Upload glTF jewelry files and render them online

Two kinds of glTF file

The glTF standard has a text form and a binary form.

• glTF (.gltf) is a text file that describes the scene. Its geometry and textures are either embedded inside the text or stored in separate files next to it, usually a .bin file and some images.
• GLB (.glb) is the binary form. Everything is packed into one file.

The difference matters because each model is uploaded as a single file, and companion files such as a .bin or texture images are not read alongside it.

What happens when you upload a .gltf file

When the glTF file has its geometry embedded, RenderMyJewels packs it into a GLB automatically during upload. This is a lossless container change, not a mesh conversion, so nothing about the shape changes. The original .gltf stays in your library as well, and you can download it at any time.

When the glTF file points to separate .bin or texture files, those files are not used, even if you upload the whole folder, so the model cannot be loaded. You will see a placeholder instead of a preview. The fix is simple: export GLB instead.

How to tell which kind you have

• If the .gltf file sits next to a .bin file with the same name, it uses separate files.
• If the .gltf file is large, several megabytes or more, and there is no .bin next to it, its data is probably embedded.
• If in doubt, export GLB. It always works.

Exporting from Blender and other tools

In Blender's glTF 2.0 exporter, choose the binary GLB format whenever you can. If you need a .gltf for another reason, choose the option that embeds data in a single file. Rhino, Cinema 4D and other tools usually offer glTF and GLB side by side, so pick GLB for uploads. The Blender page covers recommended export settings.

Names and materials

Like GLB, glTF keeps object names. The studio uses them to detect stones, so name each stone or group of stones with a word such as Diamond, Gem, Stone, Ruby or Halo. Materials inside the file are only a starting point, because the studio applies its own jewelry materials to every part and you choose metals and gems in the studio.

Size limits and performance

glTF files can be up to 100 MB. Embedded text glTF is larger than the same model as GLB, because binary data stored as text takes more space. If an embedded glTF is close to the limit, export GLB for a smaller file and a faster upload.

Common glTF issues

1. Placeholder instead of preview. The file relies on separate .bin or texture files. Export GLB.
2. Stones show as metal. Their names lack a stone word. Rename them or select them in the studio and apply a gem.
3. Dark patches on surfaces. Inverted normals. Recalculate normals in your 3D tool and export again.
4. Wrong orientation. glTF uses Y as the up axis. Most exporters convert this for you, and in the studio you can fix the orientation in seconds with a pose or the rotation controls.

Recommended workflow

Export GLB whenever you can, and treat .gltf as a fallback. Name your parts, check normals, keep the file under 100 MB and upload it to your library. Then open it in the studio, assign materials and export stills or video. For the full checklist, read preparing jewelry CAD for rendering and see the GLB format page.

glTF beyond rendering

glTF has become the common format for 3D on websites, in online stores and in augmented reality apps, which is one more reason to keep clean glTF or GLB exports of your designs. A tidy GLB with named parts is easy to reuse wherever 3D is needed next.