3WS File Extension

What is 3WS file?

3WS is a file extension commonly associated with CityEngine Web Scene files. CityEngine Web Scene format was developed by Esri. 3WS file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. 3WS file belongs to the 3D Image Files category just like 622 other filename extensions listed in our database. The software recommended for managing 3WS files is CityEngine. CityEngine software was developed by Esri, and on its official website you may find more information about 3WS files or the CityEngine software program.

Programs which support 3WS file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support 3WS files. Files with 3WS extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with 3WS extension?

Problems with accessing 3WS may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to CityEngine Web Scene files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install CityEngine software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening 3WS files is that no program that can handle 3WS files is installed on user’s system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install CityEngine. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading CityEngine installed is by going to developer’s website (Esri) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update CityEngine to the latest version

If you already have CityEngine installed on your systems and 3WS files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why 3WS files are not compatible with CityEngine. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using CityEngine.

Step 3. Set the default application to open 3WS files to CityEngine

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate 3WS files with latest version of CityEngine you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the 3WS with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the CityEngine installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open 3WS files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the 3WS file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select CityEngine and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with 3WS extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the 3WS is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the 3WS file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the 3WS file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the 3WS is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the 3WS file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the 3WS file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the 3WS file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with 3WS extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the CityEngine Web Scene file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run CityEngine

If the systems has insufficient resources to open 3WS files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with CityEngine Web Scene files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with 3WS files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the 3WS file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on 3WS file.