An extensible three-dimensional (3D) asset plug-in framework is disclosed. In various embodiments, files having different 3D file formats may be processed by respective plug-ins. The plug-ins may be configured to be downloaded and installed, to receive input files describing one or more 3D models and having a respective 3D file format, to read the respective 3D file format, and to generate and return a common 3D description to be previewed and manipulated by an application or an operating system. The different 3D file formats and their respective plug-ins may be proprietary or developed by third parties.