- Softonic Rating:
- Excellent:9/10
- License:
- Demo
- Added:
- December 13, 2005
- Updated:
- November 5, 2007
- Publisher:
- Website
- File size:
- 569.0 MB
- Downloads:
- 81,256
- DownloadDemo
“Esteemed professional 3D design and animation app”
By a bizarre twist of fate 3DS Max is now owned by the same firm that publishes its age rival, Maya, yet the pair of heavyweight 3D applications remain the two main choices for animators working in the three-dimensional realm. Although Maya’s popularity has increased of late (perhaps largely due to its superior accessibility for newcomers), 3DS still remains a key player within the industry, and this latest incarnation significantly improves upon the wire-frame mapping approach of the past.
Perhaps the biggest innovation within version 8 of the app is the inclusion of a ‘pelt mapping’ feature. For the benefit of those who don’t work for Pixar or Rockstar Games, this is basically a device for ‘unwrapping’ a wireframe model in order to paint its exterior. This can save you a lot of time and unnecessary Photoshop tomfoolery when working with organic objects, such as human faces or characters. However, it isn’t so adept at handling non-organic objects like cars, streets or houses, as the results are typically very liquidy.
As always, 3DS Max allows you to be very precise in terms of the mapping of your creations, perhaps even more so than Maya. Besides the standard mapping tools, the application now contains all manner of alignment features to ensure that you get pinpoint accuracy when modelling. What’s more, 3DS now contains more flexible options for relax, the tool that averages UVs and allows for the automatic relief of texture distortion. If used in conjunction with another function, show edge distortion, then the mapping of your characters becomes all the easier.
There are dozens of other features within the software that will help you produce stunning 3D models without tearing your hair out. We were particularly taken with the render UVW template function, allowing very quick template rendering of your prepared UVs, either in wireframe, filled, mapped or shaded versions. With a raft of skinning and modelling tools, 3DS Max gives you very precise control over your models, without having to code or program every co-ordinate, making it a very user-friendly option.
Naturally, the cost of the full version of the program will put off many 3D hobbyists, but for serious animation professionals it’s an application that is to be ignored at your peril. Although it remains to be seen whether there will be an amalgamation with Maya, 3DX Max remains a world leader in its market and, given enough patience, can be used to transform the outer limits of your imagination into a fantastic reality.
Languages:
English
Limitations:
30 day Trial Period
OS requirements for Autodesk 3ds Max:
- OS: WinXP/Vista
Minimum requirements:
- Memory: 512 MB
- Free space: 500 MB
- Internet Explorer 6 or higher
- Hardware-accelerated OpenGL and Direct3D supported
- Apple® computers based on Intel processors and running Microsoft operating systems are not currently supported.
Recommended requirements:
- Memory: 1 GB
- Free space: 2 GB
- Advanced pelt mapping feature
- Plenty of high-powered modelling tools
- Gives you pixel-perfect control over your models
- Proves very overwhelming for newcomers to 3D modelling
Featured program
Softonic gives special recognition to software of exceptionally high quality. More information
From the publisher of Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max software contains a range of state-of-the-art tools for creative and media professionals. Developed as a total animation package with a deep, productive feature set designed to accelerate workflow, 3ds Max is one of the leaders in 3D animation for game development, design visualization, visual effects, and education.
Animation
Mix, edit, and transition motions from any 3ds Max animation. Import standard motion capture formats directly to your character rig. Write motion files from custom tools and bring them into 3ds Max. Develop photorealistic characters with character development features, cloth and hair simulation tools, award-winning Reactor physics system, and particle flow.
Modeling
Extensive polygon tools for low or high-resolution modeling. New, superior polygon modeling tools accelerate the process of adding detail to geometry. The Edit Poly approach allows you to create everything from simple to complex models.
UV mapping tools
Control unfolding of UV seams with pelt mapping. Create a flat, unified map for texturing your objects by stretching out UVW coordinates. Relax UVs and remove distortion by accurately matching UVs to object geometry. Save lots of time and hours of work since seams are exactly where they should be.
Skinning
Skin anything from low polygon, high-quality game meshes to the most dense of visual effects models. Vertices are now assigned to a bone by default to prevent unwanted stretching and minimize the need to edit envelopes.
Maxscript scripting language
Build solid Maxscripts in less time with the Maxscript debugger. Add custom functionality into tools with full control over the user interface. Use this object-oriented scripting language to create scripts to extend your 3ds Max toolset, or to optimize your workflow throughout your pipeline.
More Autodesk 3ds Max screenshots
Sponsored Links
User opinions about Autodesk 3ds Max (1)
Programs similar to Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max options
User Rating
61 ratings- Usability
-
- Currently 8/10.
- Stability
-
- Currently 8/10.
- Installation
-
- Currently 8/10.
- Functionality
-
- Currently 8/10.
- Appearance
-
- Currently 8/10.









Studio Max - pure 3D
3D Studio Max has been the top choice of 3D artists for several years and it's easy to see why. A huge number of useful tools for getting realistic results. You'll need a bloody good system though,... read more
Download Autodesk 3ds Max