3Design CAD vs Autodesk 3ds Max
3Design CAD
3design.comAutodesk 3ds Max
autodesk.comSide by side
| Figure | 3Design CAD | Autodesk 3ds Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $167.50/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Jewelry Design Software | 8.4 (#7) | 8.5 (#4) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 7.9 (#86) | 8.5 (#30) |
| Animation tools | Yes | Yes |
| Parametric modeling | Yes | Yes |
| Platform access | desktop | desktop |
| 3D print export | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | 3DESIGN is CAD/CAM software for jewelry design, aimed at professional jewelers. | 3ds Max is 3D modeling and animation software used to create immersive worlds and high-quality designs. |
| Render engine | built-in | built-in |
| Rendering | V13's rendering engine includes improved reflections, ambient occlusion, bloom effects, and refined materials. | The product page says 3ds Max includes Arnold integration for professional rendering. |
| Security | The V13 technical page says HASP security keys with serial numbers below 707800 are not compatible with V13 and may need replacement. | 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. |
Plans
Autodesk 3ds Max
- Monthly subscription$255 a month
- Annual subscription$2,010 a year
- Three-year subscription$6,025 a year
In their own words
3Design CAD
3Design CAD is desktop CAD/CAM software for professional jewelry design, available on macOS and Windows. Its parametric construction tree lets users revise designs after creating them. Jewelry-specific tools include custom stone building, advanced pavé, and microsetting; the software also has sculpting and animation tools, parametric modeling, a built-in render engine, and 3D print export. The maker describes Version 13 as adding over 400 fixes and 50 new features across stone setting, curves, interface, and performance. Version 13's rendering engine includes reflections, ambient occlusion, bloom effects, and refined materials. Installers are available for both operating systems, with separate downloads for the software, model libraries, and Swarovski stone libraries. Files can be shared between Mac and Windows, and the maker lists compatibility with 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse. A 30-day Version 13 trial includes access to experts for questions and guidance. Recommended specifications are 16 GB RAM and a dedicated graphics card for Windows, or Apple Silicon with 16 GB RAM for Mac. Pricing and license details are available from a sales representative.
Autodesk 3ds Max
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.