Free Online DDS Converter

Use our free DDS file converter to seamlessly convert your DDS image files to other image file formats with no loss in quality. You can also convert your images to a variety of 3D model formats using our heightmap or extrude process. Our DDS conversion tool can batch convert up to 20 files at a time.

Select File(s)

Drag and drop your files here to upload or click the button above.
A maximum of 20 files can be converted at once.

Please note: Your DDS file file, when uploaded to our server, will be deleted 15 minutes after upload. Please download your converted DDS file file before this time.
Our DDS conversion tool supports converting to the following file types: BMP, JPG, PNG

Our DDS converter will convert all the pixel data from your DDS file to another image format, and where possible, there will be no loss of detail. We also offer a range of image processing options that can be accessed via the button after you have selected your DDS file. We have options to resize and rotate your image and a host of color adjustment options to choose from.

DDS file information

Full Name	DirectDraw Surface
Extension	DDS
Type	Image
Mime Type	image/vnd-ms.dds
Format	Binary

DDS files are the native image file format used by Microsoft's Direct X gaming API, which was originally developed in the early 2000s as a means for game developers to store texture images in a standard format that are used in 3D game worlds.

The format was enhanced over the years to add lossy and lossless compression and other features applicable to 3D game development. The format has gained some modest support within image editing applications over the years; however, specialist image viewing software is needed to open and display DDS files on many devices.

Uses

The primary use for DDS files is in the realm of videogames, in particular those that run on Microsoft Windows-based machines such as PCs. DDS files are used to store imagery that is applied as textured materials to the surfaces of objects within 3D worlds; they can also be used in 2D applications.

Palette and Transparency Support

A DDS file supports both a 256-color palette mode and full-color 24-bit color. When using the palleted mode, the 256 colors chosen can be any color from the full 16.7 million possible colors. Transparency is also supported, with this capability being essential when using DDS files for 2D applications.

Compression Technology

The DDS format supports both lossy and lossless compression techniques, including the S3 Texture Compression (S3TC), which can be natively decompressed on PC graphics cards (GPU's).

Popular DDS Converter Tools

Image

DDS to BMP

DDS to JPG

DDS to PNG

How to Convert your DDS file Online?

Here are 3 simple steps to convert your DDS file using our free DDS file file conversion tool.

Upload your DDS file

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

Select file type

Select the file type to convert your DDS file to using the list of available types.

Download your file

Click the download link to get your converted file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to use the DDS file conversion tools?

Yes, there is no cost to using our conversion tools.

Are there any DDS file conversion limits?

At this time, we do not have any usage limits other than the maximum of 20 file uploads per conversion run.

How long do I need to wait for my converted file to be completed?

The size of your DDS file will affect processing times, so please allow for this. For smaller files of around 5MB, our tools will aim to have it completed within a few seconds.

How is my DDS file converted, whats involved?

When you upload your file to our site, we use a set of bespoke conversion components to, as accurately as possible, convert your file to the requested format. When the conversion is complete you will see a download link with which to retrieve your converted file.