# How to open a .zae file

Source: https://0xr.space/m/how/open-zae-collada-zip  
Published 2026-10-15, updated 2026-10-20, by ZeroXR, the maker of Model Explorer (https://0xr.space/).

Open 0xr.space, press Open and choose the .zae. The Collada file named in its manifest, or the only .dae in it, is read with the textures packed beside it, so there is nothing to unzip or pick a second time. It works on a computer, an Android phone and the Meta Quest browser or app, and View in your space places the model in the room.

The model inside is read like any Collada file: its meshes, the node transforms that place each part, its unit and its up axis, so a Z-up model stands upright. Each material gives its diffuse colour or texture, in PNG, JPEG or WebP; specular and bump maps are not read, and animation and skinning are not played. Nothing is uploaded: the archive is opened in the browser.

## Steps

1. Download or export the .zae.
2. Open 0xr.space on the computer, phone or Quest browser.
3. Press Open and choose the .zae.
4. Inspect it, or press View in your space.

## Questions

### Do I need to unzip it first?

No. The archive is read as it is.

### Why is a texture missing?

The .zae does not hold it, or it is not PNG, JPEG or WebP. Unzip the archive, convert the image, and open the .dae with its pictures.

### Does it play animation?

No. Animation and skinning are not read. For animation, export a GLB, which plays here.

### Is my file uploaded?

No. It is read on the device, and nothing is sent to a server unless you create a share link yourself.

## Related guides

- [How to open a 3MF file online](https://0xr.space/m/how/open-a-3mf-file-online)
- [How to open a PLY mesh or point cloud](https://0xr.space/m/how/open-a-ply-mesh-or-point-cloud)
- [How to view a MagicaVoxel .vox model in VR](https://0xr.space/m/how/view-a-magicavoxel-vox-model-in-vr)
- [How to open a 3DS file online](https://0xr.space/m/how/open-a-3ds-file-online)
- [How to open a Draco or meshopt compressed GLB](https://0xr.space/m/how/open-a-draco-or-meshopt-compressed-glb)
- [Which glTF extensions Model Explorer supports](https://0xr.space/m/how/which-gltf-extensions-model-explorer-supports)