Opening an LWS File

The LWS file type is primarily associated with LightWave 3D.

LWS	File extension: LWS
	File type:	3D scene

What is an LWS file?

LWS files mostly belong to LightWave 3D by NewTek. An LWS file is a 3D scene created using LightWave, a versatile 3D modelling and animation software. 3D objects in an LWS file are stored as meshes and the objects reference the LWO or LWOB LightWave object files. Other kinds of data contained in LWS files include texture, color, surfaces, reflections, camera perspective, and motion paths.

How to open LWS files

You need a suitable software like LightWave 3D from NewTek to open an LWS file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your LWS file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a LWS file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online LWS File Viewer

Choose your .lws file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to convert LWS files to OBJ, STL, PLY, 3DS, FBX, STP, ...

You can convert LWS files using our online LWS file viewer (powered by Convert.Guru):

Just click the "Choose your .lws file to view" button on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then select the 3D format (e.g. STL, OBJ, 3DS, X, X3D, STP, PLY, ...) you want.
Your file will be converted and downloaded.

LWS format details:

Why is it important to know the file format? This is the only way to find out which program to use to open the file. Each file format has a unique extension and almost always a unique signature. For example, Microsoft Word documents have the extension .docx and the signature (usually the first 3 characters in this file) PK. Frequently, however, one file extension is used by different programs for different file formats, and one file format for different file extensions. When there is a problem with a file, the first step to solving it is to determine the file format. Our evaluation of the LWS files is as follows:

The LWS file extension is not common and mainly uses a special format. The following file formats are most commonly found in LWS files:

85% of all LWS files are LightWave 3D Scene files. These files are plain text, which means they can be viewed with any text editor such as Windows Editor, Nano for Linux, and TextEdit for macOS. The files are on average 150 KB in size and range from 1 KB to 680 KB. This file type was primarily in use more than 20 years ago. The files contain the following words: LWSC, LastFrame, FrameStep 1, PreviewFrameStep 1, PreviewLastFrame, PreviewFirstFrame 0, RenderRangeArbitrary, RenderRangeType 0, CurrentFrame 0, RenderRangeObject 0, FirstFrame 1 and FramesPerSecond. Some examples of file names are ISS complete_2011.lws. These files can be linked to complete, level and walk.

All other LWS files (15%) have different formats. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your LWS file!

Technical Data for LWS File Extension

File classification:

3D Image

Related files:

lwo, iws, zip, ls, rig, hvx

Mime type:

image/x-lws

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: layFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\LightWave 3D 7\Programs\Lightwav.exe %1

ProgramID: layFile
EXEFile: F:\LightWave_3D_7.0\Programs\Lightwav.exe %1

ProgramID: layFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\LightWave [8]\Programs\Lightwav.exe %1

ProgramID: quick3D.lws
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\quick3D Geo\quick3D.exe %1

Show all 4 listings To Top

an lws 3D scene is a special file format by NewTek and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with LWS files

Associate the LWS file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open 3d scenes. Because only the current version supports the latest LWS file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the NewTek manufacturer website after an available LightWave 3D update.
To make sure that your LWS file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .LWS file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.