## 3ds Max ## 3ds Max: Create immersive worlds and high-quality designs 3D modeling and animation software Image courtesy of Apple [System Requirements](/content/products/3ds-max/product-details#system-requirements/index.html) #### 3D MODELING ## Model anything you can dream up From sci-fi worlds to sneakers, 3ds Max’s industry-tested modeling tools let you shape anything. Video by Falk Boje [Watch how](https://youtu.be/3O9F2KeUknQ?si=l2aEvSyoaQVjATW4) #### 3D ANIMATION ## Make it move Rig and animate your models with easy, out-of-the-box animation tools. Video by Pedro Conti and Lab Fantasma for Emicida #### PROCEDURAL ## See changes in real-time Procedural workflows let you model, animate, and texture dynamically while keeping edits non-destructive. Video by Paul Neale #### ADD-ON FRIENDLY ## Power up 3ds Max Extend 3ds Max’s capabilities with its extensive library of plugins. Video made with tyFlow plugin ## Features for your creativity ### Modeling Use Smart Extrude, high-quality Booleans, and retopology tools like ReForm for powerful polygon modeling. ### Rigging and animation Simplify rigging and animate characters with built-in CAT and Biped setups. ### Look development Texture, shade, and light models and scenes to achieve a photoreal effect. ### Rendering Whether stylized or realistic, create professional renders with the Arnold integration. ### Open standards Improve collaboration with integrated open standards like OpenUSD. ### Plugin architecture Extend 3ds Max easily with scripting and third-party tools like tyFlow, thinkingParticles or ForestPack. - Modeling Use Smart Extrude, high-quality Booleans, and retopology tools like ReForm for powerful polygon modeling. - Rigging and animation Simplify rigging and animate characters with built-in CAT and Biped setups. - Look development Texture, shade, and light models and scenes to achieve a photoreal effect. - Rendering Whether stylized or realistic, create professional renders with the Arnold integration. - Open standards Improve collaboration with integrated open standards like OpenUSD. - Plugin architecture Extend 3ds Max easily with scripting and third-party tools like tyFlow, thinkingParticles or ForestPack. [Explore all features](/content/products/3ds-max/product-details/index.html) ## Powerful workflows Make the most of 3ds Max Do it A-Z Work procedurally Retopologize in the cloud Turn live footage into CG ### Do it A-Z ### Jumping between software breaks creative flow. Handle modeling to rendering all in one place. Watch full tutorial ### Work procedurally ### Manual workflows slow you down. Use procedural tools for modeling and animation. Watch full tutorial ### Retopologize in the cloud ### Geometry can be hard to manage. Send mesh operations to the cloud with Flow Retopology. Video courtesy of Changsoo Eun Watch full tutorial ### Turn live footage into CG ### Many AI tools are black boxes. Flow Studio lets you export elements to 3ds Max via USD for full control. Watch full tutorial **ILMALT/SHIFT** “We used 3ds Max for adding snow to a lot of scenes and populating big bodies of water with icebergs.” —Eric Leven, VFX Supervisor, Industrial Light & Magic Image courtesy of Apple Play video **“For me, 3ds Max is more like a platform. There are so many interfaces, you have so many plugins, there is so much stuff you can do and customize.”** —Patrick Vogel, Founder, ALT/SHIFT Image courtesy of ALT/SHIFT [Read story](https://blogs.autodesk.com/media-and-entertainment/2025/10/30/german-studio-alt-shift-and-the-art-of-making-cool-look-easy-with-3ds-max/) **“Almost all of the content you see in Forza Horizon 5 has been created inside 3ds Max.”** —Dan Wulczynski, Lead Technical Artist, Playground Games Image courtesy of Playground Games Play video Media & Entertainment Collection ## Create better, smarter, faster with the M&E Collection ### Significant savings over annual licenses #### Get all the creative tools you need to build a powerful and scalable pipeline for less. Image courtesy of Sadia Abedin ### Products included - - - \+ 5 more [Get more with the collection](/content/site-root.html) ## 3ds Max community and learning Studio secrets, tutorials, and reports to become 3ds Max savvy Start of 6-item list "3ds Max community and learning". - \\\YOUTUBE\\\**Watch how incredible projects are made** \\[Subscribe now](https://www.youtube.com/@AutodeskME/videos) - \\\BLOG\\\**Use cases and news from studios and Autodesk pros** Image courtesy of G BIN \\[Visit blog](https://blogs.autodesk.com/media-and-entertainment/) - \\\3DS MAX LEARNING CHANNEL \\**Start 3ds Max or learn new features with 400+ videos** Image courtesy of Pedro Conti and Cisma for OsGemeos \\[Subscribe now](https://www.youtube.com/@Autodesk3dsMax/videos) - \\\AI REPORT \\**How AI empowers artists and streamlines production** \\[Read report](https://autode.sk/44GVGN8) - \\\FORUM\\\**Ask questions and share with 3ds Max users worldwide** Image courtesy of Gal Barkan \\[Join forum](https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/3ds-max-forums/ct-p/3ds-max-en) - \\\DOCUMENTATION \\**Read what’s new, how to install and more documentation** Image courtesy of Michael Shkliaryk \\[Read now](https://help.autodesk.com/view/3DSMAX/2026/ENU/) End of 6-item list "3ds Max community and learning". ## Need help deciding? 