A method identifies the presence of a three-dimensional (3D) image format in received image through the use of feature matching and correspondence. The received image is sampled using a candidate 3D format to generate two sub-images from the received image. Initially, these sub-images are compared to determine whether these sub-images are similar with respect to structure. If the sub-images are not similar, a new 3D format is selected and the method is repeated. If the sub-images are similar, features are detected in the two sub-images and a correspondence is formed between features that match in the two sub-images. Positional differences are computed between corresponding features. The amount and uniformity of the positional differences are then used to determine whether the format is 2D or 3D and, if 3D, which of the 3D formats was used for the received image.