Convert LightWave 3D scenes (LWS) online for free
The converter easily converts your LWS 3D scenes to various formats - free and online. No LightWave 3D or or other 3D software needed.
To convert other file formats to the "3D Scene Setup File" file type, you need software like LightWave 3D or a similar tool.
The .LWS file is primarily a LightWave 3D Scene file created by LightWave 3D. It stores scene data, including lighting setups, camera angles, motion paths, and references to external 3D models (usually LWO files). It does not contain the actual 3D geometry, only the layout and animation instructions. Users typically open .LWS files using LightWave 3D or Blender via specific import plugins. In rare cases, an .LWS file may also act as a Jet Database file managed by the Microsoft Jet Database Engine.
The biggest disadvantage of the .LWS format is its proprietary nature and lack of modern compatibility. It requires expensive, specialized software to render. Because it relies on external object files (LWO), sharing an .LWS file often results in broken links and missing assets. It is completely unsupported by modern web browsers and dominant game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. To use your 3D scene in modern workflows, you must convert it. For game engines and general 3D editing, convert to FBX. For web-based viewing, convert to GLTF or GLB. For basic geometry transfer across software, convert to OBJ (though you will lose animation data). Drag and drop your file here to analyze and convert it - free, online, and without installing software.
Use Convert.Guru to open and convert your LWS file.
Users also converted LWO, JPG, LS, RIG and HVX files.
If you want to convert LWS file to DAE, MAX, BLEND, MA, MB, C4D or WRL, you can use LightWave 3D or similar software from the "3D Scene Layout Storage" category. In the File menu, look for Save As… or Export….
To convert DWG, DAE, X3D, IGES, WRL, JT, SKP, 3DS, 3DM, OBJ, STEP or FBX files to LWS, try LightWave 3D or another comparable tool in the "3D Scene Layout Storage" category.
The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our LWS converter.