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3DM 3DS
File conversion

Convert 3DM to 3DS

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Aug 18, 2026
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Is it possible to convert 3DM to 3DS?
Yes - 3DM converts to 3DS.

Use our free converter above - upload your 3DM and get a 3DS back in seconds. The most important caveat is that smooth NURBS surfaces become polygon meshes, so fine curved geometry may look slightly faceted in the result.

8 programs
Also to 3DS: X · CATPRODUCT · 3D

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert 3DM to 3DS?

The .3DS format is a legacy standard used by older game engines, visualization pipelines, and tools that predate modern formats like FBX. Converting 3DM geometry to 3DS lets you bring Rhinoceros models into those environments. For most modern workflows OBJ or FBX carry more data, but when a specific tool requires .3ds this conversion delivers it.

How to convert 3DM to 3DS

Rhinoceros TRIAL

Open the 3DM, select objects, then use File > Export Selected and pick 3D Studio .3ds; a 90-day free trial is available.

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC PAID

Professional batch translator that converts 3DM to 3DS with control over geometry and material export settings.

AccuTrans 3D PAID

Lightweight Windows converter with point-and-click translation from 3DM to 3DS.

3D Object Converter PAID

Windows tool supporting a wide range of 3D formats including 3DM and 3DS.

Programs that convert 3DM

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC
3D Object Converter
Autoconverter
TurboCAD
TurboCAD for Mac
Online CAD converter
Babel3D
AccuTrans 3D

About these formats

.3DM Rhino 3D Model (openNURBS)

A .3dm file is a 3D model created in Rhinoceros (Rhino) by Robert McNeel & Associates. It stores precise NURBS surfaces used in product design, architecture and jewelry CAD. To open it…

Open .3DM details →
.3DS 3D Studio Mesh

A 3DS file is a 3D mesh in Autodesk's old 3D Studio format, storing geometry, materials, and basic scene data. Open it free in Blender or drag it into 3DViewer.net in a browser. To 3D print…

Open .3DS details →

Quality & what to watch

  • NURBS surfaces in 3DM are converted to polygon meshes - the output is an approximation; use a higher mesh density setting for smoother results.
  • Object names are truncated to 10 characters in the 3DS format, which can cause naming conflicts in complex scenes.
  • Material assignments and texture maps do not transfer; plan to reapply them in the target application.

Frequently asked questions

Can I convert 3DM to 3DS for free?
Yes - use our free converter above at no cost. Rhinoceros also offers a 90-day full-featured trial that includes 3DS export.
Will the model look the same after converting?
The overall shape will be close, but smooth NURBS surfaces become faceted polygon meshes. Use a higher mesh density in Rhinoceros for a better approximation.
Is 3DS the best format for importing Rhino models into 3ds Max?
No - for current 3ds Max versions use FBX instead. FBX preserves materials, normals, and scene hierarchy that .3ds cannot carry.
What data is lost when converting 3DM to 3DS?
Smooth NURBS geometry, material settings, texture maps, and layer hierarchy are all reduced or lost. The 3DS format is a basic polygon mesh container with limited metadata support.