LWO is LightWave 3D's object format — an IFF-style container with layers, surfaces and VMAPs that broadcast and film VFX shops have used since the 1990s.
Typical use: Convert LightWave objects to glTF or OBJ for exchange with modern DCC tools.
About the LWO format
LWO is LightWave's object format — an IFF-style container of layers, point/ polygon lists, surface definitions and VMAP weight/UV maps. NewTek's LightWave rendered Babylon 5 and dozens of TV shows, and broadcast VFX houses still hold decades of LWO assets.
three.js includes an LWOLoader, so objects convert to glTF/OBJ in the browser — layers merge into a scene graph with surfaces translated to PBR-ish materials.
Strengths
- ✓ Layered, surface-rich container
- ✓ Broadcast/VFX heritage
- ✓ Native three.js loader
Limitations
- ✗ Version spread (LWO2 vs LWOB)
- ✗ Envelope/animation data not portable
- ✗ Niche outside LightWave studios
- Structure
- IFF FORM chunks (LWO2)
- Types / schema
- Binary object container
- Compatibility
- LightWave, three.js, Blender (io)
- Best for
- Broadcast VFX asset migration
Convert LWO to…
5 direct directions plus 19 workflows, sorted A–Z; 🔥 marks popular targets.
Frequently asked questions
What is a LWO file?
LWO is LightWave 3D's object format — an IFF-style container with layers, surfaces and VMAPs that broadcast and film VFX shops have used since the 1990s.
How do I convert LWO files online?
Pick a target format from the "Convert LWO to…" list below, drop your file and hit convert. Everything runs in your browser — no install, no upload, no watermark, no limits.
Is it safe to convert LWO files here?
Yes. Every conversion is performed by your own device inside the browser — files never leave for a server, and the page keeps working even offline.
Which formats can LWO convert to?
This page lists all 24 directions across documents, images, audio, video, spreadsheets and archives — each one is its own free converter page.