AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 – Features and Benefits for Designers and Animators | Autodesk
AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 A Powerful 3D Modeling and Rendering Software
If you are looking for a professional software to create immersive game experiences, stunning visualizations, and realistic animations, you might want to check out AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3. This software is one of the most popular and versatile tools for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation in the market. In this article, we will give you an overview of what AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 is, how to use it, what you can do with it, how it compares to other software, and how much it costs.
AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 –
What is AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3?
AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 is the latest version of the software that was released in November 2019. It is a software that allows you to create, edit, and animate 3D objects and scenes in various ways. You can use it for different purposes, such as game development, film and TV production, architecture and design visualization, product design and manufacturing, and more.
Key features of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3
Some of the key features of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 are:
Retopology tools: These tools enable you to automatically optimize the geometry of high-resolution models and create a clean, quad-based mesh topology.
Smart Extrude: This feature allows you to extrude faces on 3D objects in an intuitive and flexible way. You can also rebuild and stitch together adjacent faces automatically.
Open Shading Language (OSL) support: This feature lets you create or use pre-existing procedural OSL maps with any supported renderer.
Baking to texture: This feature simplifies the process of baking textures from complex materials or lighting scenarios.
Integrated Arnold renderer: This feature enables you to render your scenes directly from the interface using the powerful Arnold renderer.
Interactive viewports: This feature improves the quality and performance of your viewport previews by displaying physically based rendering (PBR) materials and camera effects.
Software security: This feature protects your work from potentially malicious scripts that could be part of scene files.
Benefits of using AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3
Some of the benefits of using AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 are:
Creative freedom: You can create any kind of 3D content that you can imagine with a rich and flexible toolset.
- High quality: You can produce realistic and stunning 3D graphics and animations with advanced rendering and simulation features.
Compatibility: You can work seamlessly with other software and formats, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Adobe Photoshop, and more.
Customization: You can tailor the software to your needs and preferences by using plugins, scripts, macros, and user interface options.
How to use AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3?
To use AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3, you need to install it on your computer and learn how to navigate its interface and use its basic workflow and tools.
Installation and system requirements
To install AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3, you need to have a compatible operating system, processor, memory, graphics card, and disk space. The minimum system requirements are:
Operating system: Windows 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent with SSE4.2 support
Memory: 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended)
Graphics card: DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 compatible with Shader Model 5.0 support (4 GB of VRAM recommended)
Disk space: 9 GB of free disk space for installation
To install AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3, you need to have an Autodesk account and a valid license or subscription. You can download the software from the Autodesk website or use the Autodesk desktop app. You can also use the Autodesk Download Manager to resume interrupted downloads. After downloading the software, you need to run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
Interface and navigation
The interface of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 consists of several elements that help you access and control the features and functions of the software. The main elements are:
Menu bar: This is located at the top of the interface and contains menus that group commands by category.
Ribbon: This is located below the menu bar and contains tabs that display tools and options for different tasks.
Toolbars: These are located on the left and right sides of the interface and contain buttons that execute common commands.
Viewports: These are located in the center of the interface and display your 3D scenes from different perspectives.
Command panel: This is located on the right side of the interface and contains tabs that display parameters and settings for creating and modifying objects.
Scene explorer: This is located on the left side of the interface and displays a hierarchical list of all the objects in your scene.
Status bar: This is located at the bottom of the interface and displays information about your scene, such as coordinates, selection, modes, prompts, etc.
You can navigate the interface by using various methods, such as mouse movements, keyboard shortcuts, menus, toolbars, ribbon tabs, viewport controls, etc. You can also customize the interface by resizing, docking, floating, hiding, or showing different elements.
Basic workflow and tools
The basic workflow of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 involves four main steps: creating objects, transforming objects, modifying objects, and rendering objects.
Creating objects: You can create various types of objects in your scene, such as geometric primitives, shapes, lights, cameras, etc. You can use the Create panel in the command panel to access different categories of objects. You can also use the ribbon tabs or the menu bar to access more options for creating objects.
Transforming objects: You can transform objects in your scene by moving, rotating, scaling, aligning, snapping, or mirroring them. You can use the transform tools in the toolbar or the ribbon to manipulate objects interactively in the viewports. You can also use the Transform panel in the command panel to enter precise values for transforming objects.
