Convert 3DS to glTF
Convert a 3DS file to glTF in your browser. Free, no upload, no sign-up.
Convert 3DS files to glTF directly in your browser. The converter parses the 3DS mesh, rebuilds it in memory and writes it out as glTF, keeping every triangle. Nothing is uploaded, there is no file size limit beyond your computer's memory, and the result downloads instantly. glTF gives you a readable JSON scene that is easy to inspect, diff or post-process in a build pipeline.
How to convert 3DS to glTF
- 1Drop your 3DS file
Drag a .3ds file onto the box above or click to choose one. Mesh geometry is read; textures and lights are ignored.
- 2Check the preview
The model renders in 3D so you can confirm it loaded correctly. Dimensions, volume and triangle count are shown next to it; open edges are flagged if the mesh is not watertight.
- 3Download the glTF
Adjust the export options if needed and click download. Buffers are embedded in the JSON as base64, so the output is a single file.
What is a 3DS file?
3DS is the binary format of the original Autodesk 3D Studio from the DOS era. It is limited to 65,536 vertices per object and 8-character names, yet an enormous number of models from older libraries and marketplaces are still shipped as .3ds files.
Commonly used by: legacy 3ds Max scenes, old model marketplaces
Mesh geometry is read; textures and lights are ignored.
What is a glTF file?
glTF is the JSON form of the same Khronos standard as GLB. The .gltf file describes the scene as readable JSON; binary buffers and textures may be embedded as base64 or kept as separate files. It is convenient when you want to inspect or edit the scene description by hand.
Commonly used by: web developers, Babylon.js / three.js, Blender, Unity and Unreal importers
glTF gives you a readable JSON scene that is easy to inspect, diff or post-process in a build pipeline.
3DS vs glTF
| 3DS | glTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 3D Studio | GL Transmission Format |
| Encoding | Binary | Text |
| Geometry type | Triangle mesh | Triangle mesh |
| Colors | No | Yes |
| Textures | Yes | Yes |
| Materials | Yes | Yes |
| Stores units | No | Yes |
| Multiple objects | Yes | Yes |
| Typical use | legacy 3ds Max scenes, old model marketplaces | web developers, Babylon.js / three.js, Blender |