Why convert OBJ to 3DS?
3DS is a legacy format from the original 3D Studio DOS software, still required by some older game engines, CAD pipelines, and architectural visualization tools. If a workflow only accepts .3DS and your source is OBJ, this is the direct conversion path.
How to convert OBJ to 3DS
Blender FREE
Go to File > Import > Wavefront (.obj), then File > Export > 3D Studio (.3ds). If the export option is missing, enable the 3DS add-on under Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
MeshLab FREE
Open your .obj via File > Import Mesh, then export via File > Export Mesh As and select 3DS format. Note that materials are not transferred.
Command line - Assimp CLI
Convert with assimp export model.obj model.3ds - available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Programs that convert OBJ
About these formats
.OBJ
Wavefront OBJ (3D geometry)
An OBJ file is a 3D model in the Wavefront OBJ format - a plain-text list of vertices, faces, and surface normals. Open it free with Blender, the Microsoft 3D Viewer on Windows, or…
Open .OBJ 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
- 3DS truncates object names to 8 characters - rename objects to short IDs before exporting if names matter downstream.
- Each mesh object is capped at 65,535 faces; split or decimate high-polygon OBJ files in Blender or MeshLab before converting.
- Material data from the
.mtlfile does not fully transfer - diffuse color may carry over but texture paths and PBR properties are lost.
Frequently asked questions
Does Blender include the 3DS exporter by default?
.3ds) does not appear, search for "3DS" under Edit > Preferences > Add-ons and enable it.
