---
title: ".3ds file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .3ds file is a 3D Studio Model. The legacy Autodesk 3D Studio mesh format from the DOS era. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/3ds/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .3ds files

**.3ds file: 3D Studio Model**

The legacy Autodesk 3D Studio mesh format from the DOS era.

## What opens a .3ds file

- **Windows:** Blender (with the Autodesk 3DS add-on enabled), Autodesk 3ds Max, MeshLab
- **macOS:** Blender (with the Autodesk 3DS add-on enabled), MeshLab
- **Linux:** Blender (with the Autodesk 3DS add-on enabled), MeshLab

## What a .3ds file is

3DS was the native format of Autodesk 3D Studio for DOS and remains common in older model libraries. It is limited — 65,536 vertices per mesh, short material names, no modern shading data — and Autodesk has long since moved to MAX and FBX. Blender dropped built-in 3DS support in 2.8 and now offers it again as an official add-on you enable in preferences.

## Converting it

A .3ds file is commonly converted to .obj, .fbx, .stl or .blend. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .3ds
- **Full name:** 3D Studio Model
- **Category:** 3D and CAD
- **Created by:** Autodesk
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .3ds file?

On Windows use Blender (with the Autodesk 3DS add-on enabled); on macOS use Blender (with the Autodesk 3DS add-on enabled); on Linux use Blender (with the Autodesk 3DS add-on enabled). The legacy Autodesk 3D Studio mesh format from the DOS era.

### What is a .3ds file?

3D Studio Model. 3DS was the native format of Autodesk 3D Studio for DOS and remains common in older model libraries. It is limited — 65,536 vertices per mesh, short material names, no modern shading data — and Autodesk has long since moved to MAX and FBX.

### Can I convert a .3ds file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .obj, .fbx, .stl or .blend, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.stl — Stereolithography Model](https://atoneplace.net/file/stl/)
- [.obj — Wavefront OBJ Model](https://atoneplace.net/file/obj/)
- [.fbx — Filmbox 3D Scene](https://atoneplace.net/file/fbx/)
- [.gcode — G-code Toolpath](https://atoneplace.net/file/gcode/)
- [.blend — Blender Project](https://atoneplace.net/file/blend/)
- [.3mf — 3D Manufacturing Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/3mf/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)