3ds Max Developer Center

Autodesk 3ds Max provides a rich and powerful API that can be used to automate repetitive tasks, and to extend the core functionality of 3ds Max. This functionality includes customization of 3D modeling, animation, visual effects, rendering, and many other areas. .NET API Assemblies are provided to allow automation style programming. The Software Development Kit (SDK) provides extensive C++ functionality and provides code samples and documentation to help you get started developing with the API for Autodesk 3ds Max. Read more...

Learning and Documentation

3ds Max is a very mature platform and offers flexible customization. But where to start? The learning and documentation resources can be a huge help.

  • 3ds Max SDK Training Webcasts

    A complete 3ds Max SDK training on developing plug-ins based on C++ is provided in ten 1 hour segments. It includes exercises with solved projects.

  • DevTV: Intro to 3ds Max SDK

    This is a two-part video series that demonstrates fundamental aspects to the 3ds Max SDK by implementing a simple exporter.

  • Documentation and SDK Samples

Tools

The 3ds Max SDK is included in every 3ds Max release.
There are two ways to install the 3ds Max SDK:

  • Download the appropriate SDK msi file from the above links and install it.
  • Alternatively, you can also find the SDK in the extraction folder, under: \x64\Tools\MAXSDK\SDK_3dsMax .msi

Autodesk Developer Network

ADN OPEN

For more information on Autodesk desktop product customization and APIs please visit Autodesk Developer Network Open.

ADN MEMBERSHIP

If you need more professional customization support, consider joining the Autodesk Developer Network. that includes direct support, and development product licenses.

Resources

ACCESS AUTODESK SOFTWARE FOR FREE

Trial versions are available for most Autodesk products. Download your free 30-days trial version today. You can obtain Autodesk desktop software for development use on an on-going basis by joining ADN.

AUTODESK CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES

All the information and resources needed to use Autodesk cloud-based software and components in your own web and mobile applications can be found on the Autodesk Platform Services (formerly Forge) Developer Portal. Get easy access to APIs and documentation, tutorials, GitHub samples, support and more.

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