Autodesk 3ds Max vs Autodesk Fusion
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and integrations.
Quick Verdict
Autodesk 3ds Max offers fewer features (32 vs 57) and more integrations (12 vs 4). Starting price: Autodesk 3ds Max at Free vs Autodesk Fusion at $57/mo. Autodesk 3ds Max has 32 unique features while Autodesk Fusion has 57 unique features, with 0 features in common.
| Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Design & Prototyping | Design & Prototyping |
| Total Features | 32 | 57 |
| AI-Powered Features | 0 | 4 |
| Starting Price | Free | $57/mo |
| Pricing Tiers | 6 | 3 |
| Integrations | 12 | 4 |
| Shared Features | 0 | |
| Shared Integrations | 0 | |
| Data Quality | 85% | 90% |
Feature Comparison by Category
3D Design (0 vs 9)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Parametric Modeling | ||
| Assemblies | ||
| Design Configurations | ||
| Direct Modeling | ||
| Freeform Modeling | ||
| Mesh Modeling | ||
| Sheet Metal Design | ||
| Sketching | ||
| Surface Modeling |
3D Modeling (5 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh and Surface Modeling | ||
| Modifier Stack Workflow | ||
| Retopology Tools | ||
| Smart Extrude | ||
| Spline Workflows |
AI & Optimization (0 vs 4)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Solve | ||
| Design Costing | ||
| Generative Design | ||
| Generative Design Machine Learning |
Additive Manufacturing (0 vs 4)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing Integration | ||
| Associative Programming | ||
| Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) | ||
| Metal Additive Manufacturing |
Animation and Effects (5 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Animation Controllers | ||
| Character Animation Tools | ||
| Motion Paths | ||
| Particle Flow Effects | ||
| Realistic Fluids |
CAM (0 vs 10)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| 2D and 2.5D Machining | ||
| 3-Axis Machining | ||
| 4 and 5-Axis Simultaneous Milling | ||
| Automated Machining | ||
| Multi-Axis Positional Machining | ||
| Post-Processors | ||
| Setup Probing and Part Inspection | ||
| Toolpath Modifications | ||
| Turn-Mill | ||
| Turning Operations |
Collaboration (0 vs 5)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Change Management | ||
| Comment and Markup | ||
| Global Share | ||
| Public/Private Design Sharing | ||
| Real-Time Team Collaboration |
Data Management (0 vs 6)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| AnyCAD | ||
| Cloud Storage | ||
| File Export | ||
| User Management | ||
| User Permissions and Access Control | ||
| Version Control |
Documentation (0 vs 2)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Drawings | ||
| Drawing Automation and Design Configuration |
OpenUSD Workflows (5 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Light Linking | ||
| Lights in Viewport | ||
| OpenUSD Plugin - Open Source | ||
| OpenUSD Workflows - Seamless Import and Export | ||
| USD Layer Editor |
PCB Design (0 vs 9)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Component Library Management | ||
| Design for Manufacturing / DRC | ||
| Electronics Cooling | ||
| MCAD-ECAD Unification | ||
| PCB Layout | ||
| PCB Manufacturing (CAM) | ||
| PCB and Schematic Synchronization | ||
| SPICE Simulation | ||
| Schematic Capture |
Rendering (6 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Color Management | ||
| Integrated Arnold Renderer | ||
| Interactive Viewports | ||
| Lighting | ||
| Physical Camera | ||
| Scene Converter |
Simulation (0 vs 7)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Buckling Simulation | ||
| Cloud Simulation | ||
| Compare Results | ||
| Modal Frequency Simulation | ||
| Non-Linear Stress Analysis | ||
| Static Stress Simulation | ||
| Thermal and Thermal Stress Analysis |
Texturing and Shading (5 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Bake to Texture | ||
| High-Quality Materials | ||
| Material Editor | ||
| Material Switcher | ||
| Open Shading Language (OSL) Support |
Visualization (0 vs 1)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Rendering |
Workflow and Pipeline (6 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Extensive Plug-in Library | ||
| Modern UI and Workspaces | ||
| Multiple File Format Support | ||
| Python 3 Support | ||
| Software Security | ||
| glTF Support |
Unique Features
Only in Autodesk 3ds Max (32)
Mesh and Surface Modeling
Modifier Stack Workflow
Retopology Tools
Smart Extrude
Spline Workflows
Animation Controllers
Character Animation Tools
Motion Paths
Particle Flow Effects
Realistic Fluids
Light Linking
Lights in Viewport
OpenUSD Plugin - Open Source
OpenUSD Workflows - Seamless Import and Export
USD Layer Editor
Color Management
Integrated Arnold Renderer
Interactive Viewports
Lighting
Physical Camera
+ 12 more unique features
Only in Autodesk Fusion (57)
3D Parametric Modeling
Assemblies
Design Configurations
Direct Modeling
Freeform Modeling
Mesh Modeling
Sheet Metal Design
Sketching
Surface Modeling
3D Printing Integration
Associative Programming
Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
Metal Additive Manufacturing
Cloud Solve
Design Costing
Generative Design
Generative Design Machine Learning
2D and 2.5D Machining
3-Axis Machining
4 and 5-Axis Simultaneous Milling
+ 37 more unique features
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