Discover What’s new in 3ds Max 2024.2.

3ds Max, developed by Autodesk, is a powerful 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software widely used in various industries such as architecture, engineering, and entertainment. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating stunning visualizations, animations, and simulations.

In November 2023, Autodesk released 3ds Max 2024.2, its latest version.

In this post, Chip Render will take a closer look at What’s new in 3ds Max 2024.2, including key updates and other changes and improvements.

The latest update brings significant performance enhancements to several essential modifiers in 3ds Max. Now, users can enjoy smoother workflows with improvements in modifiers like Boolean, Push, Relax, XForm, and Volume Select, with speeds up to 10 times faster.

Additionally, Retopology Tools have seen speed boosts of up to 30%. Animation tools have also received workflow improvements. Furthermore, OCIO color management is now officially out of preview. Updates to 3ds Max’s USD plugin and integration plugin for the Arnold renderer further enhance compatibility and performance with other software and rendering engines.

Assign Controller rollout

The Assign Controller rollout has been updated with features to help animators work more efficiently.

Boolean Modifier

The 3ds Max 2024.2 release includes significant Boolean modifier updates, such as improved sub-operand manipulation in the Modifier stack, faster performance and OpenVDB processing, and many bug fixes.

Retopology

A new version of Autodesk ReForm has been released, which improves processing times by up to 30%.

Conform Modifier

The new Conform modifier enables you to put objects onto other surfaces via two options: shrink wrap and volume.

USD for 3ds Max 0.5 plug-in

Universal Scene Description (USD) support in 3ds Max is improved, allowing artists to work smoothly with USD alongside 3ds Max workflows.

Spline Shape Angle Constraint

A new Enable Shape Angle Constraints option in the Snap Options menu allows you to create your own angle constraint to help you with angle snaps (while holding Shift or Ctrl) while drawing lines or line objects.

Color Management

OCIO-based color management has progressed beyond the Technology Preview level. Colors in 3ds Max may be adjusted from input to output, allowing for an end-to-end color-managed process.

Data Channel Modifier Additions

Several enhancements, including new presets, expression engines, and a Maxscript Process Operator, enhance the Data Channel Modifier’s usability.

Volume Select Modifier

The Volume Select Modifier now has improved performance and the ability to animate Material ID and Small Group values, resulting in more instantaneous results.

Smaller Scene Files

Scenes are no longer saved with empty Animation Layers, Note Tracks, and Note keys, resulting in smaller file sizes.

Other than the key updates above, 3ds Max 2024.2 introduces a range of changes and improvements aimed at enhancing the overall user experience and workflow efficiency. Those changes and improvements include:

• List Controller UI
• Controller Context menu
• Expression Controller UI
• Track View – Script Controller performance
• Scripting Editor: Selected word highlighting
• Asset Tracker: Check Network Paths
• Motion Trails
• Spline End Cap Material ID
• Unwrap UVW Modifier
• New Camera Map Modifier parameter
• ATF
• Biped
• CAT Workflow
• Modifier performance
• FBX 2020.3.4
• Arnold for 3ds Max 5.6.5.1
• Default Viewport Layout
• OIIO version 2.4.13.0
• OSL

Image credit: Marie Henry​ via Autodesk

In summary, 3ds Max 2024.2 brings significant improvements to performance and usability across various aspects of the software. From faster modifiers to enhanced animation tools and updated plugins, users can expect a smoother and more efficient workflow in their creative endeavors.

We encourage all 3ds Max users to explore the new features and enhancements introduced in this update. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting with 3D modeling and animation, these improvements are designed to make your experience more enjoyable and productive.