3D Studio MAX, often simply referred to as 3ds Max, is a professional 3D modeling, rendering, and animation software package developed by Autodesk. It is used in a wide variety of industries for producing visual effects, architectural visualizations, simulations, games, and movies.
History
- 1988-1990: The software was originally developed by Gary Yost and his company, Yost Group, which was later acquired by Autodesk.
- 1990: 3D Studio for DOS was released, which was one of the first professional 3D programs to be widely available on a personal computer.
- 1996: Kinetix, a division of Autodesk, released 3D Studio MAX for Windows NT. This version significantly expanded the capabilities of the original DOS software.
- 2000: The product was renamed 3ds Max to align with the Autodesk branding.
- 2005: Autodesk purchased the company Discreet, which had been managing 3ds Max, leading to further integration into the Autodesk suite of products.
- 2016: Autodesk introduced a subscription model for 3ds Max, shifting away from perpetual licenses.
Features
- Modeling: 3ds Max offers a range of modeling tools including mesh and parametric modeling, NURBS, and polygon modeling.
- Animation: It includes advanced keyframing, character animation tools like biped, CAT (Character Animation Toolkit), and crowd simulation.
- Rendering: The software supports various rendering engines including its own Arnold Renderer, V-Ray, and Corona Renderer.
- Scripting: MAXScript, a proprietary scripting language, allows for automation, customization, and the development of custom tools.
- Simulation: Tools for cloth, hair, and particle simulations are integrated for realistic effects.
Applications
3ds Max is extensively used in:
- Video Games: For creating game assets, environments, and animations.
- Film and Television: For visual effects and pre-visualization.
- Architecture: For architectural visualization and interior design.
- Product Design: For prototyping and visualization.
Learning and Community
There is a robust community and numerous learning resources for 3ds Max, including:
External Links