Convert OBJ & Any 3D File to U3D with Textures – Free Trick for Mac & Windows

If you are looking for a free U3D converter that supports textures, it's probably not the right keyword to use, you may fall on some paid 3D file converters, online 3D file conversion services, and may start thinking to buy software or monthly subscription for something you are going to use occasionally.

What is U3D and Why It Matters

U3D (Universal 3D) is a standardized 3D file format, widely used for embedding 3D models in PDFs (via Adobe Acrobat) or other applications. Unlike many online converters, U3D supports 3D interactivity and textures, making it ideal for sharing models with clients or creating 3D PDFs. Most free tools don’t handle textures correctly, which is why a dedicated workflow is necessary.

 

Method 1: Basic Conversion with Meshlab (No Textures)

Meshlab (open source software) is a powerful 3D converter that offers large choice of 3D file formats import and export including the Universal-3D format U3D, but there are some issues with textured 3D models, there is certainly a way to fix this but I'm bit lazy to search more or go deep about it, especially when it can't be done in a single click, and when there is a trick to do this in a more stable, correct and free way, fully compatible with Adobe Acrobat. I mainly use the U3D format to create 3D PDFs and share em online with my clients.

So if you have a basic un-textured 3D model or only with diffuse colors, Meshlab should be more than OK to do the conversion, just open your 3D file in Meshlab (should be one from the supported formats), and export it as U3D from the file > Export Mesh As  , the resulting file can be used with Adobe Acrobat.

Meshlab Export Mesh As U3D

 

Method 2: Textured Conversion with DAZ Studio

Now if you want to create a U3D ECMA 1 file with textures embedded, to use with Adobe acrobat or any other software, you will need first to download your free copy of DAZ Studio Pro from www.daz3d.com (Available for both Mac and Windows),  in case you don't know what is DAZ ask Bryce 2 Nice ! 

 

Use Meshlab or your favorite 3D software to export the desired 3D model as OBJ format, DAZ Studio allows you to import DAE Collada and FBX formats but for some reasons the OBJ format works better (esp if you are exporting from Sketchup).

Open DAZ studio, File > Import > OBJ format, on the import screen select or type the appropriate scale and make sure to tick the available options, and click Accept.

DAZ Studio Pro - OBJ Import Options

Now that you can see your textured model in the scene, you are ready to export it to U3D from the File menu File > Export, chose U3D from the drop down list and hit Save.

3D model imported

U3D File Export screen

 

Optional: Converting GLB to U3D

If your model is GLB/GLTF, convert it to OBJ first using Blender or any free GLB-to-OBJ tool. Then follow the DAZ Studio workflow. This opens the article to users searching for GLB-to-U3D conversions as well. 

 

Common Problems & Fixes

• Missing textures: Ensure all texture files are in the same folder as your OBJ before import.
• Scale issues: Check scale settings during import/export in DAZ Studio or Meshlab.
• Export fails: Make sure the OBJ file is not corrupted; re-export from your 3D software if needed.
• Textures not appearing in Acrobat: Use the ECMA 1 U3D export option in DAZ Studio for full compatibility. 
  

 

While OBJ and GLB are recommended for textures, you can also import/export FBX, DAE/Collada, or STL. OBJ/GLB remains preferred for -full texture support- and stability. If you want to convert any 3D file directly to 3D PDF online check this article. 

 

Conclusion

Done! You now know how to convert any textured 3D model (OBJ or GLB) to U3D -for free-, fully compatible with Adobe Acrobat 3D PDFs. Meshlab is fine for basic models, but DAZ Studio ensures -full texture support and stability-. Follow the workflow, avoid online converters that strip textures, and you’re set.