How to Export VRML Files from PCB Design Software: Complete Guide

When I first needed to share a 3D model of my PCB with a colleague working on product renders, I quickly learned that STEP files aren’t always the answer. VRML files offer something different—rich color information, material properties, and rendering-ready visuals that mechanical formats simply can’t match. After years of exporting VRML files from various PCB design tools for visualization, marketing materials, and web presentations, I’ve compiled everything engineers need to know about this workflow into one comprehensive guide.

Understanding VRML Files for PCB 3D Models

VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) is a text-based 3D file format originally designed for interactive virtual environments. For PCB designers, VRML files (with .wrl extension) serve a specific purpose that differs significantly from mechanical CAD formats.

What Makes VRML Different from STEP for PCB Models

Characteristic	VRML (.wrl)	STEP (.step/.stp)
Primary purpose	Visualization and rendering	Mechanical CAD exchange
Color/material support	Full RGB, textures, transparency	Limited color at assembly level
Geometry type	Tessellated surface mesh	Parametric B-Rep solid
File size	Generally smaller	Can be much larger
Editability in MCAD	Not editable	Fully editable
Rendering quality	Excellent for visuals	Basic
Best use case	Marketing, presentations, web	Enclosure design, manufacturing

The fundamental difference is that VRML uses tessellated surface meshes optimized for visual rendering, while STEP contains parametric geometric data for engineering work. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the right export format for your specific needs.

Why Export VRML Files from PCB Designs

Common scenarios where VRML export makes more sense than STEP include creating photorealistic product renders in Blender or similar tools, embedding 3D PCB models on websites or in presentations, generating marketing materials and product visualizations, sharing visual models with non-engineering stakeholders, and creating virtual assembly views where mechanical precision isn’t required.

PCB Design Software That Supports VRML Export

Most modern PCB design tools support VRML export to some degree. Here’s how the major platforms compare.

VRML Export Capability Comparison

Software	VRML Export	Components Included	Color Support	Notes
KiCad	Yes	Yes (with .wrl models)	Full	Native export from PCB editor
Altium Designer	Yes	Yes	Full	Via File → Export → VRML
DipTrace	Yes (VRML 2.0)	Yes	Full	Real-time 3D preview module
EAGLE	Limited	Via Fusion 360	Limited	Requires conversion workflow
OrCAD	Yes	Yes	Full	Part of Cadence suite
PCB Creator	Yes (VRML 2.0)	Yes	Full	DipTrace-based platform

The quality of VRML export varies significantly between tools. Some export only the bare board, while others include full component models with accurate colors.

How to Export VRML Files from KiCad

KiCad is one of the most popular open-source PCB design tools, and its VRML export is well-developed. Here’s the complete process.

Step-by-Step KiCad VRML Export

1. Open your PCB layout in KiCad’s PCB Editor (Pcbnew)
2. Navigate to File → Export → VRML
3. Configure export settings in the dialog:
   1. Output file: Choose destination and filename
   1. Units: Select mm or inches
   1. Export 3D models: Check to include component models
   1. Use relative paths: Recommended for portability
4. Click Export to generate the .wrl file

KiCad VRML Export Settings Explained

Setting	Recommended Value	Purpose
Output units	mm to VRML units	Conversion factor for dimensions
3D model subdir	./shapes3d	Folder for component VRML files
Export 3D models	Checked	Include component models in export
Use relative paths	Checked	Makes file portable between systems
X/Y reference point	0, 0 or board center	Sets origin for 3D model

Important KiCad VRML Considerations

KiCad’s 3D viewer and VRML export rely on .wrl files for component models. If your footprints use STEP models instead of VRML, the VRML export may not include those components. The workaround is to ensure footprints have both .wrl and .step models assigned, or use the “Substitute similarly named models” option if available.

For complete VRML export with all components, verify that each footprint has a VRML model assigned in the footprint’s 3D Settings tab. KiCad’s standard libraries include VRML models for most common components.

How to Export VRML Files from Altium Designer

Altium Designer offers VRML export as part of its comprehensive 3D export capabilities.

Altium VRML Export Process

1. Open your PCB document in Altium Designer
2. Navigate to File → Export → VRML
3. In the Export File dialog, choose your destination
4. Click Save to generate the VRML file
5. Configure options in the Export Options dialog if prompted

Altium Export Options

Option	Description
Export All	Exports all components (larger file, slower)
Export Selected	Exports only selected components
Prefer simple bodies	Uses extruded 3D bodies instead of detailed models
Prefer generic 3D models	Uses STEP/Parasolid models where available
Export both	Includes both simple and detailed representations

Using Output Job Files for Repeatable VRML Export

For consistent exports across projects, Altium supports Output Job files:

1. Open or create an .OutJob file in your project
2. Click [Add New Export Output] under Export Outputs
3. Select Export VRML from the menu
4. Configure the export settings
5. Save the Output Job for reuse

This approach ensures every team member exports VRML files with identical settings, reducing inconsistencies.

