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Convert Your 3D Mesh/Model 3DS Files to STEP

Our free and fast tool will convert most 3D mesh or 3DS (3D Studio Mesh) model files to a standard STEP (STEP-File) file that can then be edited further in most popular 3D editing packages such as Blender or 3D printed without any further processing. Our conversion tool can also batch convert multiple 3DS files; up to 25 files at a time can be converted.

To convert your 3DS file, click the Upload button above and select the file to convert. Once selected, the file will be converted to a STEP file and will be ready for download shortly afterwards. For more information about the 3DS to STEP conversion process, see the conversion information section below.

How to Convert your 3DS to STEP Online?

Here are two simple steps to convert your 3DS to STEP.

Upload a 3DS

Click the "Upload a 3DS File" button and select a 3DS to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your STEP

Click the download link once completed to receive your STEP file.

File Format Information for 3DS to STEP

Extension3DS
Full Name3D Studio Mesh
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatBinary
Tools3DS Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create 3DS Animation, 3DS Asset Extractor, 3DS Viewer
Open WithMeshLab

Description

The 3DS format has been a standard 3D format for many years. It has been the native file format for Autodesk's 3D Studio since the days of Microsoft's MS DOS. The age of the format began to show its limitations many years ago and was replaced by Autodesk when 3D Studio Max was launched.

There are, however, still many 3D model files circulating in the 3DS format, and these can be easily converted using our 3DS conversion tools. Some of the limitations of the 3DS file format include: texture names are limited to DOS 8.3 filenames; the maximum number of vertices allowed in the 3D mesh is capped at 65536; and there is no support for directional lighting.

3DS Notes

Currently, our tool supports limited importing of materials and color information from your 3DS file.

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry

Unsupported Features

  • Materials
  • Textures
ExtensionSTEP
Full NameSTEP-File
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatBinary
ToolsSTEP Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create STEP Animation, Text to STEP, STEP Viewer
Open WithCAD Assistant

Description

The STEP file format is a 3D format defined in 1994 and used to store 3D objects for use in computer-aided design (CAD) applications. STEP files are text-based, formatted files containing one command per line, with a full 3D model comprising of many commands.

Although STEP files are widely supported by most CAD applications, the format does have its limitations, such as the necessity to read the complete file into memory in order to parse the contents, and due to the textual storage of information, the files can be quite large and time-consuming to process.

Comparing 3DS and STEP Features

 

3DS Features

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

STEP Features

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

How does it work?

Converting from the 3DS file format to STEP can be a complex process, and any tool used for this conversion process needs to be able to handle a variety of data conversion tasks as well as identify any defects within the 3D model and fix them. Here we will explain the conversion process used by our tool to accurately convert your 3DS file to a valid STEP 3D model. Let's start with the conversion process, which involves the following steps:

Step 1: Read the Source 3DS File

In its simplest form, an 3DS file is a binary data file containing 3D data such as vertices, faces, normals, and more. When combined, these make up the 3D model you see on your screen.

For more information regarding the 3DS file format, please see this great article that goes into a lot of detail explaining the 3DS format.

Step 2: Process File Data

With the 3DS file data read, our tool generates an internal representation of the full 3D model and will attempt to fix any geometry issues encountered. Along with repairing any issues with the 3D model, the tool will remove any duplicated vertices and prepare the model for exporting to the STEP format.

Step 3: Saving to the STEP Format

With the conversion process entering its final stages, our tool now needs to take the in-memory 3D model we have created in step 2 and convert it to the STEP format.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert my 3DS file to STEP?

First click the "Upload..." button, select your 3DS file to upload. Select any configuration options. When the 3DS to STEP conversion has completed, you can download your STEP file straight away.

How long does it take to convert my 3DS to STEP?

We aim to process all 3DS to STEP conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds but can be more for larger more complex files so please be patient.

How accurate is the 3DS to STEP conversion?

We aim to create the most accurate conversions with our tools. Our tools are under constant development with new features and improvements being added every week.

Is it safe to convert my 3DS to STEP on ImageToStl.com?

Yes, of course! We do not store the 3DS file you submit to us. The resulting STEP file, once created is deleted 15 minutes after upload and the download link will expire after this time.

Do I need a high-spec. computer to use the 3DS to STEP converter?

No. All our conversion tools process your 3DS file on our dedicated conversion servers, meaning you can use our tools on low-spec computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices and receive your converted STEP file quickly.

Can I convert my 3DS to STEP on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS or Mac OS?

Yes! Our 3DS to STEP tool will run on any system with a modern web browser. No specialist software is needed to run any of our conversion tools.

What if I am using an Ad Blocker, will that affect things?

Yes. Although you can use an Ad Blocker, if you like our 3DS conversion tool please consider white-listing our site. When an Ad Blocker is enabled there are some conversion limits on some of our tools and processing/conversion times will be longer.

Can I get support with converting my 3DS to STEP?

Yes. When you have converted your 3DS to STEP, there is a "Feedback" option that you can use to let us know of any issues you encountered when converting your file.

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