Autodesk 3ds Max vs Autodesk Maya
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and integrations.
Quick Verdict
Autodesk 3ds Max offers fewer features (32 vs 54) and more integrations (12 vs 11). Both start at Free. Autodesk 3ds Max has 29 unique features while Autodesk Maya has 51 unique features, with 3 features in common.
| Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Design & Prototyping | Design & Prototyping |
| Total Features | 32 | 54 |
| AI-Powered Features | 0 | 2 |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| Pricing Tiers | 6 | 5 |
| Integrations | 12 | 11 |
| Shared Features | 3 | |
| Shared Integrations | 3 | |
| Data Quality | 85% | 95% |
Feature Comparison by Category
3D Modeling (5 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh and Surface Modeling | ||
| Modifier Stack Workflow | ||
| Retopology Tools | ||
| Smart Extrude | ||
| Spline Workflows |
Animation (0 vs 11)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Cached Playback | ||
| Deformers | ||
| Dope Sheet | ||
| Graph Editor | ||
| Keyframe Animation | ||
| Machine Learning Deformer | ||
| Motion Capture Animation | ||
| Motion Trails | ||
| MotionMaker | ||
| Nonlinear Animation | ||
| Time Editor |
Animation and Effects (5 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Animation Controllers | ||
| Character Animation Tools | ||
| Motion Paths | ||
| Particle Flow Effects | ||
| Realistic Fluids |
Integration (0 vs 3)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Live Link | ||
| Flow Production Tracking Integration | ||
| Unreal Live Link |
Look Development (0 vs 6)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Arnold Integration | ||
| Color Management | ||
| LookdevX | ||
| LookdevX Graph Editor | ||
| MaterialX Data Structures | ||
| Native USD and MaterialX Material Authoring |
Modeling (0 vs 5)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| NURBS Modeling | ||
| Polygonal Modeling | ||
| Sculpting Toolset | ||
| Smart Extrude | ||
| UV Editing and Toolkit |
OpenUSD Workflows (5 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Light Linking | ||
| Lights in Viewport | ||
| OpenUSD Plugin - Open Source | ||
| OpenUSD Workflows - Seamless Import and Export | ||
| USD Layer Editor |
Pipeline (0 vs 3)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Flow Animating in Context | ||
| Plug-In Manager | ||
| Python 3 Scripting |
Rendering (6 vs 8)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Arnold Shaders | ||
| Arnold USD | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Color Management | ||
| Denoising | ||
| GPU and CPU Rendering | ||
| Integrated Arnold Renderer | ||
| Interactive Viewports | ||
| Lighting | ||
| Lights | ||
| OpenColorIO v2 | ||
| Physical Camera | ||
| Scene Converter |
Rigging (0 vs 4)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Modular and Procedural Rigging | ||
| Retargeting | ||
| Skeletons | ||
| Skinning |
Simulation & Effects (0 vs 6)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Bifrost Graph | ||
| Bifrost Simulation and Effects | ||
| Geometry Nodes | ||
| Procedural USD | ||
| Ready-to-use Templates | ||
| Scattering and Instancing |
Texturing and Shading (5 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Bake to Texture | ||
| High-Quality Materials | ||
| Material Editor | ||
| Material Switcher | ||
| Open Shading Language (OSL) Support |
Workflow (0 vs 8)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | ||
| Lightweight Previews | ||
| Maya USD Plug-in | ||
| Native OpenUSD Support | ||
| OpenUSD Support | ||
| OpenUSD in the Viewport | ||
| Scene Assembly | ||
| Seamless USD Import and Export |
Workflow and Pipeline (6 vs 0)
| Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk Maya |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (29)
Mesh and Surface Modeling
Modifier Stack Workflow
Retopology Tools
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
Interactive Viewports
Lighting
Physical Camera
Scene Converter
Bake to Texture
High-Quality Materials
+ 9 more unique features
Only in Autodesk Maya (51)
Cached Playback
Deformers
Dope Sheet
Graph Editor
Keyframe Animation
Machine Learning Deformer
Motion Capture Animation
Motion Trails
MotionMaker
Nonlinear Animation
Time Editor
Adobe Live Link
Flow Production Tracking Integration
Unreal Live Link
Arnold Integration
LookdevX
LookdevX Graph Editor
MaterialX Data Structures
Native USD and MaterialX Material Authoring
NURBS Modeling
+ 31 more unique features
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