Open DDS File

A DDS extension file is used to store a raster image saved in the DirectDraw Surface or DDS container format for short.

The DDS format can store both compressed and uncompressed pixel formats and is often used for texturing drive models for video games, its main niche market.

DDS files can also be used to store desktop backgrounds or wallpapers, be it for Windows or another compatible operating system.

The DDS format was introduced in Microsoft DirectX 7.0 to store textures and environments.

As such, various improvements to the DDS format were introduced in later versions, such as support for volume textures, texture arrays, and new texture formats.

Software for working with DDS files

How to open DDS files

Typical DDS application file locations:

  • "f:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft DirectX SDK (June 2010)\Utilities\Bin\x86\DXTex.exe" "%1"

Frequently used application names to open DDS files:

Frequently associated Windows objects:

  • DirectX.DDS.Document

Related extensions