topic Learning 3DS Max in 3ds Max Forum

Learning 3DS Max

ChadForeman74 — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:41:53 GMT

Hello. Complete newbie to 3DS Max. I want to get started learning the software. The opening screen on the software said "Tutorials" and led me here to the forum. I can search tutorials but I don't know which ones to start with. I have models that I've made in Rhino and Sketchup. I'm mostly interested in learning how 3DS Max helps me to render. Thanks in advance! -Chad

Re: Learning 3DS Max

Francisco_Penaloza — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:25:56 GMT

Well, the answer is not short and simple. There are many ways to render in 3D Max, which usually depend on the person and the use of the images or videos.

For most product visualization you can be OK using Arnol inside 3D Max. Some tutorials here

https://www.autodesk.com/learn/catalog/rendering%20with%203d%20max

But for larger projects and fast feedback, you may be better off using V_Ray or Corona. or taking the model to something such as Chaos Vantage or Unreal.

The internet is full of tutorials on visualization. Just keep an eye on the software version they're using; some of them are very outdated.

Having said all this, the interaction between 3D Max and Rhino always been very messy, triangulation, materials, groups, block, they don't translate well from Rhino into 3D Max, so don't get frustrated if it doesn't work right away. For me, usually OBJ format works best, but sometimes FBX works better. it depends on the files

Re: Learning 3DS Max

ChadForeman74 — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:31:12 GMT

Hi Francisco.

Thank you for your well-thought-out reply. I appreciate all of your information. I was using Rhino when I was doing the MArch program at University. Now I'm doing an Arch Vis/Drafting/Modeling program at the community college. We're using more AutoCad, Sketchup, and Revit there. Being Autodesk products, it would make sense that they would play better with 3DS.

After I posted this I found a series of getting started with Max, 1...2...3 kind of thing which is more my speed.

I do have a V-Ray subscription and it seems to have automatically included the Max version.

I'm trying to make myself employable and from what I understand Revit is the Go-to software. So I'm hoping to just move in that direction. But I'm keeping an open mind.

Thanks again!

Chad

Re: Learning 3DS Max

Francisco_Penaloza — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:44:19 GMT

No problem,

If you want to go Arch Viz, then 3D Max and V-Ray are the standard. You may also look into Corona, which has gained a lot of traction here in the USA, but most companies still are heavy into V-Ray. There is plenty of material online; otherwise, if you have specific questions, lots of people can help you here.

Best of luck.

Re: Learning 3DS Max

ChadForeman74 — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:05:35 GMT

Sounds good! Thank you!