What is a DDS file?
DDS (DirectDraw Surface) is a raster image format developed by Microsoft, primarily used for storing textures and cubic environment maps for game engines and 3D applications.
DDS files often store data in compressed formats like S3TC (DXT1, DXT3, DXT5) or BCn, allowing GPUs to use them directly without full decompression. Our Online DDS Viewer allows you to inspect these textures without needing specialized game development tools.
How to View DDS Files Online
Upload DDS
Drag and drop your .dds file into the viewer.
Inspect Texture
View the texture map, including mipmaps if available.
Save
Convert the texture to a standard image format like PNG.
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs open DDS files?
DDS files are typically opened with game development tools, NVIDIA Texture Tools, or image editors with plugins like GIMP or Photoshop. Our online viewer lets you open them instantly in your browser.
Is DDS a lossy format?
It depends. DDS can store uncompressed data, but it is most commonly used with lossy block compression (DXT/BC) to save video memory.
Can I convert DDS to PNG?
Yes, this tool allows you to view the DDS texture and download it as a standard PNG image.