Non-Destructive Modifier Stack
A unique layered approach to geometry editing that allows changes to be applied, adjusted, or removed without permanently altering the base model. Ideal for iterative design processes.
About Autodesk 3ds MaxAll Autodesk products
What it is, and why teams use it.
What Autodesk 3ds Max is
The complete 3D modelling, animation, and rendering tool for design visualisation, game development, and VFX. Autodesk 3ds Max is the backbone of architectural visualisation, game asset production, and design animation workflows worldwide.
It is renowned for powerful hard-surface modelling, a non-destructive modifier stack and a deep plugin ecosystem that includes industry favourites like tyFlow, ForestPack and thinkingParticles. 3ds Max combines production-proven stability with the flexibility to handle any creative challenge. Its parametric approach to modelling means changes ripple through the entire scene non-destructively, saving hours on complex projects.
Where it fits
Storm FX supplies Autodesk 3ds Max to media & entertainment and AEC & archviz teams across Australia and New Zealand. We'll talk through licensing, hardware and pipeline fit before you commit.
Key features
What Autodesk 3ds Max brings.
Hard-Surface Modelling
Smart Extrude, high-quality Boolean operations, ReForm retopology, and Editable Poly tools purpose-built for creating precise architectural, industrial, and product geometry.
Arnold Rendering
Integrated photorealistic rendering with OCIO-based colour management, GPU and CPU modes, and a fully dockable material editor for consistent, professional output.
Character Animation (CAT & Biped)
Built-in character animation systems for rigging and animating bipedal and non-standard characters, with motion path visualisation and crowd simulation.
Particle & Simulation Systems
Particle Flow for smoke, fire, and water effects; MassFX for rigid and soft-body dynamics; and cloth simulation for realistic garment and fabric behaviour.
Extensive Plugin Ecosystem
Seamless integration with tyFlow, ForestPack, thinkingParticles, and hundreds of third-party tools that extend 3ds Max's capabilities for specific production needs.
Use cases
How it plays out in practice.
Industrial Light & Magic: Apple TV
ILM VFX supervisors used 3ds Max to add large-scale environmental effects including snow-covered terrain and iceberg-filled ocean scenes for a major streaming production.
Architectural Visualisation Studios: Global
3ds Max is used by more architectural visualisation studios worldwide than any other 3D tool, producing photorealistic renders and animations for property developers, architects, and interior designers.
Game Development Studios: Asset Production
Studios worldwide rely on 3ds Max for hard-surface game asset creation, LOD generation and UV unwrapping, particularly for environment and vehicle assets.
Across industries
Where Autodesk 3ds Max earns its keep.
In production
Autodesk 3ds Max at work.
Talk Autodesk 3ds Max with a specialist.
Talk it through with a specialist who has lived your pipeline. No hard sell. That's been the deal since 1991.
Help Centre
Send us your questions.
Product questions, licensing, compatibility, deployment. Ask here and a Storm FX specialist will come back to you. Smart instant answers are on the way, and there is always a human behind this panel.