What is a DUF file?
The .DUF extension mostly stands for DAZ User File. DAZ Productions (also known as DAZ 3D) created this format for the DAZ Studio 3D modeling software. These files store 3D assets, character poses, scene data, and user configurations. Internally, these files usually structure data in the JSON format, but they are frequently compressed using GZIP to save disk space.
Other uses for DUF files
While 3D software is the most common use, a .DUF file can also be a mining design data file for Datamine Studio, a materials test definition file for WINDUCOM, or an electronic declaration file containing XML data for the Latvian State Revenue Service.
How to open DUF files?
Users open DAZ User Files directly in DAZ Studio. If you want to inspect the internal code, you can use command-line tools or archiving software like 7-Zip to extract the GZIP compression. You can then open the extracted JSON file with a text editor like Notepad++. For mining models, use the official Datamine software.
Best practices and troubleshooting
Because a .DUF file has multiple possible meanings, you must identify the correct software for your specific file. Do not assume every .DUF file contains 3D data. viewer.online/duf analyzes .DUF files to identify their exact format and creator software, shows which programs can open the file, and usually previews it.
Summary
Because .DUF files use the known GZIP, JSON, and XML formats, viewer.online/duf can safely open and display them online, eliminating compatibility problems.