.lws File Extension
.lws files contain, which applications open them, and how Poly supports them. File extension details for .lws
Partial Support| File type | LightWave scene |
|---|---|
| MIME type | |
| Encoding | Text scene description with paths and scene settings |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Opens with | LightWave 3D, LightWave Layout |
| Poly support | Partial. Poly recognizes .lws as 3D content and processes supported files. |
| Indexed by Poly | Yes. Poly indexes filenames and visual similarity for processed geometry; scene counts are displayed in Details. |
| Preview in Poly | Partial. Poly provides an interactive 3D preview for supported constructs. |
| Poly agent | Yes. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files. |
What kind of file is .lws?
LWS is LightWave's scene format. A scene can refer to objects, images, lights, cameras, motion, and render settings. LightWave documents content-directory and object-directory comments in LWS files when custom paths are used.1 Version changes can affect compatibility: LightWave notes that newer scene features may require exporting to an earlier LWS version for older releases.2
How do I open a .lws file?
LightWave 3D is the most reliable first choice for LightWave scene files. Other applications may import the format or a subset of its features. Scene files often depend on sibling objects, images, materials, or animation resources; keep the original project structure available when opening one.
Poly support for .lws
Poly recognizes .lws as 3D content and indexes filenames and visual similarity for processed geometry. Scene counts are displayed in the Details panel. It can provide an interactive preview when the file imports successfully. Poly does not promise to resolve every external asset reference from a scene or project.
An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files.
Working with .lws
Keep the source and its referenced resources together before converting. glTF is a practical real-time delivery target, while OBJ is useful for simple geometry exchange. Both can omit application-specific scene settings, procedural materials, or animation controls.