Complete Guide to Advanced Texture Optimization for GLTF Files

Texture optimization is often the biggest lever for reducing GLTF and GLB size. This guide covers modern formats, compression settings, and tradeoffs you should consider in 2026.

KTX2 and Basis Universal

KTX2 with Basis Universal yields excellent compression while keeping runtime GPU decoding efficient. It is the best default for production web 3D when supported.

When to use WebP

WebP is a strong option for preview builds and quick iterations. It offers good compression and broad browser support while keeping quality loss minimal.

Quality settings that matter

• Start with 70-85 for albedo textures.
• Keep normal maps at higher quality to avoid artifacts.
• Downscale textures that exceed display resolution.

For a complete end-to-end compression workflow, see the 99% compression guide, and compare tools on the 2026 comparison page.