How to open WRL files on your device

If an error occurs when you try to open WRL file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate WRL files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.

WRL File Extension

File
  • File type VRML World
  • File developer N/A
  • File category 3D Image Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
    • Star
Preview

What is a(n) WRL file?

The WRL (VRML World) file format is a file type used for 3D-related applications, specifically ones using Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML). It is a platform-independent text format that allows flexibility in exchanging information between different types of browsers and programs. It serves as a structure for data exchange and supports both vector graphics and raster images.

The WRL file format is most commonly used for capturing interactive virtual environments. It lets developers encode the visual aspects of a scene, including colors, textures, shapes, sound files and animation links. Due to its high level of interactivity, these files are often used in architectural and engineering simulations, 3D animation applications and scientific visualizations.

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How to open WRL file?

There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .WRL files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.

Step 1. Install a program that supports WRL files

In order to open WRL file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with WRL extension.

Programs that can open WRL files

MAC OS programs
MAC OS
Linux programs
Linux

Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, WRL files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.

Remember!

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Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on WRL files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to WRL files.

Step 2. Associate given software with WRL files

A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting WRL files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with WRL files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open WRL files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open WRL files.

When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the WRL file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:

  1. File with WRL extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
  2. File data is corrupted
  3. Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the WRL file is stored
  4. File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the WRL file was saved and then deleted
  5. User account is not privileged to perform operations on WRL files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

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