How to open 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 files.
What is a 3DS file?
3DS files are 3D Studio mesh files, which you can read more about below.
The 3DS file extension indicates to your device which app can open the file. However, different apps may use the same file extension for different types of data. So a 3DS opener may not be able to open all kinds of 3DS files. In this case, though, we only know of one specific use.
3D Studio mesh
Files that contain the .3ds file extension are most commonly associated with the Autodesk 3D Studio software. The software's 3DS files contain a variety of information used to form a three-dimensional scene, like coordinates, a 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 created for, the newer 3DS Max software program.
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3DS file openers, viewers, etc.
These apps are known to open certain types of 3DS files. Remember, different programs may use 3DS files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
 | Adobe Photoshop | User submitted |
 | WinDS PRO | User submitted |
 | ACD/3D Viewer FREEWARE | User submitted |
 | WinDS PRO Apps | User submitted |
 | pCon.planner | User submitted |
 | View | User submitted |
 | MicroStation | User submitted |
 | ACD/3D | User submitted |
 | 3ds Max | User submitted |
 | 3D-Tool | User submitted |
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