The file extension OBJ is associated with multiple programs and applications and various file types. The most common association is an Intel Object Module Format, but the file extension can also be created as a 3D Object or by Microsoft Visual Studio. OBJ files contain data and information related to the program that created the file.
If the OBJ file extension is defined as an Intel Object Module Format, the file is categorized as a source code and script file type which is referenced by a variety of software applications. The Intel Object Module Format was originally created for the MS-DOS operating system and since has been changed to the name Relocatable Object Module. OBJ files contain data which is referenced by compilers which developers use to create software applications for a variety of different operating systems.
OBJ files which are created as 3D objects are categorized as a 3D image file type that contains lines, coordinates, textures, shapes, and other elements which are used to create a three dimensional drawing or object. This type of OBJ file can be created using a broad range of 3D image editing applications and is also commonly referred to as a Wavefront 3D object.
If the file extension OBJ is associated with Microsoft Visual Studio, the file is defined as a source code and script file type which contains object files that are compiled as a common object file format but are not linked to other objects. The Common Object File Format is also referred to as a COFF format and is created using the Microsoft Visual C++ compiler. Microsoft Visual Studio is a developer application used to create software programs using the C++ programming language.
How to Open OBJ Files
Since OBJ files can be opened using multiple programs and applications, double click on the file to see if it will automatically open in a default program you have installed on your PC. OBJ files are compatible with many different applications, so you may already have a program which will open the file.
If the file extension OBJ is characterized as an Intel Object Module Format or Relocatable Object Module, it can be opened using the specific software application which is referencing the file. If you are a developer, you can open and view the contents of this type of OBJ file using any text editing application.
If you are using Windows, you can open OBJ files with WordPad, Notepad, PSPad, TextPad, or Geany. For Mac OS X, OBJ files can be opened using Apple TextEdit, AbiSource AbiWord, MacroMates TextMate, BareBones Software BBEdit, Bean OS X, or MacVim. For the Linux operating system, you can use AbiSource AbiWord, gEdit, Leafpad, Pico, Nano Editor, or Vim to open and view the contents of OBJ files.
If the file extension OBJ is defined as a 3D object file, you can open it using a wide variety of image editing applications. If you are using Windows, you can open OBJ files with Autodesk AutoCAD 2013 with the OBJ Import plugin. AutoCAD is a Computer Aided Design application which provides tools for working with 3D images. AutoCAD is available as a free trial download on the Autodesk website and is compatible with the Windows operating system. You can also opt to use IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe version 6, which is a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program available for download on the TurboCAD website.
For Mac OS X, you can use LightWave 3D to open the file extension OBJ. NewTek LightWave 3D is a 3D image editing program available as a 30-day free trial on the NewTek website and works with the Windows operating system as well. You can also opt to use Adobe Photoshop CS6 which is part of the Adobe CS6 Creative Suite of applications. Photoshop CS6 is available as a 30-day free trial on the Adobe website and is compatible with Windows and Mac OS X.
Autodesk Maya 2013 is a cross platform 3D image editing software application which will open OBJ files. Autodesk Maya is 3D animation software which is available as a free trial download on the Autodesk website. Autodesk Maya 2013 is designed for use with Windows, Mac OS X, and the Linux operating system.
OBJ files which are created with Microsoft Visual Studio can be opened using Visual Studio 2012 which is available as a paid download on the Microsoft website. Visual Studio 2012 is designed for use with the Windows operating system. If you are a developer, you can also open this type of OBJ file using one of the text editing applications mentioned above.
