volume rendering. Beyond the standalone viewer, F3D provides libf3d, a C++17 library for 3D rendering with bindings for C, Python, Java, and JavaScript, enabling integration into other applications. The viewer can also run in a web browser.
F3D suits developers and users who need to inspect 3D models quickly without heavyweight modeling software, particularly those working with scientific data, CAD files, or glTF assets. It works well in automated pipelines where non-interactive rendering to image files is needed. The tool deliberately avoids providing a traditional menu-driven UI, data processing capabilities, or export features, keeping its scope focused on viewing. Those seeking a browser-based viewer option can use F3D's web version directly.
The project maintains active engagement with its community through a dedicated Discord server and processes issue reports. Development follows a structured contribution process documented in the repository's contribution guide. The tool receives sponsorship support from multiple organizations, indicating sustained backing for ongoing maintenance and development.
