.glb File — GL Binary Format

GLB is the binary container variant of the glTF format, packaging the JSON scene description, binary geometry buffers, and texture images into a single self-contained file. While standard .gltf files reference external .bin and image files, GLB embeds everything in one file with a compact binary header, making it ideal for web delivery, sharing, and embedding. GLB files are typically 20-30% smaller than equivalent multi-file glTF packages due to binary packing and the elimination of Base64 encoding overhead for embedded resources. The format uses the same capabilities as glTF 2.0 — PBR materials, animations, skinning, morph targets, and scene hierarchy — but in a single-file delivery format. GLB has become the standard for 3D content on the web, used by social media platforms (Facebook 3D posts), e-commerce (Shopify AR), messaging (Google Messages), and AR applications. Apple's AR Quick Look on iOS supports USDZ, but many cross-platform AR experiences use GLB for Android and web viewers. The single-file nature of GLB simplifies content management, CDN delivery, and programmatic 3D content generation.