DDS File

What are DDS files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DDS file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your DDS files.

What is a DDS file?

DDS files have multiple uses, and DirectX DirectDraw Surface is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

DirectX DirectDraw Surface

DDS stands for DirectDraw Surface. The DDS file format is frequently used to store textures and environment maps used in gaming applications.

The DDS file format is used by applications using Microsoft's DirectX technology. This file format allows a user to store both uncompressed and compressed pixel formats. The files are compressed using the S3 Texture Compression algorithm, which is implemented in many computer graphics cards.

That the algorithm is implemented in the graphic card and not in software means that the files can be decompressed really fast by the hardware of the computer. This makes it optimal for use in games and other graphics-heavy multimedia applications where display speed is essential.

How to open DDS files

We have identified two DDS openers that are compatible with this specific type of DDS file.

Programs that open DirectX DirectDraw Surface files

Last updated: January 24, 2024

All known file formats using extension .DDS

While DirectX DirectDraw Surface is a popular type of DDS-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .DDS file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Fusion Dialog Development System Dialog

We know that one DDS format is Fusion Dialog Development System Dialog. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different DDS openers which you will find listed below.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of DDS files. Remember, different programs may use DDS files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about DDS file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.