The 3DS format is a legacy Autodesk 3ds Max format, still widely used in architecture and modeling for its broad compatibility. Converting 3DS to USDZ lets you view your 3D models in augmented reality directly on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro.
Launch Eyemesh and open your 3DS file: drag and drop the file into the window, or use File > Open (Cmd+O). If the model uses textures, place them in the same folder as the .3ds file and open the full folder.
Inspect your model in the 3D view. Check that textures and materials display correctly. If textures are missing, use the Texture Manager to reassign them manually.
Click the export icon in the toolbar, select the USDZ format, choose a save location, and confirm. The USDZ file is ready — you can send it via AirDrop to an iPhone or embed it on a website.
3DS is the historical format of Autodesk 3ds Max. Although old, it remains popular in architecture, interior design, and modeling. It stores geometry, materials, and texture information. Limitations include a maximum of 65,536 vertices per mesh and no support for complex animations.
USDZ is a 3D archive format developed by Apple in collaboration with Pixar. It packages a USD file with all its textures into a single uncompressed file. It is natively supported by iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS for augmented reality display via AR Quick Look.
Download Eyemesh on the Mac App Store and convert your 3DS files to USDZ in just a few clicks.