How difficult is 3ds Max to learn compared to other 3D software?

3ds Max definitely has a steeper learning curve than more modern software like Blender. The UI hasn't evolved as quickly as other programs, but there's a reason it's still industry standard in many sectors.

The modifier stack in Max is incredibly powerful once you understand it. The difference is that Blender was designed with hobbyists and indie creators in mind (though it's grown far beyond that), while Max was built for production environments from the start.

My advice would be to stick with it, but focus on learning specific workflows rather than trying to master the entire application. No one knows all of Max - I certainly don't after years of using it. For good tutorials, check out https://3dsmaxtutorial.com/category/beginner and https://www.youtube.com/@changsooeun for modern approaches.

Don't forget to use the global search feature (Alt+Q) - it's a lifesaver for finding tools!

Max is like that old car that looks dated but runs like a dream once you get under the hood. I learned both Max and Maya for work and honestly, I picked up Maya faster even though I started with Max.

Give yourself at least 3-6 months of consistent practice before making a judgment. The beginning is the worst part - it gets easier. The real power of Max becomes apparent when you're doing complex modeling and need precise control.

Also, here is my advice: learn the shortcuts. Max becomes 3x faster when you're not hunting through menus.

lol another "Max is outdated" post 🙄

Just learn Blender if you don't like Max. Nobody cares anymore which software you use as long as your portfolio is good.

I switched from Blender to Max about two years ago for my archviz job, and I understand your frustration. The first month was pure pain. I kept trying to use Blender shortcuts and workflows in Max, which made things worse.

What helped me was completely resetting my expectations and approaching Max as if I'd never used 3D software before. I didn't try to find Blender equivalents for everything - instead, I learned the "Max way" of doing things.

For example, the stairs tool in Max is amazing once you know it exists, but if you're trying to extrude objects one by one like you might in other software, you're making life harder for yourself. Take advantage of Max's architectural tools if that's your area.

It took me about 6-8 months to feel comfortable, but now I'm much faster in Max than I ever was in Blender for my specific work.

The truth is, you might not need to learn it at all depending on your career goals.

If you're aiming for AAA game studios, many of them use Maya rather than Max. For indie development, Blender is becoming increasingly common. VFX houses often use Maya+Houdini.

The areas where Max still dominates are architectural visualization and product design. If that's your goal, then pushing through the learning curve is worth it. If not, don't torture yourself unnecessarily.

Your time might be better spent mastering Blender and focusing on building an amazing portfolio. Software proficiency matters less than artistic skill.

I think my frustration partly comes from my teacher. He's making us create complex architectural models with AutoCAD blueprints when we barely know the interface. We weren't even shown the stairs tool - we had to extrude each step individually! 😭

I'll stick with it for now since it's required for my course, but I'll supplement with some of those tutorial resources. Is 3DModels.org worth checking out for ready-made assets while I'm learning?

That's unfortunately common with Max education - teachers often teach outdated workflows. Definitely check out those tutorial links I sent, they'll show you the modern tools that will save you hours of work.

As for 3DModels.org, absolutely - they have some great assets to help you focus on learning rather than spending hours on every detail. Their architectural model packs are particularly good for students. Just don't become overly reliant on pre-made assets for your portfolio pieces.