DDS File Extension

What is DDS file?

DDS file format (short for DirectDraw Surface) contains raster images used by DirectX. Standard DDS file holds textures, backgrounds, wallpapers, models and texture maps for computer games.

DDS format compression method

DDS format can use compression to sacrifice quality for reduce file size, but it is fully optional. The format sues S3 Texture Compression algorithm. DDS file data can easily be decompressed and rendered using standard DirectX library functions and commands.

DDS format applications

DDS file format was created for real-time rendering software applications, such as computer games. DDS raster file usage in computer games makes games more appealing to the player. DDS files also reduce the memory usage of DirectX-compliant GPUs.

DDS format origins

DDS format was created along with DirectX 7.0 standard. Each newer DirectX version added further improvements – DirectX 8.0 added support for volume textures., Direct3D 10 added texture arrays, and Direct3D 11 introduced a new texture standard, Direct3D.

Programs which support DDS file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with DDS files, divided into 4 categories based on operating system on which they are available. DDS files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 01/04/2020

How to open file with DDS extension?

Being unable to open files with DDS extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with DDS files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with DDS files.

Step 1. Get the NVIDIA Texture Tools

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports DDS files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install NVIDIA Texture Tools or one to the listed programs: XnView, NVIDIA DDS Thumbnail Viewer, Paint.NET. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download NVIDIA Texture Tools installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of NVIDIA Texture Tools and update if needed

If the problems with opening DDS files still occur even after installing NVIDIA Texture Tools, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of NVIDIA Texture Tools is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of NVIDIA Texture Tools installed, it may not support DDS format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using NVIDIA Texture Tools.

Step 3. Assign NVIDIA Texture Tools to DDS files

If you have the latest version of NVIDIA Texture Tools installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage DDS on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the DDS file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where NVIDIA Texture Tools is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open DDS files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with DDS extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with DDS extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the DDS is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the DDS file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the DDS in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the DDS file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the DDS file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the DDS file’s structure is intact

If the DDS file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with DDS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the DirectDraw Surface file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run NVIDIA Texture Tools

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support DDS files. Close all running programs and try opening the DDS file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with DirectDraw Surface file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle DDS files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the DDS 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 DDS file.