How to Retrieve Lost .MTL Files After a System Error

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 .MTL file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Retrieve Lost .MTL Files After a System Error
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .MTL file?

Material settings file used by 3D object editing applications; stored with an .OBJ file and describes how textures are applied to the object; includes the name of texture bitmap files as well as the 3D positioning of the textures.

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

There are several common causes of ".MTL" (Material Template Library) files being lost or failing:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".MTL" file while organizing or cleaning up their files, leading to its loss.
  2. File corruption: ".MTL" files can get corrupted due to software or hardware issues, such as power outages, system crashes, or disk errors. This corruption can make the file unreadable or cause it to fail.
  3. Incomplete file transfer: If the ".MTL" file is being transferred from one device to another, an interrupted or incomplete transfer can result in a corrupted or unusable file.
  4. Incorrect file extension: Sometimes, the ".MTL" file may have been saved with an incorrect file extension or renamed, making it difficult for the software to recognize and open it properly.
  5. Software compatibility issues: Different software applications may use slightly different versions or formats of ".MTL" files. If the software being used to open the ".MTL" file is not compatible with its format, it may fail to open or display correctly.
  6. Malware or virus attacks: Malicious software or viruses can infect and corrupt files on a computer, including ".MTL" files. This can lead to loss of data or failure to open the files.
  7. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or modify the ".MTL" file, resulting in its loss or failure.

To minimize the risk of ".MTL" file loss or failure, it is recommended to regularly backup files, use reliable antivirus software, ensure proper file transfer procedures, and be cautious while handling and managing files.

How to recover lost ".MTL" 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 ".MTL" file may be deleted.

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🧺 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 ".MTL" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".MTL" 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 ".MTL" 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.
Download

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 ".MTL" 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 ".MTL" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo oBJ Material File image file file?

Programs that open ".MTL" files

Windows
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
Autodesk Maya 2020 Autodesk Maya 2020
MeshLab MeshLab
Mac
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
Autodesk Maya 2020 Autodesk Maya 2020
IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe
Cheetah3D Cheetah3D
MeshLab MeshLab
Linux
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
Autodesk Maya 2020 Autodesk Maya 2020
MeshLab MeshLab

Additional Information

  • File type: OBJ Material File

  • File extension: .MTL

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: 3D Image Files

  • Format: Text

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:03 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .MTL 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 a ".MTL backup" file and what is its purpose?

    A ".MTL backup" file is a backup file created by the 3D modeling software called Wavefront Material Template Library (MTL). MTL files are used to define the appearance and properties of materials in 3D models.

    The purpose of a ".MTL backup" file is to provide a copy of the original MTL file in case it gets lost, corrupted, or modified unintentionally. It serves as a safety net to restore the original material definitions and prevent any potential loss of work or inconsistencies in the 3D model's appearance.

  • How can I create a ".MTL backup" file for my data?

    To create a ".MTL backup" file for your data, you can follow these steps:

    1. Determine the data you want to back up: Identify the specific files, folders, or databases that contain your data.
    2. Choose a backup method: There are various backup methods available, and you need to select one that suits your needs. Some common options include:

    a. Manual backup: Copy and paste the files or folders containing your data to an external storage device, such as a USB drive or external hard drive. This method requires you to manually initiate and update backups regularly.

    b. Cloud backup: Utilize cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive. These services automatically sync and backup your selected files or folders to the cloud, providing an offsite backup.

    c. Backup software: Install backup software that offers more advanced features, such as scheduling regular backups, incremental backups (only backing up changes since the last backup), and compression. Examples of backup software include Acronis True Image, EaseUS Todo Backup, or Macrium Reflect.

    1. Follow the specific instructions for your chosen backup method: Depending on the method you select, you'll need to follow the instructions provided by the software or service you're using. Generally, you'll be prompted to select the data you want to back up, choose the backup destination (external drive or cloud storage), and configure any desired settings (e.g., encryption, compression).
    2. Start the backup process: Initiate the backup process according to the instructions provided by your chosen backup method. This may involve clicking a "Backup" button, setting up a schedule, or configuring automatic backups.
    3. Verify the backup: After the backup process completes, it's essential to verify that the backup is successful. Check that the backup files/folders are accessible and can be restored if needed.

    Remember to regularly update your backups to ensure your data remains protected. Additionally, store your backups in a secure location, preferably separate from the original data, to protect against physical damage or loss.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to restore data from a ".MTL backup" file?

    To restore data from a ".MTL backup" file, you would typically need software or tools that are compatible with the backup format. However, without more information about the specific ".MTL backup" file, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer.

    MTL is a file extension associated with various software and file formats, so the tools required may vary depending on the context. Here are a few possibilities:

    1. Database Management Systems: If the ".MTL backup" file is a backup of a database, you may need a specific database management system (DBMS) to restore the data. For example, if it is a MySQL backup file, you would need MySQL server and tools like MySQL Workbench or the command-line client.
    2. Backup and Recovery Software: Some backup software creates ".MTL backup" files as part of their backup process. In this case, you would need the corresponding backup and recovery software to restore the data. Examples include Acronis True Image, Symantec Backup Exec, or Veeam Backup & Replication.
    3. 3D Graphics Software: MTL files are also associated with 3D graphics software, specifically Wavefront's Object File Format (OBJ). In this case, ".MTL backup" files may contain material definitions for 3D models. To restore the data, you would need a 3D graphics software that supports the OBJ format, such as Blender, Autodesk Maya, or 3ds Max.

    It is important to identify the specific software or context associated with the ".MTL backup" file to determine the appropriate tools for data restoration.
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