What it does
NIH 3D is a free community repository for molecular, cellular, anatomical and laboratory models. It combines downloadable files, an interactive GLB viewer and automated conversion of scientific data.
A model entry supplies more than geometry: versions, source information and licensing help identify the scientific representation being reused. Visitors can browse and download without an account; uploading, comments and advanced features require registration.
Open a relevant GLB in the viewer, inspect its components and hide the parts that are not needed. Material properties can be adjusted before exporting the chosen parts as GLB or STL. GLB can preserve materials and textures; STL carries geometry without them. The FAQ also documents inserting GLB into desktop Word or PowerPoint, rather than their web editions.
Processing has format limits. NIH 3D's 3MF importer does not implement colour or texture extensions and cannot resolve the multipart references used in slicer projects. Automatic mesh repair can be disabled and cannot decide whether a disconnected piece is debris or important anatomy. Reprocessed entries may have new versions, so compare the selected output with its source.
Each contributed file has its own licence; the catalogue is not uniformly public domain. Follow the entry's Attribution Instructions and retain author, version, year, URL and DOI where supplied. The terms restrict the models to illustrative and educational purposes, excluding diagnosis or treatment.
Strengths
- The GLB viewer exports a chosen subset of model components.
- Entry versions and attribution instructions support traceable scientific reuse.
Watch out for
- Automatic repair cannot determine the scientific meaning of disconnected geometry.
- Licences vary by file, and the site's 3MF importer excludes slicer assembly references and colour extensions.
Best for
- Scientific teaching visuals with selected model components
- Illustrations that need a traceable model source and version
Sources
- NIH 3D | Scientific Catalogue and GLB Viewer Export (Oct 28, 2026)
- NIH 3D | Free Access, Models and Repair Limits (Oct 28, 2026)
- NIH 3D | Mesh Outputs and 3MF Import Boundaries (Oct 28, 2026)
- NIH 3D | Desktop Presentation Handoff and Citation Details (Oct 28, 2026)
- NIH 3D | Visitor Access and File-Specific Rights (Oct 28, 2026)