Autodesk 3ds Max: Create immersive worlds and high-quality designs

3D modeling and animation software

Image courtesy of Steffen Hampel

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Why use 3ds Max?

Enhance artist creativity

Create intricate designs with advanced modeling and rendering capabilities.

Accelerate tasks

Reduce repetitive, time-consuming tasks with time-saving tools.

Improve collaboration

Streamline data exchange with OpenUSD integration in 3ds Max.

What you can do with 3ds Max

City environment made with 3ds Max

Create realistic 3D designs with powerful tools

Whether you’re building expansive gaming worlds or visualizing intricate architectural designs, 3ds Max has the modeling toolset you need to bring your 3D assets to life.

Produce high-quality renders

From light mixing to color correction, the built-in Arnold renderer provides a rich experience and handles your most complex characters, scenes, visualizations, and effects.

See 3ds Max in action

Unlock greatness in game development

3D artist James Brady shares his experience in game development and leading creative teams on AAA titles.


Embrace open standards

Discover how support for glTF allows users to open, create, and edit large amounts of 3D data with ease.


Create simulations

Edstudios details how to import geometry and particle simulations from 3ds Max and TyFlow to Omniverse Create.


When to choose 3ds Max or Maya

3ds Max and Maya are used by creative studios around the world for animation, modeling, visual effects, and rendering.

3ds Max resources

VIDEOS

M&E YouTube channel

Watch talks from industry experts, discover new tools and workflows, and much more.


COMMUNITY

3ds Max forum

Share your knowledge, ask questions, and explore popular 3ds Max topics.


BLOG

M&E blog

Read news and stories from animation, VFX, and games studios.


Save with the new Media & Entertainment Collection

Create breathtaking scenes and characters for film, TV, and games.

All of the creative tools you need to build a powerful and scalable pipeline for less, including five Arnold seats, 15 times the simulation power, and new exclusive crowd simulation capabilities.



Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Autodesk 3ds Max used for?

Autodesk 3ds Max is used to model, animate, and render detailed 3D characters, photorealistic designs, and complex scenes for film and TV, games, and design visualization projects.

Who uses 3ds Max?

3ds Max is used by 3D modelers, animators, and lighting artists for game development, film and TV productions, and design visualization projects.

Autodesk 3ds Max vs. Autodesk Maya

Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya are used by creative studios around the world for animation, modeling, visual effects, and rendering. Learn when to choose 3ds Max and when to choose Maya.

Which operating system does Autodesk 3ds Max run on? 

Autodesk 3ds Max runs on Microsoft® Windows® 11 and Windows 10. See 3ds Max system requirements for details.

How do I download 3ds Max?

Autodesk provides download and install instructions for individuals and administrators. Your available downloads appear in Autodesk Account. Find your product, select a version, platform, language, and download method. For more information, visit the Autodesk Support.

Can I install 3ds Max on multiple computers?

With a subscription to Autodesk 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 License Agreement for more information.

How do I convert my Autodesk 3ds Max free trial to a paid subscription?

Launch your trial software and click Subscribe Now on the trial screen or buy Autodesk 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.

How much does a 3ds Max subscription cost?

The price of an annual Autodesk 3ds Max subscription is $1,945 and the price of a monthly 3ds Max subscription is $245. The price of a three-year 3ds Max subscription is $5,830. If you have infrequent users and are interested in a pay-as-you-go option, please visit Autodesk Flex page to learn more.

Do you offer subscriptions for students, educators, and educational institutions?

Students and teachers at qualified academic institutions worldwide are eligible for free access to Autodesk software for one-year through the Autodesk Education Community.

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