Methods for Retrieving .3DM Files from Failed or Broken Storage Devices

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .3DM file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

Methods for Retrieving .3DM Files from Failed or Broken Storage Devices
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .3DM file?

A 3DM file is an open-source 3D model format and native file format for Rhinoceros. It contains a 3D model which includes surface, points, and curve information. 3DM files allow CAD, CAM, CAE, and computer graphics software to accurately save and exchange 3D geometry using both NURBS and polygon mesh representations.

What Are Common Causes of ".3DM" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes for ".3DM" file loss or failure. Some of them include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".3DM" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer systems, leading to loss of important data.
  2. File corruption: ".3DM" files can become corrupted due to various reasons such as improper system shutdown, hardware failure, software bugs, or virus/malware infection. Corrupted files may become inaccessible or fail to open.
  3. Software compatibility issues: If you try to open a ".3DM" file with an incompatible software application or an outdated version of the software, it may lead to file failure or errors.
  4. Storage media issues: Problems with the storage device where the ".3DM" files are stored, such as hard drive failure, bad sectors, or physical damage, can result in file loss or failure.
  5. Software or system malfunction: If the software application used to create or open ".3DM" files malfunctions or crashes, it can cause data loss or file failure.
  6. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of storage devices, improper file transfer, or improper handling of files, can lead to loss or failure of ".3DM" files.
  7. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as file system corruption or errors, can result in the loss or failure of ".3DM" files.

It is important to regularly back up your ".3DM" files and maintain a reliable data recovery solution to minimize the risk of file loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".3DM" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".3DM" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".3DM" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".3DM" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".3DM" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 5.0
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
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Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".3DM" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".3DM" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo rhino 3D Model image file file?

Programs that open ".3DM" files

Windows
McNeel Rhino McNeel Rhino
Autodesk Fusion 360 Autodesk Fusion 360
Mac
McNeel Rhino OSX McNeel Rhino OSX
IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe

Additional Information

  • File type: Rhino 3D Model

  • File extension: .3DM

  • Developer: Robert McNeel & Associates

  • Category: 3D Image Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: x-world/x-3dmf

  • HEX: 33 44 20 47 65 6F 6D 65 74 72 79 20 46 69 6C 65 20 46 6F 72

  • ASCII: 3D Geometry File Format

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:13 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .3DM files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the .3DM format and what software applications support it?

    The .3DM format is a file format used to store 3D models. It is primarily associated with Rhinoceros, a popular 3D modeling software developed by Robert McNeel & Associates.

    The .3DM format is native to Rhinoceros and supports a wide range of geometric data types, including curves, surfaces, solids, and annotations. It is commonly used in industries such as architecture, industrial design, and engineering.

    Apart from Rhinoceros, several other software applications also support the .3DM format. Some of these include:

    1. Autodesk Fusion 360: A cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM software that allows users to import and export .3DM files.
    2. Autodesk AutoCAD: A widely used CAD software that supports the .3DM format for importing and exporting 3D models.
    3. SketchUp: A popular 3D modeling software that can import .3DM files using a plugin called "Rhino Importer."
    4. SolidWorks: A 3D CAD software that supports the .3DM format for importing 3D models.
    5. Blender: A free and open-source 3D creation suite that can import .3DM files using plugins like "Import 3DM."

    These are just a few examples, and there may be other software applications that support the .3DM format or provide plugins/extensions for importing or exporting 3D models in this format.

  • How does the .3DM format differ from other common 3D file formats?

    The .3DM format, also known as Rhino 3D Model, is a proprietary file format primarily associated with Rhinoceros 3D modeling software. Here are some ways in which it differs from other common 3D file formats:

    1. Proprietary Format: Unlike widely used formats like .OBJ, .STL, or .FBX, which are open standards, the .3DM format is proprietary to Rhino software. This means it is specific to Rhino and may not be easily compatible with other software or platforms.
    2. NURBS-based Geometry: The .3DM format is designed to support Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) geometry, which is a mathematical representation of 3D curves and surfaces. This makes it particularly suitable for complex and organic shapes, as NURBS provide greater control and precision compared to polygonal mesh-based formats.
    3. Full-fidelity Data: .3DM files retain a high level of detail and accuracy, preserving the original design intent. They can store information about objects, layers, materials, textures, annotations, and other design elements, making it a comprehensive format for storing and sharing 3D models.
    4. Rhino-specific Features: The .3DM format supports features specific to Rhino software, such as parametric modeling, history recording, and custom plug-ins. These features may not be preserved when exporting to other formats, limiting interoperability.
    5. File Size: Due to the NURBS-based representation, .3DM files can be relatively larger compared to polygonal mesh formats. This is because NURBS store mathematical data for curves and surfaces, whereas mesh formats store a collection of vertices and polygons.
    6. Limited Compatibility: While Rhino software offers export options to various formats, the compatibility of .3DM files with other software may vary. Some software may require conversion or specialized plugins to import .3DM files, potentially leading to loss of data or fidelity.

    It's important to consider these differences when working with .3DM files and ensure compatibility with the intended software or platform.

  • Can the .3DM format be easily converted or imported into other 3D modeling software programs?

    The .3DM format, which is primarily associated with Rhinoceros 3D software, can be converted or imported into other 3D modeling software programs, but the ease of the process depends on the specific software and the complexity of the 3DM file.

    Many popular 3D modeling software programs have the capability to import or open .3DM files directly. However, the level of compatibility may vary, and some features or elements of the original file may not be fully supported or translated accurately in the destination software.

    To convert a .3DM file to another format, you can use Rhinoceros 3D itself or third-party conversion tools. Rhinoceros 3D provides options to export .3DM files to various formats like .obj, .fbx, .stl, .step, etc., which can then be imported into other software programs. However, similar to importing, the converted file may not retain all the original properties or features.

    In summary, while it is possible to convert or import .3DM files into other 3D modeling software programs, the ease and accuracy of the process can vary depending on the software used and the complexity of the file. It is recommended to test the compatibility and review the converted files to ensure the desired results are achieved.
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