File Extension Database

Open DDS File

A DDS extension file is used to store a raster image saved in the DirectDraw Surface or DDS container format for short.

The DDS format can store both compressed and uncompressed pixel formats and is often used for texturing drive models for video games, its main niche market.

DDS files can also be used to store desktop backgrounds or wallpapers, be it for Windows or another compatible operating system.

The DDS format was introduced in Microsoft DirectX 7.0 to store textures and environments.

As such, various improvements to the DDS format were introduced in later versions, such as support for volume textures, texture arrays, and new texture formats.

Software for working with DDS files

How Can I Open DDS File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open DDS file is to find a DDS file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DDS file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open DDS file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as DDS file opener then try to search online for "DDS viewer", "application to open DDS file" or "open DDS file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open DDS file

How Can I Open DDS File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a DDS file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DDS file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with DDS file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as DDS file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open DDS file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open DDS file then try to search for "DDS viewer", "application to open DDS file" or "read DDS file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read DDS file

How Can I Open DDS File on Android

If you downloaded a DDS file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded DDS file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "DDS".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "DDS viewer", "DDS file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open DDS File on iPhone or iPad

To open DDS File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the DDS file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "DDS". This way you can find apps which can open DDS files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "DDS viewer" or "DDS file" online in your favorite search engine.

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