Many times we only need to view a 3DS file and we don't have a tool on our computer for this format, so we end up opening a 3D rendering program that takes a long time to load and consumes system resources. And that's not all! Many users don't even have these rendering programs on their machines. For this reason we are going to present free 3DS file viewers.
With these platforms you can quickly view 3DS files from any side and angle. You also have the option to change the rendering mode, add lighting, and even export the 3DS file to HTML and 3D XML.
Ad3sViewer
Ad3sViewer is a free 3DS file viewer program for Windows. The platform offers you the ability to view the file from multiple angles (six camera directions), interact with the object using the mouse cursor, and take screenshots of the different planes. After viewing it, you can export it in JPG or PNG format. Or convert the 3DS file to HTML5 (WebGL, three.js) or POV-Ray.
GLC Player
GLC Player is a powerful 3DS file viewer that supports the following formats: 3DS, 3DXML, COFF, COLLADA, OBJ, OFF, and STL. When you open the program interface, you will see that it is divided into three sections. On one side you will have a preview in the center, the camera angle properties on the right, and the 3D files on the left. If you wish, you can export the file in HTML and 3D XML format.
LynX 3d Viewer
LynX 3d Viewer is another very good 3D file viewer, free for Windows. When you start the program, two windows will open: one contains the display controls and the other shows the 3DS file. The environment has two display modes (Solid and Wireframe). You can also select between different lighting and shading modes. The platform saves the file in 3D XML format.
Teapot Viewer
Teapot Viewer is one of the simplest programs for viewing 3DS files that supports the following formats: OBJ, 3DS, SKP, DAE, IGES, BREP, IV, VRML, etc. You can view the file in any of the following modes: Wireframe, Lighting, and Shadow, and view it in perspective or orthographic cameras.
Frog3d
Frog3d is another simple program for viewing 3DS files. Its interface is very basic and direct. At the top you will find the toolbar. There you can hide or show the grid and combine two 3DS files for viewing.
With the five programs for viewing 3DS files, you will have more powerful and simpler options to view a 3DS file, without having to open those heavy rendering programs.