Convert 3DS to CIA Online — Free & Fast | AnyConv

3DS to CIA Converter

Quickly convert multiple 3ds files to cia — free & online.

Drag & drop your files here or click to upload

How to convert 3DS to CIA online

Follow these simple steps to convert 3ds files to cia using AnyConv. It works on all devices — Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android.

Upload your 3DS file

Drag & drop your file into the upload area. You can also click to select it manually. Max file size: 100 MB.

Start converting

Hit the “Convert” button to turn your 3DS into CIA. The process usually takes just a few seconds.

Download your CIA

Once ready, download your converted file instantly. The download link is private and only works on your device.

What is a 3DS file?

3DS is a legacy 3D file format developed by Autodesk for its old 3D Studio DOS-based program. It stores geometry, textures, lighting, and animation data, and was one of the earliest widely supported formats in 3D graphics.

Although now outdated, 3DS files are still readable in many modern 3D tools and game engines. They are often converted to more modern formats like FBX or OBJ for continued use.

How to open 3DS files

3DS files are supported by many 3D modeling programs, including Autodesk 3ds Max, Blender, and SketchUp. While it's an older format, many modern tools can still read or convert it.

Use AnyConv to convert 3DS files to OBJ, FBX, or STL for improved compatibility with newer software.

Key facts about 3DS

  • Full name: 3D Studio Mesh
  • Extension: .3ds
  • MIME type: application/x-3ds
  • Developed by: Autodesk
  • Initial release: 1990

Useful links and resources

What is a CIA file?

CIA (CTR Importable Archive) is a file format used by Nintendo 3DS systems to install games, updates, and downloadable content. It contains encrypted data intended for use only on authorized 3DS consoles.

These files are commonly used with modded or homebrew-enabled 3DS systems and emulators like Citra for installing or backing up games.

How to open CIA files

CIA files are used with Nintendo 3DS systems and emulators like Citra. They require a modded 3DS or compatible software environment for installation and use.

To explore or extract CIA contents, specialized tools or emulators are needed, though AnyConv can convert them to extract files when supported.

Key facts about CIA

  • Full name: CTR Importable Archive
  • Extension: .cia
  • MIME type: application/x-ctr-importable-archive
  • Developed by: Nintendo
  • Initial release: 2011

Useful links and resources

Convert from 3DS

Need to change your 3DS files to a different format? Below are all the available tools to help you turn 3DS into the format you need.

Convert to CIA

Want to get a file in CIA format? Choose the original format you’re starting with — AnyConv can quickly convert dozens of file types into CIA.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about converting 3DS to CIA
  • Do I need to register to convert 3DS files?
    Not at all! You can convert 3DS to CIA without signing up or installing anything.
  • Is it safe to convert 3DS to CIA on AnyConv?
    Absolutely. All 3DS and CIA files are securely handled and automatically deleted after 1 hour. Nobody can access your data.
  • Will the quality change after converting 3DS to CIA?
    We do our best to preserve the original quality during 3DS to CIA conversion. The result is accurate and clean.
  • How long does it take to convert 3DS to CIA?
    Most conversions from 3DS to CIA take just a few seconds — even for larger files.
  • Can I upload more than one 3DS file?
    Yes, batch conversion is supported. You can convert multiple 3DS files to CIA at once — fast and easy.
  • What browsers support 3DS to CIA conversion?
    All modern browsers! Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — AnyConv runs online and supports converting 3DS to CIA on any platform.