How to Export VRML Files from DipTrace

DipTrace provides straightforward VRML export through its 3D preview module.

DipTrace VRML Export Steps

1. Open your PCB layout in DipTrace PCB Layout
2. Access 3D → 3D Preview or press Ctrl+Shift+3 to open the 3D viewer
3. In the 3D preview window, click File → Export VRML 2.0
4. Choose destination and filename
5. Click Save to export

DipTrace VRML Export Settings

Setting	Options	Recommendation
Include components	Yes/No	Yes for complete model
Include pad/via holes	Yes/No	No for faster MCAD import
Board colors	Customizable	Match your actual board spec
Export format	VRML 2.0	Standard compatible format

DipTrace supports VRML 2.0 format, which is widely compatible with 3D modeling software. The software includes over 11,000 3D models, with both STEP and VRML versions available for most packages.

Importing External VRML Models into DipTrace

If you need to add custom VRML models to DipTrace:

1. Download or create .wrl files for your components
2. Place files in the DipTrace models3d folder (typically C:\Program Files\DipTrace\models3d)
3. In Pattern Editor, open the footprint properties
4. Navigate to the 3D Model tab
5. Browse to and select your .wrl file
6. Adjust scale, rotation, and offset as needed

Converting VRML Files for Different Applications

Exported VRML files often need conversion for specific applications. Here are the most common workflows.

VRML to OBJ/STL Conversion Using Blender

Blender is the most accessible tool for converting VRML files to other formats.

Step	Action	Notes
1	Open Blender and delete default objects	Camera, Cube, Light
2	File → Import → X3D Extensible 3D (.x3d/.wrl)	Select your .wrl file
3	Set Transform: -Z Forward, Y Up	Correct orientation
4	Import the file	Model appears in viewport
5	File → Export → Wavefront (.obj)	Or choose STL, FBX, etc.
6	Configure export settings	Maintain scale and orientation

VRML Scaling Issues and Solutions

A common problem when working with VRML files is scale mismatch. Different tools use different base units.

Software Origin	Scale Factor to mm	Notes
KiCad (native)	Varies by model	Check 3D Settings scale value
Wings3D	0.3937 (1/2.54)	Wings units are 0.1 inch
FreeCAD	1.0	Usually mm-based
SketchUp	Varies	Depends on model creation

If your imported VRML appears too large or small, apply the appropriate scale factor in your target application.

VRML to STEP Conversion

While direct VRML to STEP conversion loses some visual information, it’s sometimes necessary for MCAD workflows.

Using FreeCAD:

1. Open FreeCAD
2. File → Import → Select .wrl file
3. File → Export → Select STEP format
4. Note: Colors and textures may not transfer

Using Online Converters:

• CAD Exchanger Cloud
• Autoconverter (automapki.com)
• 3D-Tool (limited free version)

Be aware that VRML’s mesh geometry converts to faceted STEP bodies, not smooth parametric surfaces.

Creating Photorealistic PCB Renders from VRML Exports

One of the most powerful uses for VRML exports is creating marketing-quality renders.

Blender Workflow for PCB Renders

After importing your VRML file into Blender:

1. Adjust materials: VRML materials transfer, but you can enhance them with Blender’s node editor
2. Set up lighting: Add HDRI environment or three-point lighting setup
3. Configure camera: Frame the board attractively
4. Apply post-processing: Use Blender’s compositor for final touches
5. Render: Use Cycles for photorealistic output

Tips for Better PCB Renders

Aspect	Recommendation
Solder mask finish	Add slight roughness to avoid plastic look
Copper traces	Apply metallic shader with appropriate color
Component leads	Use brushed metal material
IC packages	Add subtle text/markings if missing
Board substrate	Visible fiberglass weave adds realism
Through-hole plating	Match finish to actual manufacturing

Troubleshooting Common VRML Export Problems

Problem: Components Missing from VRML Export

Symptoms: Export shows only bare board, no components

Causes and Solutions:

Cause	Solution
No 3D models assigned to footprints	Add .wrl models in footprint 3D settings
STEP models used instead of VRML	Convert STEP to VRML or use dual-format assignment
Export option unchecked	Enable “Export 3D models” in export dialog
Component marked as excluded	Check component properties

Problem: VRML File Won’t Open in Target Software

Common causes:

• VRML version incompatibility (VRML 1.0 vs 2.0)
• Corrupt or truncated file
• Unsupported node types

Solutions:

1. Try opening in Blender first (best VRML compatibility)
2. Check file isn’t truncated (open in text editor, verify closing braces)
3. Use online converter as intermediary step

Problem: Colors or Textures Missing

Symptoms: Model imports but appears gray or monochrome

Solutions:

• Check if target software supports VRML material nodes
• Verify original export included materials
• Re-apply colors manually in target application
• Use Blender as conversion intermediary (preserves colors better)

Problem: Scale Completely Wrong

Symptoms: Model is microscopic or enormous in target application

Solutions:

