File Extension DDS

File type: DirectDraw Surface File

About the DDS file type:

If Windows cannot find the appropriate program associated with .DDS files, then your registry may have errors. Check your Windows registry for errors (includes file association errors).

The raster image format utilized by the Microsoft DirectX technology in relation to the storage of cubic environments and textures uses the DDS file extension. This format is associated with the DirectDraw Surface image that can contain either compressed or uncompressed pixel formats used for desktop wallpapers of various Microsoft Windows Operating System platforms. The DDS file format is also associated with the storage of the DXTn compressed data recognized by Graphic Processing Units and gaming consoles like the Xbox 360 and the Sony Playstation 3. The DDS file extension made its debut in the computer industry with the release of the DirectX 7.0 technology of Microsoft. With the release of the version eight, the volume texture support was added to its feature sets. Originally, this format was intended strictly for the DirectX technology. However, it eventually supported the OpenGL technology including the ARB texture compression extensions. The intent of Microsoft was to deploy the DDS file extension in combination with the Software Developer's Kit of DirectX. Its applications extend to the real time rendering of programs like 3D-based computer games. By default, majority of graphics cards have inherent support for the DXTn texture compression. With the use of the DDS technology, the use of the video card memory can be allocated for more resource extensive operation.


Detailed information for file extension DDS

Category: Raster Image File
File format: Proprietary
Open with Windows: Microsoft DirectX Texture Editor, Otaku DeskSpace, SlowView, IrfanView
Open with Linux: N/A
Drivers have the inherent ability of compressing image files on the fly primarily due to the GL_ARB_texture_compression; thereby attributing to the DDS format file the reduced usage of space that translates to faster loading. This technology also effectively limits the possibility of double degradation brought about by recompressing an already compressed image file like in the case of JPEG formats. The DDS file extension exposes this automated method to the user allowing for the correction or prevention of artifacts which may take place under an automated compression procedure. This format also allows for the emphasis on particular parts on an MIP map's image. The specific implementation of the DDS technology can be seen in the Doom 3 computer game. Under this application, the DDS file extension is utilized when executing the game under quality settings which are lower than Ultra to minimize the usage of the texture memory. For normal maps however, the DDS file extension version is used even in Medium or lesser quality settings.