Brief Overview
Autodesk 3ds max is basically a 3D modeling, animation and rendering software used in design visualization, games, movies and animation. This is a digital content creation software and has been used to create stunning works in the game, movie and design visualization industry.
Features
Just like every other quality product, this software come with quite a number of amazing features;
- 3D modeling, texturing, and effects
- Spline workflows
- Open Shading Language support
- Blended Box Map
- Chamfer Modifier
- Hair and Fur modifier
- Data Channel Modifier
- 3D animation and dynamics
- 3ds Max Fluids
- Particle Flow effects
- Max Creation Graph controllers
- Character animation and rigging tools
- 3D rendering
- Improved Viewport quality
- Physical Camera
- Alembic support
- Activeshade Viewport
- Modern UI and workspaces
- Improved pipeline tools integration
- And more…
Image Sources
My Opinion and Experience
For me, I will say that this is a really powerful tool for creating stunning 3d models and animations. 3ds max has been used by top studios all over the world to create stunning 3d works and its been used to create high quality 3d and visual effects for movies and games.
Modelling tools
When it comes to modelling tools, 3ds max is arguably the best. Its key strengths is the tool available to create high quality 3d models faster and precise.
Texturing tools
Its material editors is really powerful and can be used to create various types of shaders and materials for any 3d object.
Rigging tools
Rigging is not really my thing, but from research and studies, 3ds max is not bad when it comes to rigging, and in fact, it comes specialized tools that makes rigging fun and can be used to create any kind of rigs for animations.
Animation tools
I think 3ds max isn’t the strongest in this department as there are other softwares which core strengths are in 3d animations. However, it doesn’t change the fact that 3ds max is loaded with lots of powerful animations tools and can be used to creating any quality animations. Its character animations tools makes character animation a breath of fresh air in 3ds max.
Dynamics and Simulation Tools
3ds max has really powerful dynamics and simulation tools, and they are really capable of creating not only stunning results, but realistic simulations based on real world physics. I have made use of 3ds max’s dynamics tools a lot and I can say that they are one of the best and the results are amazing when the settings are right.
Particles Tools
3ds max particle tools like particle flow is probably one of the best if not the best particle creators out there. A lot and almost anything concerning particles can be achieved with particle flow. The learning curve is quite steep, but once mastered, creating all kinds of particles effects can become a breeze.
Cameras and Lighting tools
3ds max has very powerful lighting tools for creating amazing light setups in scenes and also for realistic lighting effects. Its cameras works just like real world cameras to achieve stunning and realistic results.
Rendering tools
When it comes to rendering, 3ds max is really powerful out of the box, but with ability to integrate 3rd party rendering tools like vray, octane, Arnold, 3ds max artists can render not only stunning works but also realistic scenes, models and animations etc inside of 3ds max.