The .3ds file extension is a file format associated with the original Autodesk 3D Studio DOS program (later replaced by 3D Studio Max). It's a binary file format primarily used for storing 3D models, scene information, and related data. While considered an older format, it remains widely supported due to its historical significance and relative simplicity. The .3ds file stores mesh data, material properties (like color, texture, and reflectivity), lighting information, and camera positions. It does not typically store animation data directly, although some applications might extend its functionality to include basic animation information. Because of its age, the .3ds format has limitations in terms of the complexity of models and scenes it can represent compared to newer formats. It's often used as an interchange format between different 3D modeling and rendering applications, acting as a common denominator for transferring basic 3D geometry and appearance data. It's important to note that the .3ds format has been largely superseded by more advanced formats like .fbx and .obj, which offer greater flexibility and support for more complex features.