Software · Architectural visualisation
3ds Max
Autodesk's visualisation workhorse, the backbone of many archviz studios alongside V-Ray or Corona.
Knowledge
What is 3ds Max?
3ds Max is Autodesk's 3D modelling, animation and rendering platform. In architecture it is the classic visualisation tool: most established archviz studios have a pipeline built on it, usually with V-Ray or Corona as the render engine.
It is a specialist skill. Design practices rarely expect every assistant to know it, but dedicated visualisation roles ask for it by name, and strong Max portfolios open doors in a competitive niche.
If visualisation is your direction, 3ds Max plus a render engine remains one of the most in-demand combinations in specialist studios.
- It powers archviz studios
The established pipeline for high-end stills and film in visualisation.
- It pairs with render engines
V-Ray and Corona turn Max scenes into photoreal imagery.
- It is a specialist route
Dedicated visualiser roles name it directly.
Test yourself
Prove your 3ds Max.
One independent KnowledgeSmart assessment for 3ds Max, free and with no limit. Sit it in your own time and keep the result.
Partner learning
Skill up on 3D Studio Max with ArchAdemia.
Curated ArchAdemia courses tagged to 3D Studio Max. Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 to get 10% off membership.
- BeginnerThe Complete Guide to 3ds Max16+ hours · ArchAdemiaCourse briefing
- BeginnerV-Ray for 3ds Max9+ hours · ArchAdemiaCourse briefing
- BeginnerChaos Corona: Interior Rendering3+ hours · ArchAdemiaCourse briefing
- BeginnerChaos Corona: Exterior Rendering5+ hours · ArchAdemiaCourse briefing
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Go deep on visualisation.
Add 3ds Max to your profile so visualisation studios can find you, or advertise a role that needs it.