Modifying objects: You can modify objects in your scene by changing their shape, appearance, behavior, or properties. You can use modifiers to apply non-destructive changes to objects. You can use materials to define how objects look when rendered. You can use maps to add texture and detail to objects. You can use animation to make objects move over time. You can use the Modify panel in the command panel to access different types of modifiers, materials, maps, and animation controllers. You can also use the ribbon tabs or the menu bar to access more options for modifying objects.
Rendering objects: You can render objects in your scene to create realistic images or videos of your 3D content. You can use the integrated Arnold renderer or other third-party renderers to produce high-quality results. You can use the Render Setup dialog box to adjust various settings for rendering, such as output size, format, quality, camera, lighting, etc. You can also use the Rendered Frame Window to view and save your rendered images or videos.
What can you do with AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3?
AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 is a powerful and versatile software that can help you create amazing 3D content for various purposes and industries. Here are some examples of what you can do with AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3:
Create stunning 3D designs and animations
You can use AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 to create stunning 3D designs and animations for games, films, TV shows, commercials, and more. You can use the software to model complex characters, environments, props, vehicles, and more. You can also use the software to animate your models with realistic motion, expressions, and interactions. You can use the software to add details and effects to your models, such as hair, fur, cloth, fluids, fire, smoke, etc. You can use the software to create dynamic and interactive scenes with physics-based simulations and collisions.
Render high-quality scenes and effects
You can use AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 to render high-quality scenes and effects for your 3D content. You can use the integrated Arnold renderer or other third-party renderers to produce photorealistic images or videos of your scenes. You can use the software to adjust various aspects of your rendering, such as lighting, shadows, reflections, refractions, depth of field, motion blur, etc. You can also use the software to apply post-processing effects to your rendering, such as color correction, tone mapping, glare, bloom, etc.
Automate and customize your workflow
You can use AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 to automate and customize your workflow for creating and rendering 3D content. You can use the software to create scripts and macros that perform repetitive or complex tasks for you. You can also use the software to create plugins and extensions that add new features or functions to the software. You can also use the software to customize the user interface and preferences of the software according to your needs and preferences.
How does AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 compare to other software?
AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 is one of the most popular and widely used software for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation in the market. However, it is not the only software that offers these capabilities. There are other software that have similar or different features and functions that may suit your needs better. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 compared to other software:
Advantages and disadvantages of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3
Some of the advantages of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 are:
Powerful and versatile: AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 has a rich and flexible toolset that allows you to create any kind of 3D content that you can imagine.
High quality: AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 has advanced rendering and simulation features that allow you to produce realistic and stunning 3D graphics and animations.
Compatibility: AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 works seamlessly with other software and formats, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Adobe Photoshop, and more.
Customization: AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 allows you to tailor the software to your needs and preferences by using plugins, scripts , macros, and user interface options.
Some of the disadvantages of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 are:
Complex and steep learning curve: AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 has a lot of features and functions that can be overwhelming and confusing for beginners or casual users.
Expensive and limited license options: AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 has a high price tag and requires a subscription or a perpetual license that may not be affordable or suitable for everyone.
Heavy and demanding system requirements: AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 requires a powerful and compatible computer system to run smoothly and efficiently.
Alternatives and competitors of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3
Some of the alternatives and competitors of AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 are:
Software
Description
Pros
Cons
Autodesk Maya
A software that offers similar capabilities as AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3, but with more focus on animation and visual effects.
- More advanced and flexible animation tools- More realistic and complex simulation features- More compatible with industry standards and pipelines
- More expensive and limited license options- More complex and steep learning curve- Less intuitive and user-friendly interface
Blender
A free and open source software that offers similar capabilities as AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3, but with more focus on game development and sculpting.
- Free and accessible for everyone- More versatile and adaptable to different needs- More active and supportive community
- Less professional and polished than AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3- Less compatible with other software and formats- Less stable and reliable than AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3
Cinema 4D
A software that offers similar capabilities as AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3, but with more focus on motion graphics and design.
