VRML is a scene description language which describes 3D environments over the Net. When you access a URL (Unique Resource Locator) containing a VRML world, a file is downloaded into your Web browser. VRML Worlds usually have the file extention .wrl or .wrl.gz as opposed to .html. When your browser sees a file with the .wrl file extension, it tells your computer to launch your VRML viewer. VRML viewers are plugins for internet browsers. However, VRML viewers are only now beginning to fully support the large number of changes and new features in VRML 2.0. The next generation of VRML viewers from Blaxxun, Netscape and Microsoft include support for viewing VRML 2.0 files.

VRML is an acronym for "Virtual Reality Modeling Language". Just as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a file format that defines the layout and content of a 2D page with links to more information; VRML is a file format that defines the layout and content of a 3D world with links to more information. Unlike HTML, however, VRML worlds are spacious and inherently interactive. Filled with objects that react to the user and to each other. You can also build-up an internet community where you are able to communicate with people from around the world.

VRML allows for information, including links to other pieces of Web content, to be easily represented in an interactive 3D world. VRML is scalable across platforms ranging from PCs to high-end workstations, and soon, the Mac. VRML is also bandwidth efficient. Intricate, interactive 3D worlds can be described in worlds that are similar in size to HTML pages.

Most of the time when VRML files are large, it is because of motion capture data, animation, sound, or video. All of which will be reduced as "streaming media". Straight VRML files are actually very small, especially if special optimization steps are taken.