Convert COB to 3DS - 3D File Conversion For Professionals

Convert COB to 3DS

How to Convert COB to 3DS?

Discover the simplest way to turn COB into 3DS using our powerful tool:

  1. Install Autoconverter

    Download and install Autoconverter on your system. Launch the software to convert COB files to 3DS format.

  2. Import COB File

    Click Open... to load your COB (.cob, .scn) file, or drag and drop it into the application window.

  3. Export to 3DS Format

    Use Save As... to export your file to the 3DS mesh file format (*.3ds).

Still stuck on COB to 3DS conversion? Our practical guides help you complete COB files conversion successfully:


COB Caligari TrueSpace COB File Format

The COB file format was developed by Caligari Corporation for its 3D modeling and animation software, TrueSpace. COB files store complete 3D scene data including geometry, materials, textures, lights, and animation. Though TrueSpace is now discontinued, COB remains an essential format for preserving and converting legacy 3D content.

Key Features of COB Files

  • Full 3D Scene Storage: COB files encapsulate entire scenes with objects, lighting, cameras, and animation data.
  • Two Format Variants:
    • ASCII COB: Human-readable format ideal for manual inspection and debugging.
    • Binary COB: Compact format optimized for performance and faster loading times.
  • Material & Texture Support: Includes surface colors, image textures, and basic shading information.
  • Geometry Types: Supports both NURBS-based and polygon mesh 3D models for greater flexibility.

COB File Conversion Tools

Use Autoconverter and Automesher Application to import and convert COB files into modern 3D formats such as FBX, OBJ, SKP, STEP, and SAT. Our converters retain crucial data including UV mapping, materials, and mesh topology by utilizing the Open Asset Import Library (Assimp) for accurate and reliable file processing.

Note: COB files can only be imported - exporting to COB format is not supported.


3DS 3D Studio (3DS) File Format

The 3DS file format is a classic, widely-used standard for storing 3D polygonal mesh models, originally developed for Autodesk's 3D Studio. Known for its simple structure and broad compatibility, 3DS remains popular in gaming, architectural visualization, lighting design, and real-time 3D applications.

Key Features of 3DS Format

  • Broad Software Support: 3DS files are compatible with leading 3D applications like DIALux, Blender, Cinema 4D, and Unity, making it a reliable format for cross-platform 3D model exchange.
  • Efficient Data Storage: Supports hierarchical object structures, reusable geometry instances, material properties (colors, transparency, texture maps), and basic animation data.
  • Format Constraints: Due to its DOS-era origins, 3DS limits mesh names to 8 characters and restricts each mesh object to a maximum of 32,767 triangles. It does not support modern rendering features such as PBR materials or NURBS.

Convert 3DS Files Easily

Our Autoconverter and Automesher Application optimize the conversion of 3DS files by automatically partitioning large meshes to comply with format limitations. Easily import, export, and adapt 3DS models for legacy workflows, lighting simulations, or cross-platform sharing, while preserving maximum model fidelity.


COB vs 3DS - Key Differences

Feature COB 3DS
Extensions .cob, .scn .3ds
Name Caligari TrueSpace Object 3D-Studio File Format
Versions
Textures
Colors
Geometry components
Importers
Exporters

Launch Your COB into 3DS Workflow Today

Take your COB and 3DS designs to the next level - try our COB to 3DS Converter now and convert with confidence like never before.