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

CIA to 3DS Converter

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

Drag & drop your files here or click to upload

How to convert CIA to 3DS online

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

Upload your CIA 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 CIA into 3DS. The process usually takes just a few seconds.

Download your 3DS

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

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

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Although now outdated, 3DS files are still readable in many modern 3D tools and game engines.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

Convert from CIA

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

Convert to 3DS

Want to get a file in 3DS format? Choose the original format you’re starting with — AnyConv can quickly convert dozens of file types into 3DS.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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