.3DS file extension - 3ds Max (3D Studio MAX) graphics
What is 3ds file? How to open 3ds files?
File extension 3ds is best known for it's use in in 3D Studio Max. 3DS was the default file format of the old Autodesk 3D Studio DOS, which was popular until its successor (3D Studio MAX 1.0) replaced it in April 1996.
Historically, 3ds is an ancient file format coming from the mid 1980s 16-bit era of home computing, in particular the Atari|ST computer and Tom Hudson's CAD-3D program. As such, it is not a good file format for modern data translation. It has no ability to convey all-important vertex normals (for geometry smoothing); it is limited to DOS 8.3 filenames for texture maps; each object is limited to only 64k polygons and vertices; all meshes must be triangles; object names are limited to only 10 characters and material names to 16 characters.
The 3ds file format is a merger of the old 1985-era Atari|ST computer's CAD-3D .3d2 file format (from Tom Hudson) and the Antic Animator file formats.
Having been around since 1990 (when the first version of 3D Studio DOS was launched), it has grown to become a de facto industry standard for transferring models between 3D programs, or for storing models for 3D resource catalogs (along with OBJ, which is more frequently used as a model archiving file format).
MIME types used for 3ds Max files:
application/x-3ds
image/x-3ds
Updated: November 13, 2023
The default software associated to open 3ds file:
Company or developer:
Autodesk, Inc.
A popular 3D animation software, 3ds Max (previously known as 3D Studio Max) is used by professional to create stunning 3D content. It contains modeling capabilities, flexible plug-in architecture, scripting language, etc. It is mostly used by computer game developers. It is also used to create movie visual effects. 3ds Max is only for Microsoft Windows.
List of software applications associated to the .3ds file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open 3ds file, edit 3ds file, convert 3ds file, view 3ds file, play 3ds file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting 3ds files.
Software that open 3ds file - 3ds Max (3D Studio MAX) graphics
Programs supporting the exension 3ds on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open 3ds file action.
Microsoft Windows:
Main software associated with 3ds file by default:
3ds Max (3D Studio Max)
Other suggested software:
Adobe Photoshop
CINEMA 4D
Blender
SketchUp
ABViewer
TurboCAD
MessiahStudio
