DAE to OBJ converter
Convert Collada DAE to OBJ free online. Get a universal mesh from SketchUp, Blender, and legacy Collada exports for any 3D editor. No signup, deleted in 1 hour.
Drop a file to convert here
or click to browse
About Wavefront OBJ
Common Use Cases
- Converting SketchUp Collada exports to universal OBJ
- Opening legacy DAE files in any 3D editor
- Simplifying Collada scenes to clean meshes
Collada (DAE) exports from SketchUp, Blender, and older tools do not always import cleanly into every 3D application. OBJ is the universal format that works everywhere. Converting DAE to OBJ gives you a clean mesh with materials that any editor reads reliably.
Collada is XML-based with complex effects and profiles that some tools struggle with. OBJ is a simple text format that every 3D application reads without issues.
Why Convert DAE to OBJ?
Universal 3D compatibility
OBJ is supported by Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Rhino, and every other 3D application in existence.
Clean import from SketchUp exports
SketchUp exports Collada, but not every tool imports SketchUp DAE cleanly. OBJ is a reliable intermediate that sidesteps compatibility issues.
Strip XML complexity
Collada files can be verbose with custom profiles and effects. OBJ reduces the model to clean geometry and basic materials.
Straightforward text format
OBJ is plain text that you can open in any editor to inspect, debug, or script against.
When to use each
Use DAE when...
- Exchanging data with Collada-aware tools
- The source only exports Collada
- Preserving animation data (DAE supports it)
- Human-readable XML scene description
- SketchUp or Blender Collada export
Use OBJ when...
- Opening in any 3D application
- You need universal format compatibility
- You only need static geometry and materials
- A simpler, text-based mesh format
- Importing into editors that struggle with DAE
Common use cases
- Converting SketchUp Collada exports to universal OBJ
- Opening legacy DAE files in any 3D editor
- Simplifying Collada scenes to clean meshes
How to use
- Upload your DAE file. Drag and drop a .dae file onto the upload area, or click to browse. Files up to 500 MB are supported.
- Run the conversion. Click Convert File. Collada geometry and materials are extracted and written as OBJ with a companion .mtl file.
- Download your OBJ. Save the .obj file and open it in any 3D editor. Files are deleted from our servers within 1 hour.
Frequently asked questions
- Are Collada animations preserved?
- No. OBJ is a static mesh format. Animations from the DAE are discarded. Use FBX or GLB if you need animations.
- Does it handle SketchUp DAE files?
- Yes. SketchUp Collada exports convert to OBJ reliably with geometry and materials intact.
- What about complex Collada materials?
- Collada effects and custom profiles are simplified to basic OBJ .mtl materials with diffuse color and texture references.
- Is converting DAE to OBJ free?
- Yes. Free with no signup. Anonymous users get a daily allowance, registered accounts get higher limits, and Premium or Lifetime members get unlimited conversions.
- What is the file size limit?
- The maximum file size is 500 MB per conversion.