X3D

X3D is the ISO ratifed XML-based file format for developing browser-based interactive 3D content. X3D, the successor to VRML, is a royalty-free open standards file format and runtime engine. X3D continues to be developed and defined by The Web3D Consortium.

X3D is a component-based architecture, made up of several profiles including X3D Interchange, X3D Interactive, and X3D Immersive.Components can be individually extended or modified by adding new levels, or new components can be added to introduce new functionality. This method allows for the X3D specificationto be advanced more rapidly.

X3D supports all existing VRML content, and VRML browsers will support all X3D-1 and X3D-2 content. In order to view X3D content users must have an X3D compatible browser, often implemented via a plugin in popular browsers like Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer.

Examples

• www.web3d.org/casestudies/