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 modeling, rendering, and animation software enables you to create expansive worlds and premium designs.

  • Breathe life into environments and landscapes with robust modeling tools.

  • Create finely detailed designs and props with intuitive texturing and shading tools.

  • Iterate and produce professional-grade renders with full artistic control.

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 modeling tools

Whether you’re building expansive worlds for games 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 with the ability to handle your most complex characters, scenes, and effects.

3ds Max in action

18th century boats crashing into bridge tower

Re-creating the past using VFX

3D generalist Thomas Berg breaks down VFX scenes from his work on Olav and two war documentaries.

Watch video (29:45 min.)
3D illustration of desks with computer monitors, with labels like concept, modeling, and color key

From concept to final render

See how the tools in the Media & Entertainment Collection are being used for animated short Mkali’s Mission.

Read the blog
Motorcyclist swerving in the desert

Repurposing game assets

Adeline Aubame from Ubisoft Helix shares the tools her team used to fast track the development of Rainbow Six Siege operators.

Watch video (24:03 min.)

Explore 3ds Max resources

TUTORIALS

3ds Max Learning Channel

Tutorials of all levels to help you learn 3ds Max.

Start learning

TUTORIALS

Learning on AREA

The learning hub on AREA has free tutorials for software used by VFX professionals, from beginner to advanced levels.

Find tutorials

CUSTOMER STORIES

Life in 3D

Learn more about our customers, their work, and the problems they’re solving.

Read stories

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is 3ds Max used for?

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.

Which versions of 3ds Max can I use if I subscribe to the current version?

Your 3ds Max subscription gives you access to install and use the 3 previous versions. Available downloads are listed in your Autodesk Account after subscribing. See also previous releases available for subscribers.

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 Knowledge Network.

Can I install 3ds Max on multiple computers?

With a subscription to 3ds Max software, you can install it on up to 3 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 (US Site) for more information.

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

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.

How much does a 3ds Max subscription cost?

The price of the 3ds Max subscription is annually.

See more

Support and learning

Get 3ds Max documentation, tutorials, downloads, and support.

Get more with the Media & Entertainment Collection

Bring breathtaking scenes and characters to life for film, TV, and games.

All of the creative tools you need to build a powerful and scalable 3D animation pipeline for complex simulations, effects, and rendering.

Media & Entertainment Collection includes:

Legal disclosures

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