The modular architecture of X3D allows for layered "profiles" that can provide 1) increased functionality for immersive environments and enhanced interactivity or 2) focused data interchange formats for vertical market applications within a small downloadable footprint composed of modular blocks of functionality ("Components"), that can be easily understood and implemented by application and content developers.

A component-based architecture supports creation of different "profiles" which can be individually supported. Components can be individually extended or modified through adding new "levels", or new components can be added to introduce new features, such as streaming. Through this mechanism, advancements of the specification can move quickly because development in one area doesn't slow the specification as a whole. Importantly, the conformance requirements for a particular piece of content are unambiguosly defined by indicating the profiles, components and levels required by that content.

X3D Baseline Profiles

• Interchange is the basic profile for communicating between applications. It support geometry, texturing, basic lighting, and animation. There is no run time model for rendering, making it very easy to use and integrate into any application.
• Interactive enables basic interaction with a 3D environment by adding various sensor nodes for user navigation and interaction (e.g., PlanseSensor, TouchSensor, etc.), enhanced timing, and additional lighting (Spotlight, PointLight).
• Immersive enables full 3D graphics and interaction, including audio support, collision, fog, and scripting.
• Full includes all defined nodes including NURBS, H-Anim and GeoSpatial components.

Additional X3D Profiles

• Core is the base profile and is the minimum required for all X3D environmenmts.
• MPEG-4 Interactive is a small footprint version of the Interactive profile designed for broadcast, handheld devices and mobile phones
• CADInterchange enables the translation of CAD data to an open format for publishing and interactive media.
• MedicalInterchange provides an open format to exchange polygonal geometry, volumetric data and accompanying documentation between medical imaging systems. It is currently undergoing ISO processing.