How to open and edit DDS files in Windows 11/10

Although the DDS (Direct Draw to Surface) format is not a widely used image format, you may occasionally come across DDS files. The DDS format is an image or bitmap file created specifically for use with DirectDraw Surface (DDS). Microsoft developed this format for use in 3D games and other applications that require high-quality 2D graphics.

It is a raster image (containing compressed and decompressed pixels) saved in the DDS format, which is a common graphic on computer screens. These image files are primarily used to store digital pictures, often associated with the 3D games mentioned above. This was introduced by Microsoft with DirectX 7.0.

So, if you come across a DDS file and can't view it on your Windows 10 PC, this tutorial will guide you through the process and even show you how to convert it to PNG format. Let’s see how:

How to open DDS files in Windows 10

There are several image editors available online that can help you open DDS files on Windows 10 PC. Some of them are free image editors that still do a good job. Here is a quick list of some free image editors that can help you open DDS files in Windows 10:

NVIDIA Windows Texture Viewer

If you are looking for tools that can help you open DDS files for free free image editor, then NVIDIA Windows Texture Viewer is one of the best tools to choose from. Follow the instructions below to open DDS files on Windows 10 PC:

Step 1: Visit the following official download page to download the Windows Texture Viewer tool:

NVIDIA Windows Texture Viewer

Step 2: After downloading the .rar installation file, open the zip folder and extract it to your desktop.

Step 3: Go to your desktop and double-click the WTV folder to open its contents.

Step 3: Now, double-click on the WTF.exe file to open the tool.

Next, navigate to the File tab in the upper left corner of the application and select Open... (O).

Step 4: From the Open File window, select the DDS format file.

Your DDS file is now open in the image viewer and you can view the image clearly.

DDS Viewer

DDS Viewer is another free image viewer that helps you open and view DDS files easily. Here's how to download and install the program to open a DDS file:

Step 1: Click on the following link to visit the DDS Viewer download page:

Download DDS Viewer

Second Step: Next, click Open Settings File.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the program's installation.

Step 3: Now, go to your desktop and double-click on the application icon to launch the DDS Viewer application.

Step 4: It will open the File Explorer window where you can select the location to save the DDS file.

For example, the DDS file on my PC is saved on the desktop, so I navigate to the desktop and select the file.

Click to open.

The selected DDS file is now open in the DDS Viewer tool and you should now be able to see it.

How to Edit DDS Files in Windows 10

However, if you wish to open and edit DDS files at the same time, you will need a separate program or one specifically designed for programs like Adobe Photoshop plugin. Here are some such apps that help you open and even edit DDS files on Windows 10 PC for free:

GIMP

GIMP is a free and open source image editor that helps you open , view and even edit most major formats, including DDS files. While you can take advantage of the many customization options this program offers, you also have the option of installing 3rd party plugins from the range. Additionally, it is available as a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop. Here’s how to install it and use it to edit DDS files in Windows 10:

Step 1: Visit the following link to download the GIMP tool:

Download GMP Image Editor

Step 2: Next, you can choose to download the file via BitTorrent or directly.

Now, click to open the settings file.

Step 3: You will now see a prompt - Select Installer installation mode.

Click Install for all users to continue the installation.

Step 4: At the Select Setup Language prompt, select the language from the drop-down menu and press OK.

Step 5: Press "Install" on the next window and wait until the program is installed.

Step 6: After installation, launch the GIMP application.

Step 7: Go to the File tab in the upper left corner of the GIMP application and select Open.

Step 8: In the File Explorer window, go to the location where you saved the DDS file, select it and click the Open button below.

This will open the DS file in the GIMP application and you can now continue editing the file using the different customization options available in the tool.

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop needs no separate introduction, especially when it comes to editing files. As a bonus, it also helps you open, view, and even DDS files smoothly and efficiently. However, to access Adobe Photoshop tools, you need to install NVIDIA Texture Tools as a plug-in. Here’s how to install and add NVIDIA Texture Tools as a plugin for Photoshop and edit your DDS files flawlessly:

*Note – In order to be able to download NVIDIA Texture Tools, you must be registered with NVIDIA Development plan. It's free and quick to install.

Step 1: Click the link below to download the NVIDIA Texture Tool for Adobe Photoshop:

Download the NVIDIA Texture Tool Plug-in

Step 2: After downloading , double-click the settings file to run the program.

Step 3: Next, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

It is now added to Photoshop as a plug-in.

Step 4: Now, launch the Adobe Photoshop application, navigate to the File tab, and click Open.

Step 5: Find your DDS file in a File Explorer window, select it and press Open.

It will now appear in the Adobe Photoshop application. You can now continue editing the DDS file using the NVIDIA Texture Tools plug-in.

How to Convert DDS File to PNG Format in Windows 10

Instead of opening the DDS file, you may want to convert it to a more familiar format, such as PNG format, as it is easier s Choice. In fact, you may also want to convert the image to some other format that you feel comfortable with. Follow the instructions below to convert DDS files to PNG format or any other format on your Windows 10 PC:

Step 1: Click on the following link to visit the AConvert website to convert DDS files to PNG format:

Convert DDS File to PNG

Step 2: Now, scroll down a little and under DDS to PNG - Convert Images Online section, click on Choose File to select the file from your PC.

Select the target format (for example, PNG in this case), image quality (if you prefer), and image size in the Resize image file.

Press Convert Now!

It will convert within seconds. Now, go to the "Conversion Results" field and click on the download icon next to the file under the "Action" column.

*Note – You can also convert it to any other format by selecting the desired format in the Target format field.

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