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.mdl File Extension

File Type 1MathWorks Simulink Model

Developer MathWorks
Category Data files
File Format Text

.MDL Type 1

Simulation model created with Simulink, a simulation and model-based design application; contains the block diagram and block properties of the simulation.

More Information

MDL files are saved in a plain text format and typically include a list of objects. Each object contains a set of properties and values that are delimited by line breaks.

NOTE: The MDL format was replaced by the .SLX model format with the release of Simulink 2012.

Programs that open MDL files

File Type 2Half-Life Model File

Developer Valve
Category Game files
File Format Binary

.MDL Type 2

Three-dimensional model used for characters and creatures in the Half-Life video game; created using polygons and texture mapping for detail; can be seen from different views (wireframe, flatshaded, smoothshaded, and textured) using the Half-Life Model Viewer.

More Information

NOTE: QC files are actually used by Valve's Source game engine, so they are not restricted to Half-Life models.

Programs that open MDL files

File Type 3Warcraft 3 3D Model Text File

Developer Blizzard Entertainment
Category 3D image files
File Format Text

.MDL Type 3

Model file used by Warcraft III, a real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment; stores a 3D model, including objects, meshes, and textures for buildings and units; allows text-based editing of model properties before generating a binary .MDX file used by Warcraft III.

More Information

MDL files use a nested structure to create model properties. For example, a material element may include a layer property which in turn defines a transparent property for the layer.

NOTE: MDL files are the text version of MDX 3D model binary files. They can be converted to the MDX format using the MDLX Converter program. From there, you can use several modeling tools to edit the model.

Programs that open MDL files
Windows
Microsoft Notepad
Notepad++
Blizzard Warcraft 3 Art Tools
MDLX Converter
Macintosh
Apple TextEdit

File Type 4Rational Rose Model File

Developer N/A
Category Data files
File Format N/A

.MDL Type 4

Diagram or model created by Rational Rose software; used for modeling software architecture and design, and creating business models that improve predictability and productivity.

Programs that open MDL files

File Type 5Flight Simulator Airplane Model

Developer N/A
Category Miscellaneous Files
File Format N/A

.MDL Type 5

Three-dimensional model of an airplane or other aircraft used by Microsoft Flight Simulator; standard model format used by multiple versions of the Flight Simulator series.

Programs that open MDL files
Windows
Microsoft Flight Simulator

File Type 6DigiTrakker Module

Developer N/A
Category Audio files
File Format N/A

.MDL Type 6

Audio tracking module format used by the DigiTrakker music tracking program.

Programs that open MDL files
Windows
FMJ-Software Awave Studio
MODPlug Player
Macintosh
CocoModX

File Type 7Luigi's Mansion 3D Model File

Developer Nintendo
Category Game files
File Format Binary

.MDL Type 7

Model file used by Luigi's Mansion, a Nintendo GameCube game; stores 3D model data for characters, including Luigi, and objects that appear in the game.

More Information

Luigi's Mansion mainly uses the MDL format for its models but also uses the .BMD model format for some models in the game.

NOTE: The mdl2obj tool can open Luigi's Mansion MDL files and convert them into .OBJ files.

Programs that open MDL files
Windows
mdl2obj

File Type 8Lectra Modaris Clothing Design File

Developer Lectra
Category CAD files
File Format N/A

.MDL Type 8

CAD file created by Lectra Modaris, a clothing design application; saves the "cutter's must" list (or direction card) as well as the geometry for the pieces of the garment; used for saving new fashion design's in men's, women's, and children's clothing.

More Information

When a design is complete, it can be sent to a machine cutter that cuts the designed patterns in a roll of fabric or another material.

Programs that open MDL files

About MDL Files

Our goal is to explain what .mdl file is used for for and how to open it.

File Lectra Modaris Clothing Design File usage cases for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS software listed on this page have been individually researched and verified using the FilesWiki team. We strive for 100% accuracy and only publish information about file formats that we have tested and verified.