Basic information about DDS file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension DDS(*.DDS or *.dds), 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 DDS file yourself.

There are 1 file types using the DDS file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the DDS file with their brief description and a list of programs that support DDS file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the DDS file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the DDS file?
  • How to open a DDS file?
  • What programs do I need to open a DDS file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a DDS file?
  • How to convert DDS files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to DDS file format?


1.Detail information about DDS file extension: DirectDraw Surface

File type DirectDraw Surface Category Raster Image Files
Developer Microsoft File format Binary
Description DDS file is a DirectDraw Surface developed by Microsoft. 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.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert DDS files

Windows
File Viewer Plus
Windows Texture Viewer
XnViewMP
IrfanView with IrfanView Formats plugin
Adobe Photoshop with NVIDIA DDS plugin
GIMP with DDS plugin
Battlefield 1942
Crysis
DDS Viewer
DirectX
DXTBmp
FastPictureViewer Professional
FPS Creator
Need for Speed SHIFT
NVIDIA DDS Thumbnail Viewer
NVIDIA Texture Tools
Orbiter
Painkiller Overdose
Paint.NET
Stronghold 3

macOS
XnViewMP

Linux
XnViewMP

Android
File Viewer for Android



How to convert DDS files to another file format?

There are 10 records in our database eligible for DDS files to another file format conversion. If you want to achieve DDS to another files conversion, you may use the option.



How to convert another files to DDS file format?

There are 9 records in our database eligible for another files to DDS file format conversion. If you want to achieve another files to DDS conversion, you may use the option.



Can't open a DDS 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.DDS”。

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 DDS extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support DDS 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 DDS 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 DDS file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a DDS 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 DDS file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

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

If the DDS 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.