What is 3DS Max? It’s a popular 3D graphics software from Autodesk (no, it’s not Maya — which we’ve reviewed here!) that regularly disrupts three-dimensional design with innovative and powerful tools and functions. In the design world, it’s a heavyweight champion.
History
Do you know what does the “s” stands for in “3ds Max”? Well, nothing exotic — it’s just “studio.” But considering the fact that it’s a classic and an industry standard, the straightforward terminology holds up. This incredible piece of software started out as a program for DOS computers as the brainchild of Gary Yost. It was back in the early nineties — the first days of Autodesk — and made a great replacement for the short-lived AutoShader. On Halloween, 1990, Autodesk 3D Studio was released. And after a few rebrandings and releases, Autodesk 3ds Max became what it is today: a professional-grade design software. It’s behind a plethora of projects in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries, as well as the stunning visual effects in games like Call of Duty and Halo, and in movies like Avatar and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Pros
If you can think of it, 3ds Max has it — it’s got it all. But that being said, 3ds Max has some features that it does especially well. Chief among them is its options for programming and customization: 3ds Max’s scripting language, maxscript, is relatively easy for artists to learn and can be used to create simple scripts with incredible results quite easily. It’s resulted in the creation of a veritable cornucopia of user-created scripts and plugins. The Quadchamfer modifier is a fantastic example of this. 3ds Max also has the ultra-convenient edit poly modifier, which allows you to stack modifiers, and the best spline system in the industry — putting even Autodesk Maya to shame. In general, when when choosing between these two products, 3ds Max is geared more towards modelling, and Maya is geared more towards animation.
Cons
Well, by now you’re used to hearing this: it takes time to learn this powerful 3D software. The normal align tool and UV mapping could also take a little work. Although its an Autodesk product and therefore seamlessly integrates into a lot of other Autodesk software, there can be some compatibility issues that require a lot of plugins to function… and it is not cross-platform: it only works on Windows. And there’s the price: there’s no more buying a single license. Instead, you have to sign up for a $122.50/month subscription via the Autodesk website — which, when paid yearly, amounts to $1,470 per year. There is always the free “student trial” option, but the disappearance of a perpetual license option is regrettable to say the least. Lastly, there seem to be more crashes with 3ds Max than most other 3D design software, but Autodesk does a great job of finding and fixing bugs with every update.
Resources
Now that you know what Autodesk 3ds Max is about, it’s time to get in there. Here’s some of the more comprehensive help and resources at your disposal:
- Autodesk Knowledge Network — Autodesk’s resource hub all of their products
- Autodesk AREA: 3ds Max — An extensive collection of help and resources including plugins, libraries, tutorials, and forums
- Evermotion — Extensive resources, assets, and insight for 3ds Max users
- 3ds Max on Lynda.com — tutorials and video courses for professional 3ds Max education
- CG Talk 3ds Max forum — CAD community forums for help with 3ds Max in the industry
- Script spot — offers a a free tutorial for learning to write and create script in 3ds Max’s language, “Maxscript 101”
Want more info, news, and insight into the world of 3D? Read this article and others like it on iMeshup’s blog!
