.MDS File Extension

MDS files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Media Descriptor Sidecar File

The MDS file extension is used for a Media Descriptor Sidecar File. An MDS file contains information describing the formatting of a CD or DVD. It includes header data defining the disc's tracks and or...

General Information

Title MDS File Extension
Extension .mds
Full Form Media Descriptor Sidecar File
File Type Disk Image Descriptor File
Developer Alcohol Soft
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store metadata
Additional Functions Reference disk image, Manage copy protection
Features Multi-session support, Layer break positioning

File Characteristics

Quality High accuracy
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable No (typically)

Use Cases

Disk Imaging Yes
Software Duplication Yes
Backup Creation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Malicious embedding
Best Practices Use trusted sources, Scan for malware

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Early 2000s
Latest Version Varies with software

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .iso, .cue, .ccd, .bin

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Alcohol 120% Paid, Free trial Windows
DAEMON Tools Paid, Free trial Windows, Mac
ImgBurn Free Windows

Type 2: TestComplete Project File

The MDS file describes how a CD or DVD is formatted. It has header details defining disc tracks and data organization. MDS files are created by disc imaging software and recognized by CD/DVD players. ...

General Information

Title MDS File Extension
Extension .mds
Full Form TestComplete Project Suite File
File Type Binary File
Developer SmartBear Software
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store project items
Additional Functions Organize tests, Save settings
Features Hierarchical structure, Integrated with TestComplete

File Characteristics

Quality Depends on content
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes, with TestComplete

Use Cases

Automated Testing Yes
Continuous Integration Possible
Quality Assurance Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Script tampering
Best Practices Version control, Regular backups

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Varies with TestComplete version
Latest Version Linked to TestComplete updates

Associated Types

Related Extensions .mdsp, .pjs, .tcvis

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
TestComplete Commercial Windows
TestExecute Commercial Windows

Type 3: Wolfenstein Skeletal Animation 3D Model

An MDS file contains a triangle mesh, UV maps, references to shaders, and animation data called skeletal animations. MDS files are used in the video games Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Wolfenstein:...

General Information

Title MDS File Extension
Extension .mds
Full Form Wolfenstein Skeletal Animation 3D Model
File Type 3D Model File
Developer id Software
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store 3D models
Additional Functions Animation data storage
Features Skeletal animation, Game assets

File Characteristics

Quality Game-specific
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable With tools

Use Cases

Game Development Yes
3D Animation Yes
Modding Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks File tampering
Best Practices Verify sources, Safe handling

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2001
Latest Version Dependent on game updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .md3, .mdc, .mdl, .md5

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Blender Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Wolfenstein Mods Free Varies