Lib3ds is a free alternative to Autodesk's 3DS File Toolkit for handling 
3DS files. Its main goal is to simplify the creation of 3DS import and 
export filters. 

  This project is not related in any form to Autodesk.  The library is 
based on unofficial information about the 3DS format found on the web. 
 
  This  program  is  distributed in  the  hope that it will  be useful,
but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
See the GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.