- More easy and fun to use than AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3- More creative and expressive tools for motion graphics- More integrated with Adobe After Effects
- Less powerful and versatile than AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3- Less realistic and detailed rendering features- Less customizable and extendable than AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3
How much does AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 cost?
AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 is not a cheap software, but it offers various pricing and subscription options that may fit your budget and needs.
Pricing and subscription options
The pricing and subscription options for AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 are:
Monthly subscription: You can pay $205 per month to use the software for one month.
Annual subscription: You can pay $1,620 per year to use the software for one year.
Three-year subscription: You can pay $4,375 for three years to use the software for three years.
Perpetual license: You can pay $4,195 to buy the software once and use it forever.
You can also choose between a single-user license or a multi-user license depending on how many people will use the software.
Free trial and discounts
If you are not sure whether you want to buy or subscribe to AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3, you can try it for free for 30 days. You can download the free trial from the Autodesk website or use the Autodesk desktop app. You can also use the Autodesk Download Manager to resume interrupted downloads.
If you are eligible, you can also get discounts or free access to AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 through the following programs:
Educational license: If you are a student, teacher, or academic institution, you can get a free educational license to use the software for educational purposes for up to three years.
Non-commercial license: If you are a hobbyist, enthusiast, or start-up, you can get a free non-commercial license to use the software for personal learning or experimentation for up to one year.
Autodesk Collections: If you need more than one Autodesk software, you can get a discounted bundle of software through the Autodesk Collections. For example, you can get the Media & Entertainment Collection, which includes AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk MotionBuilder, and more.
Conclusion
AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 is a powerful and versatile software that can help you create amazing 3D content for various purposes and industries. It has a rich and flexible toolset that allows you to create, edit, and animate 3D objects and scenes in various ways. It has advanced rendering and simulation features that allow you to produce realistic and stunning 3D graphics and animations. It works seamlessly with other software and formats, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Adobe Photoshop, and more. It allows you to tailor the software to your needs and preferences by using plugins, scripts, macros, and user interface options.
However, AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 is not a cheap or easy software to use. It has a high price tag and requires a subscription or a perpetual license that may not be affordable or suitable for everyone. It has a lot of features and functions that can be overwhelming and confusing for beginners or casual users. It requires a powerful and compatible computer system to run smoothly and efficiently.
Therefore, before you decide to buy or subscribe to AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3, you should consider your needs, budget, skills, and preferences. You should also compare it with other software that offer similar or different capabilities. You should also try it for free for 30 days or get discounts or free access if you are eligible.
We hope this article has given you an overview of what AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3 is, how to use it, what you can do with it, how it compares to other software, and how much it costs. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about AUTODESK 3ds Max 2020.3:
What is the difference between AUTODESK 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya?
AUTODESK 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya are both software that offer similar capabilities for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses that may suit different users better. For example, AUTODESK 3ds Max is more suitable for game development, architecture and design visualization, product design and manufacturing, etc. Autodesk Maya is more suitable for film and TV production, animation and visual effects, character modeling and rigging, etc.
Is AUTODESK 3ds Max easy to learn?
AUTODESK 3ds Max is not an easy software to learn because it has a lot of features and functions that can be overwhelming and confusing for beginners or casual users. However, there are many resources available online that can help you learn the software step by step. For example, you can use the tutorials and videos on the Autodesk website or YouTube channel. You can also use the online help and documentation on the Autodesk website or within the software. You can also join online forums and communities where you can ask questions and get answers from other users.
Can I use AUTODESK 3ds Max on Mac?
No, AUTODESK 3ds Max is not available for Mac operating system. It is only available for Windows operating system. However , you can use some alternatives or workarounds to run AUTODESK 3ds Max on Mac. For example, you can use a virtual machine, a remote desktop, or a cloud service to access AUTODESK 3ds Max on a Windows environment from your Mac. You can also use other software that are compatible with Mac, such as Blender, Cinema 4D, or SketchUp.
How can I get AUTODESK 3ds Max for free?
You can get AUTODESK 3ds Max for free for 30 days by downloading the free trial from the Autodesk website or using the Autodesk desktop app. You can also get AUTODESK 3ds Max for free for up to three years if you are a student, teacher, or academic institution by applying for a free educational license. You can also get AUTODESK 3ds Max for free for up to