Overview of the 3W File Format
The .3w file extension is associated with XYZware, a 3D printing software developed by XYZprinting, a company known for manufacturing user-friendly 3D printers like the da Vinci series. Files with this extension are not just ordinary 3D models—they are specifically formatted for slicing and printing using XYZware’s proprietary system.
A 3W file contains sliced 3D printing data, including layer-by-layer instructions for how a model should be printed. These instructions are tailored for XYZprinting’s machines and are optimized for precision, efficiency, and compatibility with their printers.
If you’ve encountered a .3w file, you’re likely working with a model that’s ready to be sent to a da Vinci 3D printer or another XYZprinting device.
What Makes .3W Files Different From STL or OBJ?
While formats like .stl and .obj are commonly used to store 3D geometry, a .3w file goes a step further. Rather than just holding the raw shape data, it stores pre-sliced instructions that are already prepared for 3D printing.
Here’s how they differ:
- STL/OBJ: Raw 3D model geometry; needs slicing before printing
- 3W: Already sliced with layer information, temperature, speed, and printer-specific settings
This makes it.3w ideal for plug-and-play printing with XYZ devices—no extra setup needed once the file is transferred.
To see a detailed explanation, check out the 3W file extension definition on FileInfo.
Which Software Can Open a 3W File?
Since .3w is a proprietary format, it’s not universally compatible like STL or G-code files. However, it is fully supported by XYZprinting’s ecosystem. You can open and manage .3w files using:
✅ XYZware
XYZware is the official software used to slice, preview, and export files for XYZprinting’s 3D printers. You can import models in STL, 3MF, or OBJ format and export them as .3w files once slicing is complete.
✅ XYZmaker Suite
This is a broader modeling and printing suite from XYZprinting. It supports .3w files and can be used in combination with XYZware for slicing and printing.
If you try to open a .3w file in third-party slicing programs like Cura or PrusaSlicer, you’ll likely run into compatibility issues. That’s because the format is tightly coupled with XYZ’s firmware and machine settings.
To learn which programs open .3w files, view the compatible software list on FileInfo.
Can You Convert a 3W File to Another Format?
Converting a .3w file to another format like STL or G-code isn’t easy. Because .3w files are post-sliced and encoded for XYZ printers, there’s no built-in option to revert them back to an editable 3D model.
Here are some key points to remember:
- No direct conversion back to STL
- Not intended for editing or re-slicing in third-party software
- Best to return to the original STL or OBJ model if available
If you need a more flexible workflow, always save your original model file before exporting to .3w. This ensures you can return and make changes later without starting from scratch.
Where Are 3W Files Commonly Used?
3W files are mainly used within the XYZprinting ecosystem, which includes:
- da Vinci Mini
- da Vinci Jr.
- da Vinci Pro
- Other FDM 3D printers by XYZprinting
They are especially useful in educational and beginner-friendly 3D printing environments where ease of use and reliability are top priorities. The format allows quick transfer of ready-to-print instructions with little room for error.
How to Transfer a 3W File to a Printer
Once your model is sliced and saved as .3w, you can transfer it to the printer using one of the following methods:
- USB Drive: Copy the file to a USB flash drive and plug it into the printer
- Wi-Fi: Send directly to supported models over a local network
- SD Card: Some older da Vinci models allow SD card transfers
Just select the file on your printer’s screen, and printing begins without additional steps.
The 3W Format in 3D Printing
The .3w file format plays an important role in streamlining 3D printing with XYZprinting hardware. It offers a simple, printer-ready solution for beginners, educators, and anyone using XYZware to manage their workflow. While it’s not an open standard, its tight integration with XYZprinting’s tools makes it an efficient format within that ecosystem.
If you’re exploring or troubleshooting a .3w file, refer to the comprehensive 3W file format guide available on FileInfo.