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Autodesk has released 3ds Max 2026.1<\/a>, the latest version of its 3D modelling and animation software<\/a> for architectural visualization, motion graphics and VFX.<\/p>\n The release adds a new Attribute Transfer modifier, for transferring UVs or vertex data between 3D objects, and updates the Push and XForm modifiers.<\/p>\n 3D modeling: new Attribute Transfer modifier<\/strong> It transfers attributes \u2013 vertex positions, normals and colors, plus up to two sets of UVs \u2013 from one model to another.<\/p>\n According to Autodesk, it provides a \u201cnew, non-destructive modifier workflow\u201d for tasks that were typically done through scripting.<\/p>\n 3D modeling and animation: new controls for the Push modifier<\/strong> It gets a number of new options<\/a>, including the option to use other objects in a scene to limit the result of the push operation.<\/p>\n When the result collides with a control object, it stops moving in that direction in real time.<\/p>\n A new Relax Iterations setting smooths the mesh in a similar way to the Relax modifier<\/a>, helping to prevent issues with self-intersection.<\/p>\n It is also now possible to limit push operations to specific axes.<\/p>\n Layout and animation: new options for the XForm modifier<\/strong> As well as the previous default behavior, users can now transform objects in local space, world space, or relative to another object in the scene.<\/p>\n There is also a self-explanatory new Preserve Normals checkbox.<\/p>\n USD for 3ds Max: convert USD geometry to native 3ds Max objects<\/strong> It promotes USD geometry to a 3ds Max object, making it possible to work on it using native 3ds Max tools.<\/p>\n In addition, the USD Exporter now supports the OpenPBR material, which has been 3ds Max\u2019s default material since 3ds Max 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are also a number of workflow improvements, and new Python functions for manipulating USD layers.<\/p>\n Arnold for 3ds Max: performance improvements<\/strong> They\u2019re primarily performance improvements, especially to scene initialization times when rendering on machines with high numbers of CPU cores.<\/p>\n Price and system requirements<\/strong> In many countries, artists earning under $100,000\/year and working on projects valued at under $100,000\/year qualify for Indie subscriptions<\/a>, which now cost $330\/year.<\/p>\n Read a full list of new features in 3ds Max 2026.1 in the online documentation<\/a><\/p>\n Have your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and X (formerly Twitter)<\/a>. As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we don\u2019t post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
The new feature in 3ds Max 2026.1 is the Attribute Transfer modifier<\/a>, shown in the video above.<\/p>\n
There are also updates to a couple of the existing modifiers, including the Push modifier<\/a>, used to inflate or deflate 3D meshes.<\/p>\n
The XForm modifier<\/a>, used to apply transformations non-destructively to objects, gets a choice of four transformation modes.<\/p>\n
3ds Max\u2019s Universal Scene Description plugin has been updated, with USD for 3ds Max 0.11<\/a> adding a new Promote to 3ds Max Object option. <\/p>\n
3ds Max\u2019s integration plugin for Autodesk\u2019s Arnold renderer has also been updated, with MAXtoA 5.8.2<\/a> supporting the changes in Arnold 7.4.2<\/a>.<\/p>\n
3ds Max 2026.1 is compatible with Windows 10+. It is rental-only. Subscriptions cost $255\/month, up a further $10\/month since 3ds Max 2026<\/a>, or $2,010\/year, up $65\/year.<\/p>\n