Attribute Transfer is a new modifier that allows you to transfer attributes (vertex positions, normals, colors, up to two UV sets) from one object to another. This ensures a complete workflow, previously available only through scripts. This feature is especially useful for retopology, editing UV scans, or working with copies of objects.

The Push modifier has received a number of new features: it is now possible to limit deformations by interacting with other objects in the scene - the Push operation stops upon collision. Smoothing settings have been added via the Relax Iterations parameter, as well as limiting the action along the axes, which avoids self-intersections and excessive mesh deformation.

The XForm modifier, responsible for object transformations, now supports four modes: global, local, relative, and standard. The Preserve Normals item has been added, which allows you to keep the orientation of the normals during transformations.

The USD plugin for 3ds Max has been updated to version 0.11. It now includes the Promote to 3ds Max Object feature, which allows you to convert geometry from USD to a native Max object for editing using standard tools. Support for OpenPBR materials during export has also been implemented, corresponding to the new 3ds Max 2026 materials system. Additionally, there are new Python functions for managing DATA layers and improvements in workflows.

The 3ds Max integration module for Autodesk Arnold renderer has also been updated, now MAXtoA 5.8.2 supports the changes made in Arnold 7.4.2.
First of all, this is an increase in performance, especially the initialization time of the scene during rendering on machines with a large number of processor cores.

3ds Max 2026.1 is only available by subscription for Windows 10 and above. The cost is $255 per month or $2010 per year. Artists with an income of up to $100,000 per year can get an Indie subscription for $330 per year.