.122 — Autodesk 3D Studio 3D World (3D Studio DOS)

Autodesk · 1990

Developer

Autodesk

Key Features

Stores 3D model geometry and scene data.
Native format for early 3D Studio DOS versions.
Includes information on materials and basic lighting.
Limited compatibility with modern 3D software.

Best For

Maintaining compatibility with very old 3D Studio DOS projects.
Understanding the evolution of 3D file formats.
Specific niche archival purposes related to early 3D graphics.

Less Ideal For

Modern 3D modeling and rendering workflows.
Sharing 3D assets between different contemporary software packages.
Animation and complex scene setups.
Projects requiring advanced material or lighting features.

Common Use Cases

Archiving older 3D projects from 3D Studio DOS.
Historical data retrieval for 3D Studio DOS.
Restoring or viewing 3D models from legacy software.

How to Open It

Attempt to import into modern 3D modeling software like Blender, 3ds Max, or Maya; conversion may be required.
Look for specialized legacy software viewers or emulators if direct import fails.
Use online file conversion tools that might support older 3D formats, though success is not guaranteed.

What is a .122 file?

The .122 file extension is historically associated with Autodesk's 3D Studio software, specifically its DOS-based versions. This format was used to store 3D models and scenes created within the application. While groundbreaking for its time, it has largely been superseded by more modern and feature-rich 3D file formats. Its primary function was to serve as a native container for project data, including geometry, materials, and lighting setups.

Programs That Open .122 Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Autodesk 3ds Max	Paid	Official

How to Convert .122 Files

Format	Method
.3DS	Autodesk 3ds Max (import and export)
.OBJ	Autodesk 3ds Max (import and export)
.FBX	Autodesk 3ds Max (import and export)

Common Problems with .122 Files

⚠️ File cannot be opened in modern 3D software.

Use Autodesk 3ds Max or a specialized converter. If importing into 3ds Max, you might need to first import it into an older version of 3D Studio (if available and runnable) and then export it to a more compatible format like .3ds or .obj.

⚠️ Data corruption or loss during conversion.

Ensure you are using reliable conversion software. Always keep a backup of the original .122 file before attempting any conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .122 a widely used 3D format today?▼

No, the .122 format is considered legacy and is primarily encountered when dealing with very old 3D projects from the early days of Autodesk's 3D Studio DOS.

Can I open .122 files on a Mac or Linux system easily?▼

Direct support is rare on macOS and Linux. You would likely need to use a virtual machine running Windows with compatible software or find a cross-platform converter.

Technical Details

The .122 file format is a binary format containing 3D scene data. It stores information about vertices, faces, materials, textures, and lighting. Unlike modern formats, it lacks support for advanced features like animation rigging or complex shaders, reflecting the capabilities of the software it originated from.

Did You Know?

The .122 format was the native format for 3D Studio Release 4, a popular DOS-based 3D modeling software.

Its limited capabilities reflect the hardware and software constraints of personal computers in the early 1990s.

Security Information

As a legacy 3D model format, .122 files are generally not associated with malware. However, always exercise caution when opening files from unknown sources and ensure your anti-virus software is up-to-date.