# VTK Viewer

Free online VTK viewer. Open and preview scientific visualization files (.vtk, .vtp) directly in your browser — no upload, no 3D software.

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/vtk

- **Category:** 3D Models

- **Supported formats:** .vtk, .vtp

## Overview

This VTK viewer renders scientific visualization data directly in your browser using WebGL. VTK (.vtk, .vtp, Visualization Toolkit) is the standard format for scientific and medical 3D data, used in computational fluid dynamics, medical imaging and finite element analysis. Pick a sample model or choose your own .vtk / .vtp file to preview it in an interactive 3D viewport, with no upload.

## When to use

- You received a .vtk or .vtp file from a simulation and want to view it.
- You need a quick, private preview of scientific 3D data.
- You want to inspect a VTK mesh on any device.

## How it works

- Select a built-in sample model or choose your own .vtk / .vtp file.
- The viewer loads the model with WebGL (three.js VTKLoader) in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
- Rotate, zoom and pan to inspect the 3D data.

## Use cases

- Previewing CFD and FEA simulation results.
- Inspecting medical imaging meshes.
- Checking scientific visualization exports.

## Samples

- **Sample VTK Model**: A VTK 3D model sample for in-browser preview

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a VTK file?

VTK (.vtk, Visualization Toolkit) is a file format for 3D scientific data, developed for the open-source Visualization Toolkit library. The legacy .vtk format stores geometry and data in ASCII or binary. The XML-based .vtp (PolyData) variant is the modern replacement with better structure and extensibility.

### What is the difference between .vtk and .vtp?

.vtk is the legacy format with a simple header-based structure. .vtp is the XML-based modern format (VTK XML PolyData), supporting structured/unstructured grids, multiple data arrays and better metadata. Both are supported by the viewer.

### Are my VTK files uploaded?

No. Files you open from your device stay on your device and are rendered locally with WebGL. Only the public sample is requested from the server.

## Related content

- [GLB Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/glb): Open and preview 3D models (.glb, .gltf) directly in your browser — no upload, no 3D software.
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- [PLY Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/ply): Open and preview 3D models (.ply) directly in your browser — no upload, no 3D software.
- [FBX Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/fbx): Open and preview 3D models (.fbx) directly in your browser — no upload, no 3D software.
- [DAE Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/dae): Open and preview 3D models (.dae) directly in your browser — no upload, no 3D software.