Autodesk has officially released 3ds Max 2026

Autodesk has officially released 3ds Max 2026, bringing a suite of enhancements and new features designed to streamline workflows and bolster creative capabilities for 3D artists and designers. This latest version introduces significant updates across modeling, texturing, animation, and rendering.

Key Features of 3ds Max 2026

1. OpenPBR as Default Material

In collaboration with Adobe, Autodesk has integrated OpenPBR as the new default material in 3ds Max 2026. This open-source, physically based shading model aims to unify material workflows across different applications, enhancing interoperability and simplifying the creation of realistic materials. CGPress+480 Level+4DIGITAL PRODUCTION+4 DIGITAL PRODUCTION+180 Level+1

2. Enhanced Vertex Weld Modifier for Splines

The Vertex Weld Modifier now supports both Mesh and Spline objects. When applied to splines, it enables the welding of open vertices—those without two connecting segments—facilitating efficient repair and unification of splines while maintaining their editability and procedural nature. This is particularly useful for cleaning up imported vector data or preparing text objects. Autodesk+3DIGITAL PRODUCTION+380 Level+3

3. Improved Retopology Tools with Flow Retopology

The Flow Retopology plugin, introduced in version 2025.2, allows users to submit retopology jobs to the cloud, freeing up local resources. In 3ds Max 2026, the monthly limit for these cloud retopology jobs has been increased from 30 to 50, providing greater flexibility for complex projects. Autodesk+2CGChannel+2Autodesk Help+2

4. Animation Performance Enhancements

Significant performance updates have been made to key animation modifiers, including the Array, Conform, Displace, and Skin Modifiers. Additionally, 3ds Max Fluids have been optimized, resulting in processing speed improvements of up to 10%. CGChannel

5. New Spline Rectangle Creation Method

A new three-point method for creating spline Rectangle objects has been introduced, enabling the creation of rectangles at angles other than the default world-aligned right angles. This provides greater flexibility in modeling workflows. 80 Level+2CGChannel+2DIGITAL PRODUCTION+2

6. Updated Substance Plugin

The Substance plugin has been updated to version 3.0.5, allowing users to import materials directly from the online Substance 3D Assets library into 3ds Max’s Slate Material Editor. This streamlines the process of accessing and utilizing a vast array of high-quality materials. CGChannel+1CGPress+1

7. Arnold Renderer Integration

3ds Max 2026 ships with an updated version of the Arnold renderer (MAXtoA 5.8.0), incorporating Arnold 7.4.0.0. Notable additions include support for transmission shadow density in the OpenPBR Surface and Standard Surface shaders, enhancing the realism of shadows cast by transparent objects. CGChannel+2CGPress+2CGChannel+2 80 Level+3CGChannel+3CGPress+3

8. Workflow and UI Improvements

A new Preserve Stack Position toggle has been added, allowing users to return to the previously selected modifier for an object after selecting a new one. Additionally, the Create section of the Command Panel now features an Object Search widget, streamlining the process of finding and creating objects within a scene. DIGITAL PRODUCTION+280 Level+2CGChannel+2 DIGITAL PRODUCTION+2CGChannel+280 Level+2

For a comprehensive overview of all the new features and enhancements in 3ds Max 2026, refer to the official Autodesk release notes.Autodesk Help+1Autodesk Help+1

These updates reflect Autodesk’s commitment to providing tools that enhance efficiency, creativity, and interoperability for 3D professionals.