ISO 14306-1:2024

Overview

ISO 14306-1:2024 - part of the ISO 14306 series - defines the JT file format specification for 3D visualization. This Part 1 document provides an overview and the fundamental principles for the series, describing the purpose, structure and conformance model for a binary file format that represents product information to enable interoperable 3D visualization across different systems and throughout the product lifecycle. The JT file format commonly uses the .jt file extension and targets lightweight, compressed representations of CAD data while optionally carrying precise geometry and product/manufacturing information (PMI).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Binary file format description for product information intended for 3D visualization and reuse.
• File structure requirements:
  • Mandatory segments: File header → Table of contents → Data segments (including Logical Scene Graph, Shape LOD, metadata).
  • At least one and no more than ten Shape LOD segments.
  • First segment after the header must be the table of contents; no more than one occurrence of each individual data segment.
• Geometry representations:
  • Faceted geometry (triangles) with geometry compression for efficient storage and streaming.
  • Optional precise geometry (boundary representation / b‑rep) defined in the relevant part of the series.
  • Precise geometry guidance: use explicit definitions (e.g., NURBS), procedural definitions permitted, non‑manifold bodies not allowed.
• Visual attributes supported: lights, textures, materials, layers and filters, and PMI associated with parts and assemblies.
• Conformance model: conformance classes are defined in the respective parts of the series to support verification and testing of implementations.
• Streaming and performance: format design supports asynchronous streaming, occlusion culling and fixed‑frame display patterns for high‑performance viewers.

Applications

• Lightweight exchange of 3D models for visualization, review, collaboration and validation across the supply chain.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and CAD-to-viewer workflows where smaller, portable 3D assets are required.
• Manufacturing and service operations that consume PMI, assembly structure and configuration data without needing full CAD authorship files.
• Web and enterprise viewers requiring streaming, level-of-detail (LOD) handling and fast rendering.

Who should use this standard

• CAD and PLM vendors, visualization software developers, data exchange integrators, OEMs, suppliers, and manufacturing/maintenance teams seeking interoperable 3D visualization and standardized JT file handling.

Related standards

• ISO 14306 (other parts) - JT series parts for vocabulary, precise geometry formats and conformance classes.
• ISO 10303 (STEP) - complementary product data exchange standards.
• ISO/IEC 8824-1 - ASN.1 reference used for information object registration identifiers.