3ds Max is used to model, animate and render detailed 3D characters, photorealistic designs and complex scenes for film and TV, games and design visualisation projects.
3ds Max: Create massive worlds and high-quality designs
Model and render in stunning 3D.
Image courtesy of Iryna Nalyvaiko
What is 3ds Max?
3ds Max® professional 3D modelling, rendering and animation software enables you to create expansive worlds and premium designs.
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Breathe life into environments and landscapes with robust modelling tools.
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Create finely detailed designs and props with intuitive texturing and shading tools.
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Iterate and produce professional-grade renders with full artistic control.
3ds Max overview (video: 4.37 min.)
Bedroom render by Fatma Cetin (video: 7 sec.) Courtesy of Fatma Cetin
Olav VFX breakdown by Thomas Berg (video: 3.05 min.)
Courtesy of Thomas Berg
Hephaestus Heavy Industries Eros Racer by Thomas Woodward (video: 2.26 min.) Courtesy of Thomas Woodward
Lacuna sci-fi environment by Yinuo Chen (video: 1.36 min.) Courtesy of Yinuo Chen
Jewellery product visualisation by Diamond Works (video: 25 sec.) Courtesy of Diamond Works
Why use 3ds Max?
Deliver photorealistic designs
3ds Max powers your creativity with easy-to-use tools for worldbuilding and asset creation.
Boost productivity with automation
3ds Max automates repetitive and time-consuming tasks so you can meet deadlines.
Use a rich and flexible toolset
Stay in the artistic flow with creative tools in an artist-friendly UI.
What you can do with 3ds Max
Create realistic 3D designs with powerful modelling tools
Whether you’re building expansive worlds for games or visualising intricate architectural designs, 3ds Max has the modelling toolset you need to bring your 3D assets to life.
Produce high-quality renders
From light mixing to colour correction, the built-in Arnold renderer provides a rich experience with the ability to handle your most complex characters, scenes and effects.
“3ds Max is the backbone of our creative pipeline. It’s multi-functional, agile and used throughout all stages of production …”
– Dmitriy Pastushenko, Chief Integration Manager, CGI Furniture
“3ds Max makes this process more fun, while also ensuring that we deliver more riveting visuals.”
– Tanja Nikolić-Vogel, Co-founder, ALT/SHIFT
“… 3ds Max enables us to handle a diverse body of client work—from a small bathroom to a massive masterplan …”
– Andrei Dolnikov, Founder and CEO, Binyan Studios
“The benefits from using programmes [like 3ds Max] allowed me to design quickly and in great detail.”
– Sheryl McLean, Interior Designer, Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG)
3ds Max in action
Re-creating the past using VFX
3D generalist Thomas Berg breaks down VFX scenes from his work on Olav and two war documentaries.
From concept to final render
See how the tools in the Media & Entertainment Collection are being used for animated short Mkali’s Mission.
Repurpose game assets
Adeline Aubame from Ubisoft Helix shares the tools her team used to fast track the development of Rainbow Six Siege operators.
Explore 3ds Max resources
TUTORIALS
3ds Max Learning Channel
Tutorials of all levels to help you to learn 3ds Max.
TUTORIALS
Learning on AREA
The learning hub on AREA has free tutorials for software used by VFX professionals, from beginner to advanced levels.
CUSTOMER STORIES
Life in 3D
Learn more about our customers, their work and the problems they’re solving.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
3ds Max is used by 3D modellers, animators and lighting artists for game development, film and TV productions, and design visualisation projects.
Your 3ds Max subscription gives you access to install and use the three previous versions. Available downloads are listed in your Autodesk Account after subscribing. See also previous releases available for subscribers.
With a subscription to 3ds Max software, you can install it on up to three computers or other devices. However, only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer at any given time. Please refer to the Software Licence Agreement (US Site) for more information.
Launch your trial software and click Subscribe Now on the trial screen or buy 3ds Max here. When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Learn more about converting a trial to a paid subscription.
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