File extension .DDS
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| DirectDraw Surface Format | Microsoft | Raster Image Files |
The DDS (DirectDraw Surface) .DDS file extension is a raster graphics file format created by Microsoft for storing data textures used by DirectX applications such as games, as well as non-graphical textures for things like sound and texture of fonts. The format supports lossless compression and can store images up to 4 GB in size, supporting 8, 16 and 32-bits per pixel of RGB or RGBA color. The format also stores audio data, which can be compressed using DirectSound compression.
File Format
The DDS .DDS files can be edited using image editing tools such as Photoshop, GIMP or any professional raster graphics editor. They can also be opened by the Microsoft Windows Imaging Components (WIC) library and programs like IrfanView, FastStone Image Viewer, and ImageMagick, while they can be converted to other formats with tools such as Image Converter Plus. Similar file extensions include .BMP, .DIB, .GIF, .JPG, .TIF, and .PNG.
Compression and Encoding
The DDS format supports several types of lossy and lossless compression. These include the following encodings: Ericsson Texture Compression (ETC), Block Compression 3 (BC3), S3 Texture Compression (S3TC), DXT5nm, DXT5n,, DXT2, DXT1, DXT3, ATITC UnsignedR11EAC, UASTC4x4, UASTC8x8. It also supports alpha channel encoding techniques such as Postprocess Alpha map tinting (PAM), Alpha Posterization (Perceptual Diffusion Dithering, PPMDDinary sum Extunction Adaptive Masking) and Postprocess Only Alpha.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .DDS) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .DDS extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .DDS file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .DDS extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .DDS extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .DDS file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .DDS file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .DDS file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .DDS file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .DDS file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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