.DDS File Extension

A DDS file is a raster image saved in the DirectDraw Surface (DDS) container format. It can store compressed and uncompressed pixel formats and is often used for texturing video game unit models. DDS files may also be used to store Windows desktop backgrounds or wallpapers.

The DDS format was introduced in Microsoft DirectX 7.0 to store textures and environments. Subsequent versions introduced various improvements, such as support for volume textures in DirectX 8.0, arrays of textures in Direct3D 10, and new Direct3D texture formats in Direct3D 11.