3DM to 3DS - Fast and Accurate 3DM Converter

Convert 3DM to 3DS

3DM to 3DS Conversion

With just a few clicks, you can convert 3DM to 3DS using our user-friendly tool:

  1. Download & Install:

    Convert your 3DM files to 3DS format seamlessly using Autoconverter - simply install and launch the software on your system.

  2. Import 3DM File:

    Either click Open... to browse for your .3dm file, or drag and drop it anywhere in the application window.

  3. Export to 3DS Format:

    Use Save As... to specify both location and filename (with .3ds extension) for your exported file.

Overwhelmed by 3DM to 3DS conversion? Our easy-to-follow guides make 3DM files conversion manageable:

3DM Rhinoceros 3D File

The native file format for Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino), a powerful and versatile NURBS-based 3D modeling software. As Rhino’s default format, 3DM is designed to store precise mathematical representations of curves, surfaces, and solids, making it ideal for high-accuracy modeling across industries.

Supported Geometry Types

Known for its precision and versatility, the 3DM format supports a comprehensive range of geometric data types, making it ideal for both organic freeform modeling and technical CAD applications, including:

  • NURBS Surfaces:

    Enables mathematically precise, smooth, and editable surfaces essential for high-end industrial and automotive design.

  • Polygonal Meshes:

    Stores tessellated geometry for 3D printing, rendering, and simulation.

  • SubD (Subdivision Surfaces):

    Allows for flexible, organic modeling with editable subdivision geometry.

  • Instance References:

    Lightweight object copies (not duplicates) that reference a single source, saving memory and ensuring synchronized updates.

3DM File Conversion

Our software solutions enable seamless conversion between 3DM and other major CAD formats (e.g., STEP, IGES, OBJ, DWG, STL). Autoconverter exports only polygonal meshes (STL, OBJ, etc.), suitable for 3D printing and real-time rendering, while Autoshaper preserves NURBS geometry, ensuring superior accuracy for CAD, CAM, and engineering workflows. Both converters can save 3DM files in legacy formats (Rhino 2.X - 7.X) or the latest Rhino 8.X version, ensuring smooth collaboration across different software environments.

3DS 3D Studio File

A widely recognized format used for storing 3D polygonal mesh models, originally developed for Autodesk 3D Studio. Known for its broad compatibility and straightforward structure, it remains a popular choice for real-time visualization, gaming, architectural modeling, and lighting design despite its legacy limitations.

Key Features & Capabilities

  • Extensive Support:

    The 3DS format supports model naming conventions, reusable geometry instances, and material definitions including transparent colors and texture mapping. Its hierarchical structure preserves object relationships and basic animation data.

  • High Compatibility:

    3DS files work with most major 3D software including DIALux for lighting design, Blender, Cinema 4D, and game engines like Unity. This makes it ideal for cross-platform asset sharing.

  • Technical Limitations:

    Due to its DOS-era origins, the format has strict constraints: mesh names are limited to 8 characters, and each mesh object can contain no more than 32,767 triangles. The format also lacks support for modern features like PBR materials or NURBS surfaces.

3DS File Converters

Our Autoconverter and Automesher Application automatically resolve legacy 3DS format constraints by intelligently partitioning large models into compliant, optimized sub-meshes. This ensures your 3D assets maintain integrity when exported to the 3DS format. While newer formats offer more features, 3DS remains valuable for legacy systems, lighting simulations, and situations requiring broad software support without complex dependencies.

3DM vs. 3DS Comparison

Property 3DM 3DS
Extensions .3dm .3ds
Name Rhinoceros 3D Model 3D-Studio File Format
Versions
  • Min: Rhino 2.x
  • Max: Rhino 8.x
Textures
Colors
Geometry components
Readers
Writers