What is the XV2 file format?
The .xv2 extension identifies a V-XVL Geometry File produced by XVL Studio, the proprietary 3D CAD visualization software from Lattice Technology, Inc. of Tokyo, Japan. XVL (Extensible Virtual world description Language) is a compressed 3D format designed to reduce large industrial CAD assemblies to a fraction of their original file size for internet distribution and digital mock-ups.
The .xv2 variant stores geometry data using two internal representations: Lattice Surface (Gregory Patch free-form surface data, preserving accurate CAD curves) and Lattice Mesh (polygon mesh with topological relations, rounding weights, and face/edge/vertex data). This is distinct from the full .xvl format, which additionally carries materials, textures, animation, and lighting. Lattice Technology claims compression to approximately 1% of the original CAD file size, making .xv2 files practical for sending large assembly models over constrained networks.
The format is proprietary and binary; no public specification exists. XVL Studio for Windows is the primary tool for authoring and viewing .xv2 files. PTC Creo supports XVL export through its optional CAD Access XVL module. A legacy browser plugin for inline web viewing is now obsolete.
XVL is used mainly in Japanese automotive and aerospace manufacturing. For geometry interchange with other 3D applications, STL and OBJ are more broadly supported. Modern lightweight CAD web delivery alternatives include glTF/GLB, 3MF, and JT.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWXV2 is a 3D geometry data file with no executable code - very low risk. Files are received from industrial CAD sources (suppliers, OEMs). No known malware vectors for this format.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open XV2 files
Windows2 apps
XVL Studio PRO
Paid Open the .xv2 file via File > Open in XVL Studio PRO. Full editing and publishing capabilities.
XVL Player
Free Download XVL Player from lattice3d.com; open the .xv2 for 3D viewing, pan/rotate/zoom. Technical details
deep spec| Format variant | V-XVL (visual geometry only); the companion `.xvl` format adds materials, textures, animation, and lighting |
| Geometry representations | Lattice Surface (Gregory Patch free-form surfaces) and Lattice Mesh (polygon mesh with topology, rounding weights, face/edge/vertex relations) |
| Compression | Proprietary; claimed ~1% of original CAD source file size |
| Encoding | Binary (proprietary structure; not publicly documented) |
| Developer | Lattice Technology, Inc., Tokyo, Japan |
| Primary authoring tool | XVL Studio PRO (Windows only) |
| CAD source integration | PTC Creo supports XVL export via optional CAD Access XVL module |
| Primary use case | Ultra-compact distribution of industrial CAD assemblies for digital mock-ups, technical documentation, and intranet/internet delivery |
| Target industries | Primarily Japanese automotive and aerospace manufacturing |
| Legacy web delivery | XVL Web browser plugin - now obsolete, no modern browser support |
| Platform | Windows-primary; no native Linux or macOS support |
| Magic bytes | None publicly documented; file identified by `.xv2` extension |
| Modern alternatives | glTF/GLB, 3MF, JT for lightweight CAD web delivery; STL/OBJ for broad geometry interchange |
| Related format | `.xvl` (full XVL scene), `.igs`/`.stp` (IGES/STEP for standards-based CAD exchange) |
| Released | late 1990s (XVL technology patented 1999; commercial products from ~1999-2001) |
| Latest version | current XVL format as of 2025 (exact version not publicly documented) |
| Specification | www.lattice3d.com |
XV2 conversions
Community Q&A
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