Autodesk has released 3ds Max 2024, the latest version of its 3D modelling and rendering software. This version focuses on color and material management, enhanced modeling tools, and real-time workflows.
The update adds a new Boolean modifier for procedural modelling, extends the Array modifier and Slate Material Editor, and introduces experimental support for OCIO colour management.
The update introduces OpenColorIO-based color management, a technology preview that brings the benefits of a modern color pipeline and enables accurate reproduction of colors and compatibility across applications.
There is also a Boolean modifier, which combines objects into a single mesh by performing a boolean operation. It can be found in the Object-Space section of the Modifier List. Alternatively, you can calculate a boolean operation using an OpenVDB method. It lets you produce topologically independent results from watertight geometry.
Autodesk added several changes to the Array modifier. Its Material ID rollout now includes new parameters that let you assign material IDs to clones on a per-face or per-element basis. Moreover, there is a new Phyllotaxis distribution method that creates clones in a spiral pattern. The Array modifier’s Radial, Spline, and Phyllotaxis distribution methods now include a new Progressive method in the Transform rollout so you can alter transform data progressively.
As for other useful upgrades, the new Transform List Controller lets you add multiple Transform controllers to an object as layers of blended animation data. There is also a new Material Switcher node that introduces a simple control method to manage the display of multiple material variants.
The developers updated Motion Paths visualization and editing – they are now available for more controller types.
Another new feature is Compound nodes: they contain subgraphs consisting of other nodes and can include other compounds. They will help you organize and simplify large graphs.
In addition, Autodesk improved the Slate Material Editor, enabling better optimization and customization capabilities to improve material editing workflows.
If all the modifiers available in 3ds Max become hard to navigate, the Modifier List is now searchable so you can type the first letters of a modifier to find it.
Other changes include:
- Symmetry Modifier default axis
- STL performance improvements
- Auto Smooth performance improvements
- Material Modifier updates
- Spline welding improvements
- Improved retriangulation using Edit Poly and Editable poly
- On-Demand Revit and Inventor Interoperability
- ATF Importer
- Arnold for 3ds Max 5.6.0.100
- Substance 2.4.10
The company also released Maya 2024, introducing enhanced modeling workflows, new Graph Editor tools, animation performance upgrades, a redesigned Time Slider, and more.
Find the full list of 3ds Max 2024 changes here.