How to Recover .3DS Files from External Storage After a Device Crash

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .3DS file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Recover .3DS Files from External Storage After a Device Crash
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .3DS file?

A 3DS file is a 3D image format used by Autodesk 3D Studio. It contains mesh data, material attributes, bitmap references, smoothing group data, viewport configurations, camera locations, and lighting information. 3DS files may also include object animation data.

What Are Common Causes of ".3DS" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes for ".3DS" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".3DS" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer or storage devices.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or improper shutdowns, can lead to corruption of ".3DS" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".3DS" files, making them inaccessible or causing data loss.
  4. Hardware failure: Hard drive failures, power surges, or other hardware issues can result in the loss or corruption of ".3DS" files.
  5. Software conflicts: Incompatibility between software applications or conflicts during file transfer processes can lead to ".3DS" file corruption or loss.
  6. Improper file handling: Mishandling ".3DS" files, such as force quitting an application or ejecting storage devices without proper procedures, can cause file corruption or loss.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or overwriting ".3DS" files, can result in data loss.
  8. Natural disasters: Fire, flood, or other natural disasters can physically damage storage devices, resulting in the loss of ".3DS" files.

It is important to regularly back up ".3DS" files to prevent loss and to use reliable data recovery software in case of any unexpected failures.

How to recover lost ".3DS" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".3DS" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".3DS" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".3DS" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".3DS" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".3DS" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".3DS" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo 3D Studio Scene image file file?

Programs that open ".3DS" files

Windows
Autodesk 3ds Max 2019 Autodesk 3ds Max 2019
IMSI TurboCAD Pro IMSI TurboCAD Pro
Trimble SketchUp Trimble SketchUp
MeshLab MeshLab
MAXON Cinema 4D MAXON Cinema 4D
pmG messiahStudio pmG messiahStudio
CADSoftTools ABViewer CADSoftTools ABViewer
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
GLC_Player GLC_Player
Mac
IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe
Trimble SketchUp Trimble SketchUp
Cheetah3D Cheetah3D
MeshLab MeshLab
MAXON Cinema 4D MAXON Cinema 4D
pmG messiahStudio pmG messiahStudio
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
GLC_Player GLC_Player
Linux
GLC_Player GLC_Player

Additional Information

  • File type: 3D Studio Scene

  • File extension: .3DS

  • Developer: Autodesk

  • Category: 3D Image Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/x-3ds

  • HEX: 4D 4D

  • ASCII: MM

  • File types that use the extension .3DS:

    • 3D Studio Scene

    • Nintendo 3DS ROM

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:03 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .3DS files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is a .3DS file format and what is its purpose?

    The .3DS file format is a proprietary 3D graphics file format used for storing three-dimensional models, scenes, and animations. It was originally developed by Autodesk for their 3D Studio software, which is now known as 3ds Max.

    The purpose of the .3DS file format is to provide a standardized way to exchange 3D data between different software applications. It can store information about the geometry, materials, textures, lighting, and animation of a 3D model. This allows users to create models in one software and then import them into another software without losing important data or having to recreate the model from scratch.

    The .3DS file format is widely supported by various 3D modeling and animation software, making it a popular choice for sharing and distributing 3D content. However, due to its proprietary nature, it may have limitations compared to more open and widely supported file formats like .OBJ or .FBX.

  • How can I open a .3DS file and view its contents?

    To open and view a .3DS file, you can use a 3D modeling software or a 3D viewer. Here are a few options:

    1. Autodesk 3ds Max: This is a professional 3D modeling and animation software that supports the .3DS file format. You can open the file by launching 3ds Max, going to the "File" menu, selecting "Open," and then choosing the .3DS file.
    2. Blender: Blender is a free and open-source 3D modeling software. You can import a .3DS file by launching Blender, going to the "File" menu, selecting "Import," and choosing the .3DS format.
    3. SketchUp: SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling software known for its user-friendly interface. While it doesn't natively support the .3DS format, you can use a plugin called "SimLab 3D PDF Exporter" to import and view .3DS files within SketchUp.
    4. Online 3D viewers: There are various online platforms that allow you to upload and view 3D models, including .3DS files. Examples include Sketchfab, Clara.io, and 3D Viewer Online. Simply visit their websites, upload your .3DS file, and you can view its contents directly in your web browser.

    Remember that the ability to view the contents of a .3DS file may vary depending on the complexity of the model and the software or viewer being used.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to access and work with .3DS files effectively?

    Yes, there are specific software and tools required to access and work with .3DS files effectively. Some popular options include:

    1. Autodesk 3ds Max: This is a professional 3D modeling and animation software that supports the .3DS file format natively. It allows you to import, edit, and export .3DS files with ease.
    2. Blender: Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite that also supports the .3DS file format. It provides a range of features for modeling, animation, rendering, and more.
    3. SketchUp: SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that has a plugin called "SimLab 3D PDF Exporter" which allows you to export .3DS files from SketchUp.
    4. Unity 3D: Unity is a popular game development engine that supports the .3DS file format. It allows you to import .3DS files and use them in your game projects.
    5. Online Converters: There are several online file conversion tools available that allow you to convert .3DS files to other formats or vice versa. These can be useful if you need to convert .3DS files for compatibility with other software.

    It's important to note that the availability and compatibility of these tools may vary depending on your operating system and specific requirements.
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