3ds Max and Maya are used by artists around the world for modeling, animation, visual effects, and rendering. ### Maya ## Starting at $168 / month Known for animation, Maya’s award-winning 3D toolset is used by top film, TV, and game studios. Image courtesy of © Disney/Pixar ### Why choose Maya ### 3ds Max ## Starting at $168 / month Known for modeling, 3ds Max’s complete 3D toolset is used by both entertainment and design visualization studios. Image courtesy of ALT/SHIFT ### Why choose 3ds Max ## Questions? We have answers. ### FAQs #### Purchase options ### What is Autodesk 3ds Max used for? 3ds Max is a versatile 3D tool used by top entertainment and design visualization studios. It stands out for its powerful hard-surface modeling tools, artist-friendly animation suitable for all skill levels, and open, expandable workflows through a wide range of plug-ins. ### Who uses 3ds Max? 3ds Max is used by 3D generalists, modelers, animators, and look development artists for game development, film and TV productions, and design visualization projects. ### What is the difference between 3ds Max vs Maya? Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya are used by creative studios around the world for modeling, animation, visual effects, and rendering. [Learn when to choose 3ds Max and when to choose Maya](/content/products/3ds-max/overview#maya-vs-3dsmax/index.html). ### 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](/content/products/3ds-max/product-details#system-requirements/index.html) for details. ### How do I download 3ds Max? Autodesk provides download and install instructions for [individuals](/content/support/download-install/individuals/index.html) and [administrators](/content/support/download-install/admins/index.html). Your available downloads appear in [Autodesk Account](https://manage.autodesk.com/products). Find your product, select a version, platform, language, and download method. For more information, visit [Autodesk Support](/content/support/download-install/individuals/download/where-to-download-products-and-updates/index.html). ### 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](/content/company/terms-of-use/en/general-terms/index.html) 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](/content/products/3ds-max/overview#buy/index.html). 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](/content/support/download-install/individuals/manage/convert-a-trial-to-a-subscription/index.html). ### How much does a 3ds Max subscription cost? The price of an annual Autodesk 3ds Max subscription is $2,010 and the price of a monthly 3ds Max subscription is $255 . The price of a three-year 3ds Max subscription is $6,025. If you have infrequent users and are interested in a pay-as-you-go option, please visit [Autodesk Flex page](/content/flex/index.html) to learn more. ### Do you offer subscriptions for students, educators, and educational institutions? [Students](/content/education/students/index.html) and [teachers](/content/education/educators/index.html) at qualified academic institutions worldwide are eligible for free access to Autodesk software for one-year through the [Autodesk Education Community](/content/education/home/index.html). ### What AI features are currently available in 3ds Max? [Autodesk Assistant (Tech Preview)](https://help.autodesk.com/view/3DSMAX/2027/ENU/?guid=GUID-92EF3530-9E04-46DF-B3F2-2BA150C6CEDF) is available in 3ds Max. It is an AI interface that lets you interact using natural language and get clear answers from documentation directly inside 3ds Max. For example, it can help you discover features or turn general CG knowledge into actionable steps. ### What is the difference between 3ds Max and 3ds Max Indie? 3ds Max Indie includes all the same tools as 3ds Max at a lower price. It is built for freelancers, hobbyists, and artists starting out. However, eligibility for 3ds Max Indie is based on your annual revenue and project value. [Learn more about 3ds Max Indie and see if you’re eligible](/content/campaigns/me-indie/3dsmax-indie/index.html). View more FAQs Subscription and Flex purchases include success and support benefits Benefits include 8x5 support, single sign-on (SSO), and usage reporting. Pay annually with a 1-year or 3-year term Support short-term projects with a 1-year term, or take advantage of today’s price with a 3-year term subscription. - Save 33% over the monthly price with a 1-year or 3-year subscription. - Choosing a 3-year term will protect you from price increases for 3 years. Pay monthly Paying monthly offers convenience and flexibility. - Avoid a long-term commitment. - No-contract option. - Easily respond to temporary staffing changes. - Change to a 1-year or 3-year term anytime in your Autodesk account. Flex Buy tokens and pay as you go - Get flexible access to 100+ products at a daily rate. - Share a pool of tokens for changing software needs or staff fluctuations. - Simplify user management with default group assignments. Success Plans Upgrade to enjoy additional benefits and term lengths tailored to your business needs. [Contact us to purchase](/content/company/contact-us/index.html) Business Plan - Designated Customer Success Manager - Fast 24/7 support - Expert coaching and learning plans - Success planning - Directory sync Enterprise Plan - Tailored, proactive partnership with Autodesk - 24/7 support with case manager - Custom tools, tracking, and reporting - Unlimited access, flexible licensing options ## Products you can trust From payment flexibility to always-on support, expect excellence. \**Money-back guarantee** \ Get a 30-day return policy on annual and multi-year subscriptions and a 15-day return policy for monthly subscriptions.](/content/buying/how-to-buy/index.html) \**Autodesk support** \ 24x7 online support options and resources.](/content/support/index.html) \**Free trial** \ Start your project and try 3ds Max free for 30 days.](/content/products/3ds-max/trial-intake/index.html)