Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML)¶
VRML is a neutral 3D format developed by the Web3D Consortium and ISO-certified in 1997. It was the first web-native 3D format, supporting geometry, animation, and scripting via a structured ASCII scene graph. Now superseded by X3D, VRML remains widely supported due to its simplicity and legacy in interactive 3D content.
🔍 See 3D Data Resources for details and definitions.
Extensions¶
.wrl: Standard ASCII VRML file
.wrz: G-Zipped .wrl file, for smaller size
.vrml: Alternate spelling of .wrl
Structure¶
VRML’s hierarchical scene graph structure using a range of node types that define transformations, grouping, and reuse of objects is generally supported in instant3Dhub:
Grouping & hierarchy: Group, Transform, and similar nodes define nested structures with local coordinate systems.
Reusability: DEF and USE allow shared instances of nodes.
Custom nodes: PROTO enables user-defined node types.
Scoping: Lights and sensors only affect nodes within the same group.
Level of Detail: LoD nodes switch geometry based on viewer distance.
Geometry¶
VRML describes 3D content using mesh-based geometry suited for interactive visualization.
Tessellation¶
Supported via nodes like IndexedFaceSet, ElevationGrid, and primitive shapes (e.g., Box, Sphere, Cone).
B-Rep¶
VRML does not provide boundary representations or parametric surface data.
PMI & Model Views¶
VRML does not support PMI & Model Views.
Metadata¶
TBD
Service Negotation Key¶
model/vrml