SDK Requirments

[MehdiZangenehBar]

I need to create a simple C++ plugin for the 3dsMax version 2014 and above (2025).

I'm looking for the minimum installation of the build environment.
Can I install the latest version of the VisualStudio, Windows SDK, .NET and Qt? or have to install specific version for specific Max version?
For example latest version of the Qt is 6.6.3, can I use that for all Max version?
Can I use Visual Studio 2022 for all? and only install different C++ Platform Toolsets?
Can I install latest Windows SDK for all? (Windows 10)

.NET is clear for me, because MINIMUM version mentioned in the page.

[istan]

This is want the helpfile says - No QT yet AFAIR:

3ds Max Version	Target Operating System	Binary compatible 3ds Max SDK versions	Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler Version
2014 (Version 16.0)	Windows 7 (64 bit) Windows 8 (64 bit)	2013	Visual C++ 10.0 Service Pack 1. Visual Studio 2010 Service Pack 1.

[istan]

This is what the helpfile says - no QT yet AFAIR

Max 2014 (Version 16.0):
Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows 8 (64 bit)

Visual C++ 10.0 Service Pack 1. Visual Studio 2010 Service Pack 1.

Before wasting time, I would install the old Visual C++ IDE for Max2014.

BTW: Have you already tested Max2014 on Win10?

[klvnk]

there's no issue with max on win10 all the way back to at least 2010 for both compiling for and running

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

For myself, I have made the decision to no longer support pre-2020 versions... my number of users of these versions is negligible.

[klvnk]

my projects can spit out all versions back to 2009 anyway with the same code so it's now just habit, the joys of macros and the preprocessor 😉

[MehdiZangenehBar]

Yes, I have been installed 3dsMax 2014 on Windows 10

[MehdiZangenehBar]

I don't get your answer, did you undrstand my question?

[MehdiZangenehBar]

This means I can install latest version of the VisualStudio, Windows SDK, Qt and .NET for developing Max 2010 - 2025 on Windows 10?

[MehdiZangenehBar]

My users are still believe older versions works better, So I have to develop for older versions.
But my question still remained:
Let say I have a fresh clean hard drive, and I need mimimum installation, Which softwares I have to install to cover 2014 - 2025, can I install latest versions?

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

---

@MehdiZangenehBar wrote:

My users are still believe older versions works better, So I have to develop for older versions.
But my question still remained:
Let say I have a fresh clean hard drive, and I need mimimum installation, Which softwares I have to install to cover 2014 - 2025, can I install latest versions?

---

I'm sure Klvnk can answer your question in details, but my experience says:

You must have at least: 

1.  all versions of 3DS MAX SDK
2. VS 2017 and 2019 (under 2022)
3. Windows 10 and 11 SDK 

(Qt, .NET, some Python stuff comes with the MAX SDK, but additional libraries may be needed for advanced coding).

[istan]

---

@MehdiZangenehBar wrote:

My users are still believe older versions works better,

---

My users also always tell me the same: Max2012 was the most stable version and starts at least 5 times faster than Max2024..

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

---

@istan wrote:

---

@MehdiZangenehBar wrote:

My users are still believe older versions works better,

---

My users also always tell me the same: Max2012 was the most stable version and starts at least 5 times faster than Max2024..

---

I agree... I too was better and much stable 15 years ago, and could start faster too.

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

But I'm much wiser and more experienced now 😉

[klvnk]

Install and older visual studio toolset

(you may have to look elsewhere for pre 2013  versions of visual studio)

i would probably give qt a miss as it's going to complicate thing with earlier things.... but without knowing what the simple plugin is, it's difficult to say.... eg a docking tool bar needs qt and has no alternative.

[MehdiZangenehBar]

Do I have to install both windows 10 and 11 SDK? 

[MehdiZangenehBar]

The plugin type might change later, but yes, I have so many UI related developments. My question in general is can I use higher version of the qt for the lower versions of Max? Or I should install different versions at the same time? 

[klvnk]

you can but you'd have to write your own integration code pre 2017 versions 

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

---

@MehdiZangenehBar wrote:

The plugin type might change later, but yes, I have so many UI related developments. My question in general is can I use higher version of the qt for the lower versions of Max? Or I should install different versions at the same time? 

---

There is virtually no reliable solution for using Qt in versions prior to 2017. In fact, until 2020...

[MehdiZangenehBar]

So, for older versions should I use Win32 stuff fot the UI? Can I implement .NEt (WPF)?