Convert DWG to 3DS - Drawing Conversion For Professionals

Convert DWG to 3DS

DWG to 3DS Conversion

Make exporting DWG drawings to 3DS painless - just three easy steps to success:

  1. Download & Install:

    Export 3DS mesh files directly from DWG drawings using Automesher Application - simply install the plugin and restart your CAD session.

  2. Execute 3DS Export:

    Launch the export process by typing AmExportMesh in the command line. Then, select the desired 3D entities (Polyface Mesh, Polygon Mesh, 3D Solid, or 3D Face) from your DWG model space.

  3. Save as 3DS Mesh File:

    Select 3DS (*.3ds) as file type, choose location, enter name, and click Save to export.

Still stuck on DWG to 3DS conversion? Our practical guides help you complete DWG drawings conversion successfully:

DWG 2D/3D CAD Drawing

A proprietary binary file format developed by Autodesk for storing 2D and 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data, including vector graphics, metadata, and geometric models. As the native file format for AutoCAD, DWG is the industry-standard for engineering, architecture, and construction design due to its precision, versatility, and widespread compatibility.

Standout Features of DWG

  • Compatibility:

    DWG drawings are compatible with other software packages, such as ZWCAD, Bricscad, and IntelliCAD, which also support the DWG format. This makes DWG files the industry-standard in CAD.

  • High-Precision Vector-Based Design:

    DWG files store vector-based data, 2D drawings, and 3D models, along with metadata, making them highly versatile. Ideal for technical drawings and designs requiring extreme accuracy, such as engineering blueprints and architectural plans.

  • Support for Blocks:

    DWG format supports for "blocks", which are reusable design elements like symbols or templates, which help improve efficiency, maintain consistency across designs, and reduce file size by reusing common components without duplicating DWG data.

DWG Drawing Converters

DWG drawings can be easily converted into various 3D and GIS file formats, such as OBJ, STL, DXF, KML, and KMZ, using our add-ons - Automesher Application and Automapki Application. This allows you to seamlessly share your AutoCAD DWG drawings across different platforms and applications. Convert DWG to SKP, KML, STL and more - try our converters with a free trial today!

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.

DWG vs. 3DS Comparison

Property DWG 3DS
Extensions .dwg .3ds
Name AutoCAD DWG Drawing 3D-Studio File Format
Versions
  • Min: AutoCAD 2010
  • Max: AutoCAD 2026
Textures
Colors
Geometry components
Readers
Writers