LightWave scene MIME Type

Learn what model/x-lws identifies, how LightWave scene files are encoded, and how Poly supports them.

MIME type details for model/x-lws

In active use
MIME typemodel/x-lws
Extensions
.lws
First standardizedUnknown
Created byNewTek
Browser support
Example applicationsLightWave 3D, LightWave Layout
Poly supportPartial. Poly recognizes this 3D media type and processes supported files.
Indexed by PolyYes. Poly indexes filenames and visual similarity for processed geometry; scene counts are displayed in Details.
Preview in PolyPartial. Poly provides an interactive preview for supported constructs.
Poly agentYes. 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 does model/x-lws mean?

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

The associated extension is .lws. The media type identifies this format family; it does not convert bytes or guarantee support for every feature.

Poly support

Poly can recognize this type as 3D content, index filenames and visual similarity for processed geometry; scene counts are displayed in the Details panel, and provide an interactive preview when the file imports successfully. Poly does not promise to resolve every external object, material, texture, or animation reference in a scene.

An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files.

Opening and conversion

Use LightWave 3D or another format-aware tool when preserving editability matters. Conversion to glTF or OBJ can improve interchange for viewing, but may discard application-specific scene data.

Footnotes

  1. https://docs.lightwave3d.com/lw2024/customizelightwave.html.
  2. https://docs.lightwave3d.com/lw2019/appendices/lightwave-3d-resources/lightwave-history/release-history/new-to-2018.html
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