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SPECIFICTION
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Autodesk 3ds Max

autodesk.com

From $167.50/mo Free trial Windows
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Spec score 8.5 #4 of 21 in Jewelry Design Software

What it is

Autodesk 3ds Max is Windows desktop software for 3D modeling and animation. It is aimed at 3D generalists, modelers, animators, and look development artists working on game development, film and television production, and design visualization. Modeling tools include Smart Extrude, high-quality Booleans, and ReForm retopology. CAT and Biped provide rigging and character-animation setups. A built-in renderer and Arnold integration support rendering, while 3D print export handles output for physical production. Integrated OpenUSD support is intended to improve collaboration. Scripting and plugins such as tyFlow, thinkingParticles, and ForestPack extend the application. Flow Retopology moves mesh operations to the cloud, and Flow Studio can launch inside 3ds Max to send footage-derived elements through USD. It runs on Microsoft Windows 10 and 11. A free 30-day trial is available; paid subscriptions are $255 a month, $2,010 a year, or $6,025 a year billed every three years.

Spec sheet

Purpose
3ds Max is 3D modeling and animation software used to create immersive worlds and high-quality designs.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Free plan
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
Security
Autodesk says its security framework includes secure coding and vulnerability scanning, identity and access management, encryption in transit and at rest, and ongoing vulnerability assessment.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
3D print export
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
Animation
It includes CAT and Biped setups for rigging and character animation.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Animation tools
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
Cloud workflow
Flow Retopology offloads mesh operations to the cloud while artists continue working in 3ds Max.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Extensions
The product supports scripting and third-party plugins such as tyFlow, thinkingParticles, and ForestPack.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Flow Studio integration
Flow Studio exports footage-derived elements to 3ds Max via USD, and can be launched from within 3ds Max.Read 11 Oct 2026 · help.autodesk.com
Interoperability
Integrated OpenUSD support is described as a way to improve collaboration.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
License limit
A subscription can be installed on up to three computers or devices, but the named user can use it on only one computer at a time.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Modeling
Its modeling features include Smart Extrude, high-quality Booleans, and ReForm retopology tools.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Parametric modeling
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
Platform
Autodesk states 3ds Max runs on Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows 10.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Platform access
desktopRead 21 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
Render engine
built-inRead 21 Sep 2026 · autodesk.com
Rendering
The product page says 3ds Max includes Arnold integration for professional rendering.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Trial and support
The product is available as a free 30-day trial, and Autodesk advertises 24x7 online support options and resources.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Who it serves
Autodesk says 3ds Max is used by 3D generalists, modelers, animators, and look development artists for game development, film and TV productions, and design visualization.Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com

Plans and prices

Monthly subscription $255 a month Monthly Named user · Install on up to 3 computers or devices · One computer in use at a time Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Annual subscription $2,010 a year Annually Named user · Install on up to 3 computers or devices · One computer in use at a time Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com
Three-year subscription $6,025 a year Every 3 years Named user · Install on up to 3 computers or devices · One computer in use at a time Read 11 Oct 2026 · autodesk.com

Every Autodesk 3ds Max plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Smart Extrude, Booleans, and ReForm support modeling
  • CAT and Biped provide character rigging setups
  • Built-in renderer plus Arnold integration
  • OpenUSD support and extensible plugins
  • Free 30-day trial available

Limits

  • Runs on Windows desktop only
  • No free plan
  • Named user can use one computer at a time
  • Subscriptions have listed monthly or annual costs

Who it suits

It suits 3D professionals creating models, animations, rendered scenes, and visual designs for games, film, television, or design visualization. Windows desktop access is required.

Verdict

3ds Max combines modeling, animation, rendering, interoperability, and 3D print export in a Windows application. Its trial is free, while continued use requires a paid subscription with a one-computer-at-a-time limit.

Where Specifiction places it

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