Convert 3DS to STL
Convert a 3DS file to STL in your browser. Free, no upload, no sign-up.
Convert 3DS files to STL directly in your browser. The converter parses the 3DS mesh, rebuilds it in memory and writes it out as STL, keeping every triangle. Nothing is uploaded, there is no file size limit beyond your computer's memory, and the result downloads instantly. STL is accepted by every slicer and 3D printer, so it is the safest format to hand to anyone who needs to print your model.
How to convert 3DS to STL
- 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 STL
Adjust the export options if needed and click download. Colors, textures and materials are dropped because STL cannot store them. Multiple objects are merged into one triangle soup; units are not recorded, so make sure the model is already in millimeters.
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 STL file?
STL is the oldest and most widely supported 3D printing format. It stores nothing but a list of triangles, with no color, texture, unit or scale information. Every slicer and almost every 3D tool can read it, which is why it is still the default exchange format for printable models.
Commonly used by: 3D printer slicers (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio), CAD export, Thingiverse / Printables
STL is accepted by every slicer and 3D printer, so it is the safest format to hand to anyone who needs to print your model.
3DS vs STL
| 3DS | STL | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 3D Studio | Stereolithography |
| Encoding | Binary | Text or binary |
| Geometry type | Triangle mesh | Triangle mesh |
| Colors | No | No |
| Textures | Yes | No |
| Materials | Yes | No |
| Stores units | No | No |
| Multiple objects | Yes | No |
| Typical use | legacy 3ds Max scenes, old model marketplaces | 3D printer slicers (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio), CAD export, Thingiverse / Printables |