X3DOM (pronounced “X‑freedom”) is an open‑source JavaScript framework that allows developers to embed declarative 3D graphics directly into HTML pages, without plugins. It integrates 3D content into the standard HTML DOM, making 3D scenes accessible through normal web technologies like CSS, JavaScript, and DOM manipulation.

• It lets you place X3D elements directly inside HTML5 markup.
• It is a browser‑based 3D and VR framework built on WebGL, enabling interactive 3D and mobile VR experiences.
• It aims to define how HTML5 and declarative 3D should work together, aligning with Web3D and W3C discussions.
• It requires only a single JavaScript include—no plugins or installations.
• Primarily a framework, not a full browser that renders X3D scenes
• Supports a large subset of X3D, but not the entire standard
• Supports partial event routing, scripting, or advanced behaviors
• Often used as a viewer for declarative X3D scenes
• Prioritizes display over interactivity

Even in a world dominated by WebGL frameworks, glTF pipelines, X3DOM remains strategically important because it occupies a unique space: declarative, standards‑based 3D directly in the DOM. That niche is still relevant—and increasingly valuable.

Below is a structured, evidence‑based breakdown.

1. It is still actively maintained and used

The GitHub repositories for X3DOM continue to receive updates as of 2024–2025.
This means:

• The ecosystem is not abandoned
• Developers can rely on it for stable, standards‑aligned deployments
• It remains a living reference implementation for declarative 3D on the web

2. It demonstrates the power of declarative 3D

X3DOM shows how X3D nodes can be written directly in HTML—no plugins, no build tools, no shader boilerplate.
The official site still emphasizes this simplicity:

“Integrate 3D content seamlessly into your webpage... the scene is directly written into the HTML markup. No plugins needed.”

This matters because:

• Declarative 3D lowers the barrier for educators, museums, and cultural heritage projects
• It aligns with the long‑term vision of X3D as a web‑native language
• It complements, rather than competes with, modern WebGL engines

3. It one of the most complete browser‑based implementation of X3D

X3DOM is still the most widely deployed X3D-in-the-browser engine, used for:

• Teaching X3D concepts
• Prototyping X3D scenes
• Demonstrating X3D nodes and behaviors
• Running legacy and long‑term cultural heritage projects

 X3DOM is a key technology for browser‑based mobile 3D and VR.

4. It is essential for standards evolution

X3DOM acts as a reference implementation for:

• Declarative 3D in HTML
• X3D node behavior
• DOM integration patterns
• Mobile and VR extensions (as documented in Web3D presentations)

X3DOM provides:

• A testbed for new ideas
• A way to demonstrate interoperability
• A bridge between ISO X3D v3/v4 and modern web stacks

5. It supports long‑lived cultural heritage deployments

Many  projects built between 2010–2020 still rely on X3DOM. Because X3DOM:

• Is open‑source
• Requires no plugins
• Runs on standard HTML
• Has stable long‑term URLs

It remains one of the safest technologies for preservation‑oriented 3D content, where longevity matters more than cutting‑edge rendering. This aligns beautifully with your mission of sustainable, standards‑based cultural heritage visualization.

6. It complements—not competes with—WebGL and glTF

X3DOM remains the simplest on‑ramp to the X3D ecosystem.

Summary: Why X3DOM still matters 

• It is still maintained and widely referenced
• It remains the only mature declarative 3D‑in‑HTML framework
• It is essential for teaching, prototyping, and standards development
• It supports long‑term cultural heritage preservation
• It complements modern X3D v4 and glTF workflows
• It embodies the Web3D Consortium’s vision of 3D anywhere