Top 3D Modeling Software for glTF/GLB Export (2025)
| Software | Primary Use Case | Native glTF/GLB Export | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blender | Game dev, XR, product design | ✅ Yes | Best for full-featured glTF pipeline |
| Maya | Animation, film, games | ⚠️ Plugin needed | Autodesk glTF Exporter available |
| Cinema 4D | Motion graphics, product viz | ✅ Yes | Native since R23 |
| SketchUp | Architecture, interior design | ✅ Yes (2023+) | Simple export for glTF/GLB |
| AutoCAD | CAD, engineering | ⚠️ Via Plugin or Conversion | No native export, workarounds exist |
| Revit | BIM, construction | ⚠️ Via Plugin or Conversion | No direct glTF export |
| Tinkercad | Education, simple modeling | ✅ Yes | Direct GLB export for 3D printing & web |
Export Process Per Software
Blender
✅ Native Export
Steps:
- File > Export > glTF 2.0 (.glb/.gltf)
- Choose format: Binary (GLB) or Separate (GLTF + assets)
- Adjust settings (scale, materials, compression if needed)
- Export
Maya (via Plugin)
⚠️ Requires Autodesk glTF Exporter
Steps:
- Install glTF Exporter from Autodesk App Store.
- File > Export > glTF
- Set preferences (geometry, animation, textures)
- Export
Cinema 4D
✅ Native Export
Steps:
- File > Export > glTF (.glb/.gltf)
- Configure PBR materials, compression, etc.
- Export
SketchUp
✅ Native Export (2023+)
Steps:
- File > Export > 3D Model
- Choose glTF (.gltf) or GLB (.glb) as file type
- Configure settings (units, texture handling, etc.)
- Export
AutoCAD
⚠️ No Native Export — Workaround:
- Export to FBX or OBJ, then convert using Blender or other converter tools (e.g., Autodesk Forge or Babylon.js Sandbox)
- 3rd-party plugins (less reliable)
Revit
⚠️ No Native Export — Workaround:
- Export to FBX, OBJ, or IFC, then:
- Import into Blender (FBX) and export to glTF
- Use 3rd-party tools like Revit2glTF Plugin (less control)
Tinkercad
✅ Native Export
Steps:
- Design > Export
- Select GLB
- File downloads directly (textures embedded)
Summary Table (Best Practices)
| Use Case | Recommended Tool |
|---|---|
| Game/XR/VR | Blender |
| Film/Animation | Maya + glTF Plugin |
| Architecture | SketchUp or Revit + Converter |
| CAD/Engineering | AutoCAD + Blender (conversion) |
| Education | Tinkercad (direct) |
| Motion Graphics | Cinema 4D |
Tip: If your workflow involves complex CAD models (AutoCAD/Revit), expect to do some manual cleanup in Blender or other tools after converting to glTF, especially for textures and materials.