Basic information about 3DS file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension 3DS（*.3DS or *.3ds）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the 3DS file yourself.

There are 2 file types using the 3DS file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the 3DS file with their brief description and a list of programs that support 3DS file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the 3DS file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the 3DS file?
  • How to open a 3DS file?
  • What programs do I need to open a 3DS file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a 3DS file?
  • How to convert 3DS files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to 3DS file format?


1.Detail information about 3DS file extension: 3D Studio Scene

File type 3D Studio Scene Category 3D Image Files
Developer Autodesk File format Binary
Description 3DS file is a 3D Studio Scene developed by Autodesk. A 3DS file is a 3D image format used by Autodesk 3D Studio. It contains mesh data, material attributes, bitmap references, smoothing group data, viewport configurations, camera locations, and lighting information. 3DS files may also include object animation data.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert 3DS files

Windows		 Autodesk 3ds Max 2018
IMSI TurboCAD Pro 2017
Trimble SketchUp
MeshLab
MAXON Cinema 4D
pmG messiahStudio
CADSoftTools ABViewer
Adobe Photoshop CC 2017
GLC_Player
3D Studio Max
Blender
Rain Swift 3D

macOS		 IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe v10
Trimble SketchUp
Cheetah3D
MeshLab
MAXON Cinema 4D
pmG messiahStudio
Adobe Photoshop CC 2017
GLC_Player
Rain Swift 3D

Linux		 GLC_Player


2.Detail information about 3DS file extension: Nintendo 3DS ROM

File type Nintendo 3DS ROM Category Game Files
Developer Nintendo File format N/A
Description 3DS file is a Nintendo 3DS ROM developed by Nintendo.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert 3DS files

Windows		 Citra
TronDS

macOS
 Citra

Linux		 Citra



How to convert 3DS files to another file format?

There are 30 records in our database eligible for 3DS files to another file format conversion. If you want to achieve 3DS to another files conversion, you may use the option.

3DS to 3DM 3DS to ASC 3DS to ASE 3DS to ATD
3DS to AVI 3DS to BLEND 3DS to C3D 3DS to C4D
3DS to DAE 3DS to DWG 3DS to DXF 3DS to EASM
3DS to EPS 3DS to FBX 3DS to FLT 3DS to IGES
3DS to IGS 3DS to JPG 3DS to MDL 3DS to OBJ
3DS to PMD 3DS to SAT 3DS to SH3D 3DS to SKP
3DS to STEP 3DS to STL 3DS to STP 3DS to VRML
3DS to W3D 3DS to X3D


How to convert another files to 3DS file format?

There are 42 records in our database eligible for another files to 3DS file format conversion. If you want to achieve another files to 3DS conversion, you may use the option.

BLEND to 3DS DWG to 3DS EASM to 3DS MAX to 3DS
OBJ to 3DS SKP to 3DS X3D to 3DS 3DM to 3DS
BOD to 3DS STP to 3DS SLDPRT to 3DS BIP to 3DS
DXF to 3DS JPG to 3DS V3D to 3DS A3D to 3DS
TXT to 3DS PNG to 3DS AC to 3DS STL to 3DS
C4D to 3DS DAE to 3DS FBX to 3DS IGS to 3DS
MDL to 3DS STEP to 3DS VRML to 3DS LXO to 3DS
WRL to 3DS CATPART to 3DS SLDASM to 3DS KMZ to 3DS
3D to 3DS JT to 3DS 3DXML to 3DS CATPRODUCT to 3DS
AI to 3DS BR5 to 3DS MOT to 3DS PRJ to 3DS
MD3 to 3DS MD5MESH to 3DS


Can't open a 3DS file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.3DS”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the 3DS extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support 3DS file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of 3DS files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a 3DS file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a 3DS file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a 3DS file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the 3DS file is damaged.
  • Whether the 3DS file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the 3DS file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the 3DS file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the 3DS file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a 3DS file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a 3DS file.

If the 3DS file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.