Open MDL File

The MDL extension files can have various types of formats and applications.

MathWorks Simulink Model

In this first case, an MDL extension file is a simulation model created with Simulink, a model-based design and simulation application.

About Simulink

Simulink is a graphical programming environment integrated into the MATLAB suite for modeling, simulating, and analyzing multidomain dynamical systems.

The MDL file contains the block diagram and block properties of the simulation.

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

Half-Life Model File

In this section, an MDL file is a three-dimensional model used for the characters and creatures in the Half-Life video game.

Half-Life is a series of first-person shooter games, combining shooter combat, puzzles, and storytelling.

The original Half-Life, Valve's first product, was released in 1998 for Windows to critical and commercial success.

The MDL model is created with polygons and texture mapping for details.

The MDL can be viewed from different views (wireframe, flatshaded, smoothshaded, and textured) using Half-Life's model viewer.

Warcraft 3 3D Model Text File

In this case, the MDL is a model file used by Warcraft III, a real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment.

Warcraft III is a high fantasy real-time strategy computer video game.

The MDL, as in the previous case, stores a 3D model, including objects, meshes and textures for buildings and units.

The MDL allows for text-based editing of model properties before generating an MDX extension binary used by Warcraft III.

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

Flight Simulator Airplane Model

In this case, the MDL file is a three-dimensional model of an airplane or other aircraft used by Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a series of flight simulation programs, compatible (only) for Microsoft Windows operating systems and earlier versions for MS-DOS and Classic Mac OS.

Rational Rose Model File

The MDL file is a diagram or model created by Rational Rose software.

Rational Rose is an XDE for software developers, which integrates with Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Rational Application Developer.

In this case, the MDL extension is used to model the architecture and design of the software, and to create business models that improve predictability and productivity.

Lectra Modaris Clothing Design File

In this section, an MDL file is a CAD file created by Lectra Modaris, a garment design application.

About Lectra Modaris

It is a solution for creating patterns and prototypes in the fashion design process.

The MDL stores the list or address card as well as the geometry for the garment pieces.

The MDL is basically a data file used to store new fashion designs for men's, women's and children's clothing.

Luigi's Mansion 3D Model File

In the latter case, the MDl file is a model file used by Luigi's Mansion, a Nintendo GameCube game.

The MDL file stores the data of the 3D models of the characters, including Luigi, and of the objects that appear in the game.

Luigi's Mansion primarily uses the MDL format for its models, but also uses the BMD format for some other models in the game.

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

Software to open and work with a MDL file

Due to the great diversity of formats that an MDL file can acquire, it is necessary to make sure of it, before trying to open it with any of the software packages below:

• MathWorks Simulink
• Valve Half-Life
• Blizzard Warcraft 3 Art Tools
• Microsoft Flight Simulator
• IBM Rational Rose
• Lectra Modaris
• mdl2obj (Available from third-party servers)