If Model Is…	Apply Scale Factor
Too small by ~2.54x	Model was in inches, target expects mm
Too large by ~2.54x	Model was in mm, target expects inches
Too small by ~1000x	Model was in meters, target expects mm
Wrong by random factor	Check original export unit settings

Best Practices for VRML Export from PCB Software

Before Exporting

Action	Benefit
Verify all footprints have 3D models	Complete export with all components
Check 3D viewer first	Catches problems before export
Document board thickness setting	Ensures correct Z dimensions
Note component models source	Helps troubleshoot missing parts

During Export

Practice	Reason
Use consistent unit settings	Prevents scale confusion
Export to project folder	Keeps files organized
Use descriptive filenames	version_boardname_date.wrl
Keep relative paths enabled	File portability

After Export

Verification Step	How to Check
Open in 3D viewer	Verify export completed
Check file size	Very small = missing data
Import to target application	Confirm compatibility
Verify scale	Measure known dimension

Useful Resources for VRML and PCB 3D Models

Software Tools

Tool	Purpose	Link
Blender	VRML import/export, conversion, rendering	blender.org
FreeCAD	CAD with VRML support, KiCad integration	freecad.org
Wings3D	3D modeling with VRML export	wings3d.com
MeshLab	Mesh processing and conversion	meshlab.net
CAD Exchanger	Professional format conversion	cadexchanger.com

3D Component Model Libraries

Source	Description
3D ContentCentral	Free CAD models including VRML (3dcontentcentral.com)
GrabCAD	Community models, many in VRML format (grabcad.com)
SnapEDA	Component models with VRML options (snapeda.com)
KiCad Libraries	Official models for KiCad footprints (gitlab.com/kicad)
DipTrace Libraries	11,000+ models including VRML (diptrace.com/download)

Documentation and Tutorials

Resource	Description
KiCad Documentation	Official export guides (docs.kicad.org)
Altium Documentation	VRML export reference (altium.com/documentation)
DipTrace Help	3D preview and export guide (diptrace.com/books/help)
Blender Manual	X3D/VRML import documentation (docs.blender.org)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between VRML and WRL files?

They are the same format. VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) files use the .wrl extension by convention. Some systems also recognize .vrml extension, but .wrl is far more common. Both extensions contain identical VRML code—text-based 3D geometry definitions, material properties, and scene graph information. When downloading or exporting, you may see either extension, but they’re interchangeable.

Can I convert VRML to STEP for mechanical CAD work?

Yes, but with significant limitations. VRML stores tessellated mesh data while STEP contains parametric solid geometry. When you convert VRML to STEP, you get faceted bodies that cannot be edited as true solids. The resulting STEP file works for visualization and basic collision checking, but not for detailed mechanical engineering. For proper MCAD integration, export STEP directly from your PCB software rather than converting from VRML.

Why do my VRML component models appear in KiCad but not in the exported file?

This typically happens when footprints reference VRML files using absolute paths that don’t exist on other systems, or when the “Export 3D models” option is disabled during export. Check that your footprint 3D model paths use relative references (starting with ${KICAD6_3DMODEL_DIR} or similar variables) rather than absolute paths. Also verify the export dialog has component export enabled. If models still don’t appear, check that the actual .wrl files exist in the referenced locations.

Which PCB design software produces the best VRML exports?

DipTrace and Altium Designer produce the most complete VRML exports with full color and component support out of the box. KiCad’s VRML export is excellent when footprints have proper .wrl models assigned, but the default library uses a mix of VRML and STEP models which can cause incomplete exports. For rendering purposes, any tool that exports complete VRML works well—the differences show more in the included component library quality than the export function itself.

How do I add custom VRML models to my PCB design software?

The process varies by software but follows similar patterns. In KiCad, edit the footprint in Footprint Editor, go to the 3D Settings tab, and add your .wrl file path. In DipTrace, open the pattern in Pattern Editor, access the 3D Model properties, and browse to your file. In Altium, edit the component footprint and add the model in the 3D Body settings. Most tools require you to specify scale factors, rotation, and offset values to properly align the 3D model with the footprint pads. Always preview in the 3D viewer before finalizing.

Conclusion

Exporting VRML files from PCB design software opens up visualization possibilities that STEP files simply can’t match. Whether you’re creating product renders for marketing, embedding interactive 3D models on websites, or sharing visual designs with non-technical stakeholders, VRML provides the color, material, and rendering information needed for compelling visuals.

The key points to remember are that VRML is optimized for visualization rather than mechanical engineering, most major PCB tools support VRML export with varying levels of completeness, component models must be in VRML format for full export from most tools, and Blender serves as an excellent bridge for converting VRML to other formats.

When choosing between VRML and STEP export, consider your end use. If the model will be used for rendering, presentations, or web display, VRML is the better choice. If mechanical engineers need to design enclosures or verify fitment, STEP remains the standard. Many workflows benefit from exporting both formats—STEP for engineering and VRML for visualization—ensuring all downstream users get the format that best serves their needs.