COB to 3DS Conversion
Discover the simplest way to turn COB into 3DS using our powerful tool:
Install Autoconverter
Download and install Autoconverter on your system. Launch the software to convert COB files to 3DS format.
Import COB File
Click Open... to load your COB (.cob, .scn) file, or drag and drop it into the application window.
Export to 3DS Format
Use Save As... to export your file to the 3DS mesh file format (.3ds).
Still stuck on COB to 3DS conversion? Our practical guides help you complete COB files conversion successfully:
- Explode Component Instances into Mesh Groups Tutorial
- Batch Convert 3D Mesh Files with Autoconverter (STEP, STL, OBJ & More)
- How to Convert STEP Files to Mesh Formats (SKP, STL, OBJ)
- Enhance BricsCAD V24 with Automesher and Automapki Applications
Caligari TrueSpace Object File
A proprietary 3D file type created by Caligari Corporation for their TrueSpace modeling and animation software. This format was designed to store complete 3D scenes including geometry, materials, and animation data from TrueSpace projects. While the software is no longer actively developed, COb files remain important for working with legacy 3D assets and converting older TrueSpace creations to modern formats.
Key Features of COB
- Complete 3D Scene Storage: COB files save entire 3D scenes including models, lights, and cameras in a single file.
- COB File Formats: There are two types of COB files:
- ASCII - Human-readable for manual edits and debugging in any text editor.
- Binary - Smaller file sizes and faster loading for complex 3D scenes.
- Material Support: The COB format stores color, texture, and basic material properties for 3D objects.
- NURBS and Mesh Data: Supports both NURBS surfaces and polygonal mesh geometry types.
COB File Conversion
Autoconverter and Automesher Application support importing COB files (TrueSpace format) and converting them to other 3D formats like STEP, SAT, FBX, SKP, and OBJ. The conversion preserves key elements including materials, textures, and UV coordinates from the original COB file. This is made possible through our use of the Open Asset Import Library, which ensures reliable cross-platform conversions. Note that only import is supported - you cannot export back to COB format.
3D Studio (3DS) File Format
The 3DS file format is a classic, widely-used standard for storing 3D polygonal mesh models, originally developed for Autodesk's 3D Studio. Known for its simple structure and broad compatibility, 3DS remains popular in gaming, architectural visualization, lighting design, and real-time 3D applications.
Key Features of the 3DS Format
- Broad Software Support: 3DS files are compatible with leading 3D applications like DIALux, Blender, Cinema 4D, and Unity, making it a reliable format for cross-platform 3D model exchange.
- Efficient Data Storage: Supports hierarchical object structures, reusable geometry instances, material properties (colors, transparency, texture maps), and basic animation data.
- Format Constraints: Due to its DOS-era origins, 3DS limits mesh names to 8 characters and restricts each mesh object to a maximum of 32,767 triangles. It does not support modern rendering features such as PBR materials or NURBS.
Convert 3DS Files Easily
Our Autoconverter and Automesher Application optimize the conversion of 3DS files by automatically partitioning large meshes to comply with format limitations. Easily import, export, and adapt 3DS models for legacy workflows, lighting simulations, or cross-platform sharing, while preserving maximum model fidelity.
COB vs 3DS Comparison
| Property | COB | 3DS |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .cob, .scn | .3ds |
| Name | Caligari TrueSpace Object | 3D-Studio File Format |
| Versions | ||
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components | ||
| Readers | ||
| Writers |