Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max is paid Windows desktop software for 3D modeling and animation.
What Autodesk 3ds Max is
Autodesk 3ds Max is paid Windows desktop software for 3D modeling and animation. Autodesk describes it for 3D generalists, modelers, animators, and look development artists working on games, film and television productions, and design visualization. Modeling tools include Smart Extrude, high-quality Booleans, and ReForm retopology. CAT and Biped setups support rigging and character animation. The software has a built-in render engine, Arnold integration, and 3D print export. Integrated OpenUSD support is intended to improve collaboration, while scripting and third-party plugins such as tyFlow, thinkingParticles, and ForestPack extend workflows. Flow Retopology offloads mesh operations to the cloud while work continues in 3ds Max. Flow Studio can launch from within the application and export footage-derived elements through USD. It runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11. A free 30-day trial is available. Subscriptions cost $255 a month, $2,010 a year, or $6,025 a year billed every 3 years. A named user may install on up to three computers or devices, but use is limited to one computer at a time.
Good
- Includes parametric modeling and animation tools
- Provides CAT and Biped character setups
- Arnold integration and built-in rendering
- Supports OpenUSD collaboration workflows
- Offers a free 30-day trial
Watch out
- Windows 10 or 11 only
- No free plan
- One computer can be used at a time
Who it suits
3ds Max suits Windows users creating modeled, animated, rendered, or print-ready 3D work. Its stated audiences include game, film and television, and design-visualization professionals.
Verdict
3ds Max combines modeling, character animation, rendering, interoperability, and cloud-assisted retopology for Windows workflows. Compare the subscription cost and single-computer use rule with your production needs.
Plans and prices
From Autodesk 3ds Max's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription | $255 a month | Named user · Install on up to 3 computers or devices · One computer in use at a time · Monthly |
| Annual subscription | $2,010 a year | Named user · Install on up to 3 computers or devices · One computer in use at a time · Annually |
| Three-year subscription | $6,025 a year | Named user · Install on up to 3 computers or devices · One computer in use at a time · Every 3 years |
The facts
Each one read from Autodesk 3ds Max's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 3D print export
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Animation
- It includes CAT and Biped setups for rigging and character animation.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Animation tools
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Cloud workflow
- Flow Retopology offloads mesh operations to the cloud while artists continue working in 3ds Max.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- The product supports scripting and third-party plugins such as tyFlow, thinkingParticles, and ForestPack.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Flow Studio integration
- Flow Studio exports footage-derived elements to 3ds Max via USD, and can be launched from within 3ds Max.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Interoperability
- Integrated OpenUSD support is described as a way to improve collaboration.checked 11 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Modeling
- Its modeling features include Smart Extrude, high-quality Booleans, and ReForm retopology tools.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Parametric modeling
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- 3ds Max is 3D modeling and animation software used to create immersive worlds and high-quality designs.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Render engine
- built-inchecked 21 Sep 2026
- Rendering
- The product page says 3ds Max includes Arnold integration for professional rendering.checked 11 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 11 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 11 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Nochecked 21 Sep 2026
- Trial and support
- The product is available as a free 30-day trial, and Autodesk advertises 24x7 online support options and resources.checked 11 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform
- Autodesk states 3ds Max runs on Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows 10.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Platform access
- desktopchecked 21 Sep 2026
