Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 24, 2015. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
In the upcoming issue of DP, we will take a closer look at all the new features of 3ds Max 2016 and include a workshop specifically on the startup templates.
No More Separate Design Version
With version 2016, there will no longer be a Design variant of 3ds Max that was specifically intended for architectural visualizations. With the rendering of a physically correct camera, this tool has now been integrated into 3ds Max 2016, because the dividing line between the architecture, VFX and animation pipelines can no longer be drawn sharply.
Max Creation Graph
The Max Creation Graph is a node-based tool creation environment in which, in addition to choosing from several hundred node graphs, users can even create their own nodes. In the 2016 version, the feature was accelerated further and its quality improved. Adaptive subdivision in the vieport and at render time was also added.
XRef Optimization
Collaboration is now easier with 3ds Max thanks to support for non-destructive animation workflows and improved stability in XRef. It is also possible to publish animatable parameters, allowing them to be accessed directly in the modifier for quick adjustments.
OpenSubdiv Support
OpenSubdiv support was first added in Extension 1, allowing subdivisions to be smoothed by using Pixar’s open-source OpenSubdiv librarys.
New Template System
The new startup configuration templates help create scenes more quickly. The templates can be shared quickly within the team using the import and export options. More on this in the upcoming DP issue 04 : 2015!
Alembic
Another useful feature that was already added to 3ds Max with Extension 1 is Alembic support. This makes complex geometries much easier to transfer. The new playback caching system provides significantly improved viewport performance.
Other features in 3ds Max 2016 include multi-touch support, a Camer Sequencer and skinning optimized by Dual Quaternion.
Here is Autodesk’s presentation video, which once again summarizes all the new features:
You can find all further information about Autodesk 3ds Max here. Like all other standalone products, 3ds Max 2016 is also available via a Desktop Subscription.
