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Convert your DDS file to STL

to

Use our free and fast online tool to convert your DDS (DirectDraw Surface) image or logo into 3D STL (Standard Triangle Language) mesh/model files suitable for printing with a 3D printer or for loading into your favorite 3D editing package.

How to Convert your DDS to STL Online?

Here are three simple steps to create an STL file from a DDS file.

Upload a DDS

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

Select your Options

Set the dimensions and other options, and click the "Convert to STL" button to convert your DDS to STL.

Download your STL

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert my DDS file to STL?

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

How long does it take to convert my DDS to STL?

We aim to process all DDS to STL 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 DDS to STL 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 DDS to STL on ImageToStl.com?

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

Can I convert DDS to STL on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS or Mac OS?

Yes! Our DDS to STL 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 DDS 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.

What is the maximum DDS image resolution I can upload?

The DDS image you upload can be any size, however our tool will resize it to a maximum of 800x800 pixels for normal users and for premium subscription holders this is increased to a maximum of 1200x1200 pixels.

What STL formats can I convert to?

Our tool will save all STL files in binary format. Optionally, our tool will allow you to save to the non-standard color STL format.

Comparing DDS and STL Features

 

DDS Features

  • Supports Lossy Compression
  • Supports Non Lossy Compression
  • Supports Transparency
  • Supports Color Palettes
  • Supports Monochrome (1-Bit)
  • Supports 16 Colors (4-Bit)
  • Supports 256 Colors (8-Bit)
  • Supports 16 Million Colors (24-Bit)

STL 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

File Format Information for DDS to STL

ExtensionDDS
Full NameDirectDraw Surface
TypeImage
Mime Typeimage/vnd-ms.dds
FormatBinary
ToolsDDS Converters, Create Cookie Cutter, DDS Viewer
Open WithPaint.NET

Description

The DDS file format was introduced by Microsoft in 1999 and intended to be its standard image format for the DirectX 7 3D graphics API. The format is used to store textures for use within 3D graphics and game environments and can be compressed or uncompressed.

The compression algorithm used by DDS was the previously proprietary S3 texture compression, which could reduce the image file size and was easy for the GPU to decompress in real-time. The format is still used, and there are some third-party image editors that are compatible with it.

ExtensionSTL
Full NameStandard Triangle Language
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/vnd.ms-pki.stl
FormatText & Binary
ToolsSTL Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create STL Animation, Compress STL, Text to STL, STL Viewer
Open WithBlender, Daz Studio, MeshLab, CAD Assistant

Description

The STL file format has its roots in the 1980's and is the native file format for 3D Systems stereolithography CAD software. The format defines a triangulated mesh with vertices and faces and is a popular format for sharing 3D printable model files.

There were several formats that attempted to extend the STL format, namely SolidView and VisCAM, whose formats included limited 15-bit color information for each mesh face, which is often ignored by most modern 3D software. The STL format can be either text or binary; our tools will support both formats.

STL Notes

The standard STL file format does not support colored faces, vertices, or texture information. The STL file generated by the tool will contain only raw mesh/triangle data by default, which is perfect for 3D printing.

The tool also has the option to save the file to one of the non-standard formats that support colored faces, such as VisCAM and SolidView which is perfect if you want to further process the STL in software that supports these formats.

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry
  • Face colors via the VisCAM and SolidView formats
  • Binary and text versions are supported

Converting Your DDS File for 3D Printing

Software used to prepare a 3D model file for printing, which is also known as 3D slicer software, cannot directly 3D print image files such as DDS. This is due to the fact that slicing software is designed for use with 3D models rather than flat 2D images.

A Pokémon coin image in grayscale

A Pokémon coin image in grayscale

The Pokémon coin extruded to a 3D STL model

The Pokémon coin extruded to a 3D STL model

The 3D printed Pokémon coin

The 3D printed Pokémon coin

Slicer software can, however, handle files formatted to the STL standard. This is because the STL format was specifically designed as a medium of storage and exchange for 3D printable models. Our DDS to STL conversion tool will first create either a heightmap or an extruded 3D model from your DDS image file. This 3D model can then be loaded into your slicer software and sent to your 3D printer for printing.

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