Convert 3DS to OBJ
Convert a 3DS file to OBJ in your browser. Free, no upload, no sign-up.
Convert 3DS files to OBJ directly in your browser. The converter parses the 3DS mesh, rebuilds it in memory and writes it out as OBJ, keeping every triangle. Nothing is uploaded, there is no file size limit beyond your computer's memory, and the result downloads instantly. OBJ keeps groups and UV coordinates and opens in every modelling tool, which makes it a good format for editing or texturing a model.
How to convert 3DS to OBJ
- 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 OBJ
Adjust the export options if needed and click download. A .mtl material file is not generated; the exported OBJ contains geometry, normals and UVs only.
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 OBJ file?
OBJ is a plain-text mesh format from Wavefront. It stores vertices, normals, UV texture coordinates and face definitions, and references materials through a companion .mtl file. It is human-readable and supported by virtually every 3D modelling application.
Commonly used by: Blender, Maya, ZBrush, game engines, photogrammetry tools
OBJ keeps groups and UV coordinates and opens in every modelling tool, which makes it a good format for editing or texturing a model.
3DS vs OBJ
| 3DS | OBJ | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 3D Studio | Wavefront OBJ |
| Encoding | Binary | Text |
| Geometry type | Triangle mesh | Triangle mesh |
| Colors | No | No |
| Textures | Yes | Yes |
| Materials | Yes | Yes |
| Stores units | No | No |
| Multiple objects | Yes | Yes |
| Typical use | legacy 3ds Max scenes, old model marketplaces | Blender, Maya, ZBrush |