How to view a .MDL file online
Three steps, no software to install.
Choose your file
Drag your .MDL file onto the box above. If it comes with companion files like .mtl, .bin or textures, drop them together with it.
It opens right away
Your .MDL file is opened and shown in 3D.
Inspect and measure
Rotate, switch views, toggle wireframe and check size, area and volume before printing.
What is a .MDL file?
Meshes, scenes and what "watertight" means for 3D printing.
An MDL file is a legacy 3D model for Microsoft Flight Simulator 95 or 98. It stores aircraft or scenery geometry in a proprietary binary format. You cannot open it directly in standard 3D software; convert it first with MDL2DXF or ModelConverterX to get a usable mesh. Note that .mdl is also used by Half-Life game models and chemistry Molfiles, so check what created your file before choosing a tool.
Programs that open .MDL files
| Full name | Microsoft Flight Simulator 3D Model |
|---|---|
| Developer | Microsoft |
| First released | mid-1990s (Microsoft Flight Simulator 95 / 98 scenery and aircraft models) |
| Category | 3D & CAD |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |
Related viewers
Other free tools for engineering and visual files.
Is my .MDL file uploaded to your server?
No. Your .MDL file is rendered with WebGL.
Why is my OBJ model grey or missing textures?
OBJ keeps materials in a separate .mtl file and textures as images. Select or drop all of them together with the .obj and the viewer will link them up automatically.
How accurate are the volume and weight?
For watertight meshes the volume is exact for the triangles in the file. The weight assumes PLA at 1.24 g/cm³ and 100% infill, so a sliced print with lower infill will weigh less.
My model looks lying on its side. What now?
CAD and 3D-printing files usually treat Z as "up", while games and glTF use Y. Switch Up: Y / Z in the toolbar.
Can I open STEP or IGES files here?
Those are CAD formats that store exact surfaces rather than triangles. Open them in our CAD Viewer, which converts them to a mesh.
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