---
title: "3DM file: meaning in gemology"
description: "3DM is the native file format of Rhino, the CAD program behind much jewelry design. Jewelry programs that run inside Rhino, such as MatrixGold, open it…"
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/3dm-file
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Cutting and files

# 3DM file

Also called 3DM, Rhino file

3DM is the native file format of Rhino, the CAD program behind much jewelry design. Jewelry programs that run inside Rhino, such as MatrixGold, open it directly.

## In more detail

KeyShot also opens 3DM files. Our 3DM files hold the stone as a closed mesh on its own layer.

## How we measure it

Our 3D files include 3DM. A browser cannot read it, so our tools do not open your own 3DM files. Export STL, OBJ, GLB or STEP instead.

## Related terms

- [STEP file](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/step-file): STEP is a standard CAD format that stores an exact solid, with each facet as a true plane. CAD programs such as FreeCAD, Rhino and Fusion open it to measure a stone and design a setting.
- [3D model](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/3d-model): A 3D model of a gemstone is a digital solid of its facets for CAD, rendering, printing or games. An exact model has flat facets, sharp edges and a closed, watertight surface at real size.
- [Mesh](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/mesh): A mesh describes a 3D surface as many small flat triangles joined at their edges. STL, OBJ, FBX and GLB files store a mesh.

## Learn more

- [Who uses our files](https://digitalgemology.com/about/files)
- [Your own file](https://digitalgemology.com/about/how-we-measure/your-own-file)
- [T73 Round Brilliant Cut](https://digitalgemology.com/cuts/t73-round-brilliant)

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)