If you are developing a 3D game, you have the option of choosing from a relatively wide array of Graphic Design software.
However, the sheer number of tools that are available can make it hard to choose the right one for you.
For one, you need software to help you create your assets, characters, and objects. In this post, we review two of the more common software used today: Blender and 3DS Max.
This Blender vs. 3DS review will consider the two products and discuss the features that each comes with.
Additionally, we will compare the features to help you see which of them will suit your needs. We compare them based on their features, the available plans, costs, user reviews, and other important parameters.
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Blender vs 3DS MAX: A side-by-side comparison
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two products based on important parameters.
Criteria | Blender | 3DS MAX |
Source code | Open | Close |
Price tag | Free | Paid |
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Web-based |
Learning curve | Steep | Easier |
Developer | Blender foundation | Autodesk |
Application | Animation, modeling, motion graphics | 3D modeling, construction, architecture, engineering |
Users | Freelancers, SMEs | Freelancers, SMEs, Large enterprises. |
Supported Languages | English | English, Indian, Spanish, French, German, Swedish, Portuguese |
Read on to find out which is better.
What is Blender?
We begin this comparison with the Blender software. Blender is an open-source, free 3D computer graphics software. It is the brainchild of collaborations between artists, students, animators, and other professionals from all parts of the world.
As this is open-source, it is not surprising that it is packed full of features and is one of the easiest software of its kind in the market.
The software boasts of a built-in path tracer engine that lets users create some of the best renderings that you will come across for now.
Apart from this, it is also fitted with camera tracking, object tracking, footage tracking, and the ability to import raw footage in 3D scenes.
Features of Blender
There are some unique features that you will find in this software. Let’s consider some of them.
- Path-Tracer Engine
One of the best things about this software is the path-tracer engine. This feature sets it apart from most of the other software used today.
This engine works to control how lighting and materials are used in determining how the 3D image appears.
- Rendering Process
Cycles serves as the path-tracer render engine, and it offers some of the most versatility found in software of this kind.
GPU rendering is important when creating 3D images and scenes, and this engine allows your graphics card to work instead of the CPU. Therefore, it is quite efficient and makes the whole rendering process faster than you might expect.
With this engine, the software crunches loads of numbers per second – an important requirement when creating video games and 3D heavy applications.
- 3D Games Creation
While many people use Blender as a pastime, some use it for more serious things. If you are a video game developer, you likely have dreams of creating 3D video games. Well, this software comes with a game engine that lets the user create these games.
Part of the appeal here is the ability to create game logic and port models. Thus, the games are quite interactive, and many users find the software indispensable.
- Visual Effects
A review of Blender will not be complete without recognizing the benefit of the VFX features on the software.
This tool comes with an in-built compositor that gives you access to loads of nodes for creation. Therefore, you can render several OpenEXR files. This file format has been used in some of the biggest movies of this century.
- Scripting
Last but not least among the features of this software are the scripting abilities. With this tool, extension users can get the ability to add scripts from Python and other functionalities. Therefore, you will find it very versatile.
Advantages of Blender
- Free
Perhaps the best thing about this software is that it is free to use. I
- Open Source
This software is also open source. Therefore, it comes with impressive functionality and is quite intuitive to use. Since there are several collaborators on the code, it can be modified by the user to achieve impressive results.
- Single Channel
With Blender, you can do nearly all you need without having to leave the interface.
Disadvantages of Blender
- Steep Learning Curve
Although you will ultimately know how to use this tool, it is still quite tricky to learn.
- Just for Small Studios
You would be unable to use this in large studios.
What is 3DS Max?
The 3DS Max software is particularly made for rendering and animation. It is made by Autodesk and offers plenty of versatility. It is not only used by game developers, but also used in construction, architecture, product prototyping, and so on.
Features of 3DS Max
Here are some of the features of the software:
- Creates Hi-Def Objects
This software is powerful and has a strong toolkit that allows you to determine the surface, texture, shape, and movement of objects.
It is one of the more flexible software that lets you create objects and movements that mimic real life.
- Professional Tools
While this software is relatively easy to use, it is best for professional use as the strength is in the professional feature set. You get so much from it, which is why it is the preferred tool of creatives, architects, engineers, and animators alike.
- Animation
Not only does this software help in creating 3D games, objects, and scenes, but it also comes in handy if you want to create animations. With this tool, you can create sort and feature-length animations.
The versatility extends to the ability to create posable characters and work on groups via the rigging features.
Advantages of 3DS Max
- Intuitive Features
While there is a professional set of features and others that are quite complex, the software has been designed in a manner that makes it easy to use for all.
One of the best features here is the workflow feature. It allows the user to change scenes rapidly using powerful rendering technology.
- Plenty Of Tools
Another advantage of this software is that it supports loads of tools. These, therefore, make it easy for modeling and other forms of rendering.
- User-friendly
The software is designed with the user in mind. That is why it is one of the easiest software to use in rendering and animation.
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Disadvantages of 3DS MAX
- Incompatibility With Plugins
One of the biggest drawbacks to using this software is the problem of incompatibility with plugins. You need loads of plugins if you want to get the best features from the software.
- Price
The price is also a problem for many. Previously, you could buy a single license. However, that has changed now as the manufacturer has changed to a subscription model.
- Frequent Crashes
Many users have noted that this software tends to crash more often than other design software.
Comparison Of Blender and 3DS MAX
3DS MAX Modeling Tools
For a long time, 3DS MAX has been considered as one of the best in modeling – and it is still regarded as the best by many people.
It comes with plenty of tools that allow you to model whatever you can imagine. However, its sculpting tools are archaic when compared to those that come with Blender.
Therefore, it can be tricky modeling any organic stuff with 3DS Max.
Blender Modeling Tools
Blender, as an open-source tool, has seen plenty of development in recent times, and the new features make it one of the best for 3D modeling.
With a complete sculpting system, you can work on different characters and environment elements easier than you would with any other software.
In terms of modeling, Blender has an advantage over 3DS Max.
Blender VFX and Simulation
Simulation is good on both software. For example, Blender comes with a decent particle system that lets you create good visual effects. With the body dynamics in this tool, you can simulate soft body motion.
Additionally, Blender features a cloth simulator that comes in handy when making clothing and similar things. With a sculpting brush, you can make wrinkles and more.
All of these features point to the fact that Blender is unique.
3DS Max VFX and Simulation
3DS Max is also impressive when it comes to VFX and simulation. However, Blender offers more, especially if you are working without any plugins.
If you are using plugins, though, you would likely prefer 3DS MAX because it gives access to some of the biggest and best visual effects technology used in the industry today.
3DS MAX Rendering Capabilities
When it comes to 3D rendering, both software does an excellent job. 3DS MAX has a very strong render engine that will render HD images and animation.
Blender Rendering Capabilities
On the other hand, Blender comes with a pair of powerful render engines that gives you more versatility.
Cycles, which we have considered earlier in this post, renders images as efficiently as possible, and Eevee, the other render engine, is a real-time render engine that works on the speed and interactivity of your renders.
While Blender and 3DS Max are good at rendering, Blender has the upper hand.
Blender vs 3DS MAX: Final Verdict
As this Blender vs. 3DS Max review has shown, both tools are excellent at what they do. Each one has its strengths and drawbacks. Blender is excellent for small teams and folks on a budget.
On the other hand, 3DS Max is a brilliant fit for people looking to work in game development and any studio in the 3D software industry.