AL3D File

What are AL3D files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an AL3D file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your AL3D files.

What is an AL3D file?

An .AL3D file is an Alicona 3D Image file.

Alicona 3D Image files store three-dimensional surface or depth measurement data captured by Alicona Imaging optical metrology systems, typically during profilometry or surface-topography scanning. These files preserve the spatial relationships across a measured surface so that surface height, texture, and 3D features can be analyzed or visualized. The format is intended for advanced metrology work where precise measurements of surface geometry matter, such as quality inspection of manufactured parts.

These files are generated by Alicona software tools as part of exporting 3D point cloud or depth map data from the measurement device. Once captured, the data in the format can be used for further digital processing, visualization, comparison against design specifications, or conversion into viewable meshes or profiles. Inspection or scientific software such as Alicona's own 3D Viewer or third-party tools that support the format can open these files to display the surface in 3D and read metadata including measurement units, scaling, and step-size.

The format specification is version 1.0, published in 2003, by Alicona Imaging. Bio-Formats (an open source library) implements a reader named AliconaReader that supports these files and extracts metadata including physical dimensions, pixel sizing, dimension order, channels count, and date of acquisition. The reader also handles both 8-bit and 16-bit depth information, though 16-bit support has not been broadly tested. Surface texture data embedded in the file may exist, but is often ignored or un-used in many reader implementations.

Files begin with an ASCII signature at the start of the file. The very first bytes (offset zero) read "AliconaImaging…Version" followed by a newline and "Version", serving as a magic header to identify the format uniquely.

How to open AL3D files

Important: Different programs may use files with the AL3D file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your AL3D file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Last updated: August 17, 2026

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about AL3D file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.