What is DDS File Extension and How to open DDS Files?
What is a DDS File?
DDS files (DirectDraw Surface files) used to store raster images. Microsoft DirectX uses DDS files for its work and can store both compressed and non-compressed file formats in it. DDS files are widely used to store DXTn data files which are compressed files and even textures and environment maps that are used in gaming apps are also saved in this file format. These files can help in improving the gameplay experience of a user and we can also store desktop backgrounds of our Windows in it. DDS file format was introduced in Microsoft DirectX 7.0 and now let’s talk about the methods that we can use to open a file with DDS file extension.
Ways to open DDS File
Double-click on the DDS file and it will open if you have a pre-install application to open the file. If your file doesn’t open then you have to install some software in your system. Below are some programs that you can install on your system:-
1. Windows- You can get File Viewer Plus from Microsoft, Windows Texture Viewer, XnView MP, IrfanView with IrfanView Formats plugin, dotPDN paint.net, GIMP with DDS plugin, and Adobe Photoshop with NVIDIA DDS plugin.
2. Mac-There is only one program for Mac i.e. XnView MP.
3. Linux- There is only one program for Linux i.e. XnView MP.
4. Android- For android, you can go with File Viewer.
If you want to know about other programs that can open as well as can convert DDS files then you can try on DirectX by Microsoft Corporation and Battlefield 1942 by Electronic Arts, Inc., FPS Creator by The Game Creator Ltd., INMOS Transputer Development System Occam Compiler Descriptor, Orbiter by Martin Schweiger, Photoshop by Adobe Systems Incorporated and XMap by Delorme.
Conclusion
This article provides you in-depth information about the DDS file and the methods to open it, if you still have any issue related to the DDS file or any other file extension like Dll file extension, .XPS file extension then just ping us and we will be happy to help you out.