Autodesk has recently launched the latest version of its 3D modelling and rendering software, 3ds Max 2024. The update includes a new Boolean modifier for procedural modelling, extends the Array modifier and Slate Material Editor, and introduces experimental support for OCIO colour management.

The latest release of 3ds Max, version 2024, introduces a range of new features and improvements to its 3D modelling and rendering capabilities. One of the key new features is the Boolean modifier, which enables procedural modelling workflows.

The Boolean modifier allows users to combine multiple source objects into a single mesh, with a variety of modes available for different types of combinations. These modes include Union, Subtract, Intersect, Split, and Merge, all of which produce clean geometric output.
Unlike the ProBoolean and Boolean compound objects in previous versions, the new modifier is located in the Modifier stack, making it possible to work procedurally by adding, removing, or re-ordering modifiers.
One of the standout features of the new Boolean modifier is its OpenVDB meshing option. This option converts source objects to volumes before performing the Boolean operation and then converts the result back to polygons. This approach results in retopologized geometry, generating a uniform quad-based mesh.
Users have control over the output quality by adjusting the Voxel Size parameter. Smaller values result in higher output polygon counts and sharper meshes.
Overall, the new Boolean modifier in 3ds Max 2024 offers more flexibility and control in procedural modelling workflows, providing users with the tools to create high-quality 3D models more efficiently.

Autodesk has announced the release of 3ds Max 2024, which brings several new features and updates to the 3D modelling and rendering software. One of the new features is the extended Array modifier, which now includes a Phyllotaxis distribution method that allows for the creation of spiral patterns similar to those found in flowers. Additionally, users can now apply incremental variations to transforms applied to instances generated by the Array modifier, and assign materials on a per-face or per-element basis.

The update also includes performance improvements to key modifiers. For example, the Smooth modifier's Auto Smooth option is now reportedly "at least 10% faster" when working with Editable Mesh objects or an Edit Mesh modifier. The enhanced retriangulation algorithm, which was introduced for the Editable Poly object in the previous release, is now also used by the Edit Poly modifier, leading to cleaner geometry.

To improve workflow, the update includes a new search filter in the Modifier stack that enables users to quickly search for modifiers by name.
Furthermore, 3ds Max 2024 introduces a new Boolean modifier for procedural modelling workflows. This modifier offers a range of modes for combining multiple source objects into a single mesh, such as Union, Subtract, Intersect, Split, and Merge. It produces clean geometric output and replaces the existing ProBoolean and Boolean compound objects. Unlike its predecessors, the new Boolean modifier is located in the Modifier stack, which enables users to work procedurally by adding, removing, or re-ordering modifiers. The modifier also includes an OpenVDB meshing option that converts source objects to volumes before calculating Boolean operations and then converts the result back to polygons. This workflow results in uniform quad-based meshes, and users can control the output by adjusting the Voxel Size parameter.

Autodesk's 3D modelling and rendering software, 3ds Max 2024, brings several updates to the Slate Material Editor. The Material Switcher node is introduced for switching between variant materials. This feature allows users to preview variant looks for an object quickly.
Additionally, Compound nodes can now package groups of nodes, keeping material graphs organised. Workflow improvements include the ability to dock the editor anywhere in the 3ds Max interface, customise its colour scheme, and set wires to display behind nodes in the node graph.
These features help to streamline material creation and make it easier for artists to work with complex node graphs.

3ds Max 2024 brings new updates for animators, including a Transform List controller that allows users to add multiple Transform controllers to an object as blended layers of animation data. This feature gives animators more flexibility and control over their animations.
Additionally, motion paths have been updated to work with List controllers, and they can now be displayed for all controller types. This enhancement makes it easier for animators to visualise and adjust their animations.
Overall, these new animation features in 3ds Max 2024 provide more powerful tools for creating complex and dynamic animations.

Autodesk has released 3ds Max 2024, the latest version of its 3D modeling and rendering software. The update offers several new features and improvements to existing ones. 3D modeling sees a new Boolean modifier for Boolean modeling, providing multiple modes to merge source objects into a single mesh. The new modifier also includes an OpenVDB meshing option, which generates a uniform quad-based mesh by retopologizing the geometry. Updates to the Array modifier include a new Phyllotaxis distribution method, incremental variation of transforms, and the ability to assign materials on a per-face or per-element basis.
In terms of materials, 3ds Max’s Slate Material Editor now includes a new Material Switcher node for previewing variant looks, as well as Compound nodes for organizing material graphs. The editor can be docked anywhere in the 3ds Max interface, customized for color schemes, and have wires set to display behind nodes.
For animation, the Transform List controller enables adding multiple Transform controllers to an object as layers of blended animation data, and motion paths work with List controllers and can be displayed for all controller types.

3ds Max 2024 introduces support for the OpenColorIO (OCIO) color-management standard, but it is still a tech preview, and the existing gamma workflow is still used by default in new scenes. Other changes include faster STL file import and updated plugins for Arnold and Substance, while Autodesk Revit Interoperability and Autodesk Inventor Interoperability are now installed on demand.

3ds Max 2024 is compatible with Windows 10+, and it is rental-only. Subscriptions cost $235/month or $1,875/year, and Indie subscriptions are available for artists earning under $100,000/year and working on projects valued at under $100,000/year, costing $305/year.