Autodesk 3ds Max - 3DModels.org https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/ Forum Hum3D Discussion Board en-GB Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:47:40 +0000 wpForo 60 Is learning 3DS Max still worth it in 2025? https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/is-learning-3ds-max-still-worth-it-in-2025/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:24:18 +0000 I've been using Blender for almost 5 years now and recently started wondering if I should invest time in learning 3DS Max. My university offers free student licenses, so I have access to it without the cost barrier (for now).

I'm aiming to get into the VFX industry and notice that many job listings still mention 3DS Max or Maya as requirements. I've watched some professionals saying that Autodesk is slowly abandoning 3DS Max while others swear it's still the industry standard for many sectors.

I tried modeling a simple piece in both software and while I finished the Blender version in about 3 hours, the 3DS Max version took me almost twice as long.

Is it worth the frustration of learning 3DS Max from scratch at this point? Will it actually help my career prospects? I'm particularly interested in VFX and potentially architectural visualization as backup options.

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max Taleschee https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/is-learning-3ds-max-still-worth-it-in-2025/ How difficult is 3ds Max to learn compared to other 3D software? https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/how-difficult-is-3ds-max-to-learn-compared-to-other-3d-software/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:13:40 +0000 Hi, I'm currently studying game design at university, and I'm debating whether to invest time in learning 3ds Max.

I have some experience with Blender (about 6 months of use) but our program recommends 3ds Max for professional work. After installing it and going through some basic tutorials, I'm finding the interface incredibly frustrating and unintuitive compared to Blender.

The software feels like it's stuck in the early 2000s, and I'm questioning if it's worth the steep learning curve. My projects look decent in Blender, and I can work fairly quickly there, but I'm worried about job prospects if I don't learn industry standard tools.

Has anyone else struggled with the transition? Is it just me, or is 3ds Max genuinely more difficult to learn? And most importantly - how long did it take you to become proficient enough to use it professionally?

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max Boostaf https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/how-difficult-is-3ds-max-to-learn-compared-to-other-3d-software/ Should I upgrade 3ds Max for 2024 or wait for stable 2025? https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/should-i-upgrade-3ds-max-for-2024-or-wait-for-stable-2025/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:44:06 +0000 Hello community,

I'm at a crossroads with my 3ds Max setup. I've been happily using 2020 for years (yes, I know I'm behind), but now I'm facing an issue with several plugins dropping support. Most notably, my client is requesting I use their in-house pipeline tools that only support 2023 and newer.

I'm primarily working in commercial visualization for retail spaces, and I rely heavily on Corona, Forest Pack, and Anima. I've always prioritized stability and consistent workflow over new features.

I've got both 2023 and 2024 installed (haven't touched 2025 yet), but haven't committed to either. I'm leaning toward 2024 since it supposedly has better SME improvements, but I've heard rumors about some material editor bugs that could impact my workflow.

Has anyone made the jump from 2020 to 2024 recently? How painful was the transition? Any features I should look forward to? And most importantly - are there any deal-breaking bugs I should be aware of before committing?

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max KerrysRix https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/should-i-upgrade-3ds-max-for-2024-or-wait-for-stable-2025/ What 3ds Max tutorials or courses worked for you guys? https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/what-3ds-max-tutorials-or-courses-worked-for-you-guys/ Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:01:15 +0000 Total noob here trying to learn 3ds Max. Official tutorials seem super outdated and kinda confusing. Found some random YouTube stuff but no idea if they're any good. Anyone know some actually helpful courses/tutorials? Not looking for anything too advanced yet, just good basics to start with.

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max Adekkertupe https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/what-3ds-max-tutorials-or-courses-worked-for-you-guys/ Help understanding 3ds Max system requirements https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/help-understanding-3ds-max-system-requirements/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:50:54 +0000 Looking to buy/build PC specifically for 3ds Max (mostly architectural visualization). Budget around $2000. Been looking at some prebuilt Alienware systems but getting mixed signals about specs. Should I prioritize CPU or GPU? How much RAM do I actually need? Any advice appreciated!

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max Platoon https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/help-understanding-3ds-max-system-requirements/ Does anyone run 3ds Max on Mac? Need honest feedback https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/does-anyone-run-3ds-max-on-mac-need-honest-feedback/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:52:16 +0000 Really want to switch from Windows to Mac (tired of hardware issues), but 3ds max is holding me back. Been looking everywhere but can't find clear info - is there ANY way to run Max properly on mac? Bootcamp seems sketchy since Autodesk doesn't support it officially. M3 chips are crazy powerful now, seems weird Autodesk isn't doing anything about this. Anyone successfully using Max on Mac somehow?

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max AntonioMeeno https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/does-anyone-run-3ds-max-on-mac-need-honest-feedback/ 3ds Max license price question. indie vs standard vs student https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/3ds-max-license-price-question-indie-vs-standard-vs-student/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:47:05 +0000 Losing my student license soon and totally confused about pricing options. Saw regular subscription is like $1900/year?! That can't be right... Then found something about Indie license but not sure if it has limitations. Anyone here actually using these different licenses who can explain the real differences and restrictions? Really don't want to lose access to Max but that standard price is insane.

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max xwz123 https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/3ds-max-license-price-question-indie-vs-standard-vs-student/ Converting 3ds max to obj - what's the easiest way? https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/converting-3ds-max-to-obj-whats-the-easiest-way/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:37:35 +0000 Hey guys, messed up and bought a 3D model that's in .max format without checking first 🤦‍♂️ Need it as .obj for my project but all online converters either fail or look super sketchy. Tried installing 3ds max trial but getting some weird installation errors. Any suggestions before I try hunting down the original artist? Really need this model...

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max menDHift https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/converting-3ds-max-to-obj-whats-the-easiest-way/ How to properly use HDRI for VRay - getting dark results https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/how-to-properly-use-hdri-for-vray-getting-dark-results/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 09:14:02 +0000 Using HDRI maps from HDRI Haven in VRay (trying to do indoor scenes). Got dome light set up with HDRI map but results are super dark - have to crank multiplier to like 12 to get anything usable. I see tutorials where people add sun + extra lights, but isn't HDRI supposed to handle all lighting naturally? What am I doing wrong with my setup?

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max WilsonGyday https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/how-to-properly-use-hdri-for-vray-getting-dark-results/ How to get 3ds Max free for learning? https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/how-to-get-3ds-max-free-for-learning/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:07:19 +0000 Just want to learn 3ds Max for personal projects, no commercial work planned.

The subscription is way too expensive just for learning. I know there is a student version, but I'm not a student anymore. The trial version is too short to learn properly.

Does anyone know of any other options? I'm not trying to do anything illegal, just wondering if there are alternatives I don't know about.

]]> Autodesk 3ds Max RobertVox https://forums.3dmodels.org/3ds-max/how-to-get-3ds-max-free-for-learning/