Opening 3DS files

Did your computer fail to open a 3DS file? We explain what 3DS files are and recommend software that we know can open or convert your 3DS files.

What is a 3DS file?

Files that contain the .3ds file extension are most commonly associated with the Autodesk 3D Studio software. The 3DS files that are used by the software contain a variety of information used to form a three dimensional scene, like coordinates, list of polygons used to form the objects, color information etc.

3DS files are stored in a binary file format. This enables the files to load faster and makes them smaller than the text-based file formats of a similar nature.

3DS files were commonly used to transfer 3D models between different 3D software applications. The 3DS file format has been increasingly replaced by the newer MAX file format, which was created for the newer 3DS Max software program.