Autodesk 3ds Max vs CounterSketch

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.

CounterSketch is 3D custom jewelry design software for jewelers working with customers on designs in real time. Its library includes more than 3,000 customizable styles and components, and users can access over one million natural and lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in Stuller's inventory. Designs can display real-time prices using business-specific markups and photorealistic renderings. A built-in Freehand tool supports creating designs from scratch. Completed work can be sent to Stuller's CAD/CAM Services team for CAD verification, casting, and finishing. Users can open available designs from Stuller.com or Stuller Showcase directly in CounterSketch. It runs on Mac or Windows computers. The 15-day trial includes other functionality but limits the library to 25 styles and 21 Freehand parts. Membership includes technical support, Online Academy access, monthly library updates, quarterly virtual seminars, and software upgrades; one-on-one training is also offered. Listed US pricing includes a $349 a year membership, or one-time licenses at 2495.00 USD and 2995.00 USD with Rhinoceros 8. Both license options include a one-year membership.