3ds Max: Create massive worlds and high-quality designs

Model and render in stunning 3D.

Image courtesy of Iryna Nalyvaiko

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.

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:

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

Re-creating the past using VFX

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


From concept to final render

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


Repurposing game assets

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


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.

Explore 3ds Max resources

TuTORIALS

3ds Max Learning Channel

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


TUTORIALS

Learning on AREA

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


CUSTOMER STORIES

Life in 3D

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


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.

3ds Max vs Maya

3ds Max and 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.

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 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 an annual 3ds Max subscription is  and the price of a monthly 3ds Max subscription is . The price of a 3-year 3ds Max subscription is . If you have infrequent users and are interested in a pay-as-you-go option, please visit www.autodesk.com/flex to learn more.

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Support and learning

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