# How to view a KiCad .wrl or other VRML file

Source: https://0xr.space/m/how/view-kicad-3d-model-wrl  
Published 2026-10-09, updated 2026-10-09, by ZeroXR, the maker of Model Explorer (https://0xr.space/).

Open 0xr.space, press Open and choose the .wrl or .wrz. VRML97 and VRML 1.0 are both read in the browser, with colours, textures and Inline files chosen alongside. A KiCad model is recognised from its header and converted from tenths of an inch, Z up, so a 0603 resistor or a connector stands at its true millimetre size on a desk in AR on a Quest or an ARCore phone.

Lines, points, text and NURBS are left out, and so is anything defined with PROTO or EXTERNPROTO; the app lists what it skipped. Animation, ROUTEs and scripts do not run. A plain VRML file that is not from KiCad is read as metres.

## Steps

1. Find the model: KiCad keeps them in its 3dmodels folder, as .wrl beside the .step.
2. Open 0xr.space on the computer, phone or Quest browser.
3. Press Open and choose the .wrl, with any file it Inlines and its textures.
4. Open Info for its size in millimetres, or press View in your space.

## Questions

### Is the KiCad model the right size?

Yes. KiCad's .wrl files are recognised and converted from 0.1 inch units, so the size readout matches the part's datasheet.

### Can I open the whole board, not just one part?

Export the board from KiCad as STEP and open that; it carries its unit, so the board comes out at its real size.

### Why is part of my VRML scene missing?

It is probably built from PROTO nodes, lines or text, which are not drawn. The import names what it left out.

### 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 preview a G-code toolpath in a browser](https://0xr.space/m/how/preview-gcode-toolpath-in-browser)
- [How to open a STEP or IGES file without CAD software](https://0xr.space/m/how/open-step-file-without-cad-software)
- [How to open a SOLIDWORKS .sldprt file without SOLIDWORKS](https://0xr.space/m/how/open-sldprt-file-without-solidworks)
- [How to open a SketchUp .skp file without SketchUp](https://0xr.space/m/how/open-skp-file-without-sketchup)
- [How to open a Rhino .3dm file without Rhino](https://0xr.space/m/how/open-3dm-file-without-rhino)
- [How to view an IFC model in VR](https://0xr.space/m/how/view-ifc-bim-model-in-vr)