Autodesk 3ds Max

Software Overview

Autodesk 3ds Max is a graphics program used to create 3D models, images, and animations. It is most commonly used to create models and scenes for video games, but is also used in the film, television, engineering, and architecture industries.

3ds Max contains an extensive suite of model creation tools, including mesh and surface modeling tools, open shading language (OSL) support, the ability to bake complex surface effects to texture maps, and the ability to auto-populate crowds of characters. It also offers a variety of methods for developing textures, including tiling, rotation, blur, UV stretching, and relaxation.

After you finish creating a model (or models), you can animate it using 3ds Max's sophisticated animation tools. The program's CAT, Character Studio, and Populate tools let you rig and animate characters either individually or as a unit. 3ds Max also allows animators to add motion paths and particle flow effects, skin characters to mildly adjust their appearance as they move, and authentically simulate the movement of cloth and fluids.

When it is time to finalize your scene, you can render and view it using 3ds Max's Arnold GPU Renderer and viewports. You can also use the program's Scene Converter to update scenes you've created previously, to take advantage of newer lighting, materials, and rendering features.

Summary

Autodesk 3ds Max is a powerful 3D modeling and animation program that has earned its reputation as an industry-standard application (especially when complemented by Autodesk Maya). Whether you're a student aspiring to become a graphics developer or an existing 3D graphics professional, you can't go wrong with 3ds Max.

Primary File Type

.MAX3ds Max Scene File

Supported File Types

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