.3DS File Extension
3D Studio Scene
| Developer | Autodesk |
| Popularity |
4.1 | 195 Votes |
What is a 3DS file?
A 3DS file is a 3D image format used by various 3D applications, such as Autodesk 3ds Max, Trimble SketchUp, and Maxon Cinema 4D. It contains mesh data, material attributes, bitmap references, smoothing group data, viewport configurations, camera locations, and lighting information (and may also include object animation data). 3DS files may store 3D objects (e.g., vehicles, furniture, people, etc.), buildings (e.g., warehouses, hotels, etc.), landscapes (e.g., city blocks, downtown areas, etc.), and more.
More Information
Autodesk initially developed the 3DS format in 1990 as the native format for Autodesk 3D Studio. As the software grew in popularity, so did the format.
However, Autodesk eventually replaced 3D Studio with 3ds Max, and newer software versions saved 3D models in the .MAX format, by default. Even though Autodesk replaced the 3DS format with the MAX format, many 3D applications still support the format.
3DS Format
The 3DS format consists of data blocks called "chunks" containing an ID and length description. Chunks store the shapes, lighting, and viewing information that together represent the three-dimensional scene.
How to open a 3DS file
You can open 3DS files with Autodesk 3ds Max in Windows. To open the 3DS file with 3ds Max, select .
Other third-party applications also support 3DS files. Some options include Trimble SketchUp, Maxon Cinema 4D, and Adobe Photoshop.
How to convert a 3DS file
Various applications, such as Autodesk 3ds Max and Maxon Cinema 4D, can convert 3DS files to other formats.
For example, 3ds Mac can convert 3DS files to various formats, including the following file types: