Autodesk has recently launched the latest version of its modeling and rendering software, 3ds Max 2024.2. One of the major updates is the improved performance of several key modifiers, such as the Boolean modifier, Push, Relax, XForm and Volume Select. The Volume Select modifier is now much faster, up to 10 times faster than before. Additionally, the Assign Controller rollout in 3ds Max 2024.2 now automatically resizes to fit the Command Panel, making it easier to use.
The Retopology Tools have been improved and are now up to 30% faster. Additionally, the animation tools have undergone workflow improvements, and the OCIO color management is officially out of preview. The 3ds Max’s USD plugin and the integration plugin for the Arnold renderer have been updated as well.
Double the normal development time for a 3ds Max update
It is typical for Autodesk to release updates for 3ds Max every three months. However, the latest version, 3ds Max 2024.2, was released six months after 3ds Max 2024.1. This longer development time has resulted in a more extensive changelog than usual. Although the update does not introduce any major new features, there are notable workflow and performance improvements to several existing tools. Some of these improvements are quite significant.
3D modeling: speed boosts and workflow improvements for Boolean operations
Autodesk has introduced several tools in 3ds Max 2024 that make Boolean operations on meshes faster and more convenient. The Boolean modifier has been optimized to process these operations 35% faster than before. Furthermore, the modifier now supports source meshes with co-planar faces, and Boolean sources now retain their original pivot points, making them easier to reposition. Also, Boolean operations on OpenVDB volumes now preserve their animation parameters.
3D modeling: updates to Data Channel, Push, Relax, XForm and Volume Select
Several important modifiers have received performance improvements in the latest update. Push modifier is now “up to 1.5 times faster” while Relax and XForm modifiers have seen a speed increase of “up to 1.7 times faster”. Volume Select modifier has the biggest improvement with a speed-up of “up to 10 times faster”. Additionally, Volume Select now supports the animation of Material IDs and smoothing group values.
The Data Channel modifier has received several workflow enhancements including a new feature that allows the use of MAXScript scripting to process channel data.
Retopology and UVs: performance and workflow improvements
In the latest update, the Retopology Tools have been improved to perform better, thanks to an update to the base algorithm, Autodesk ReForm. This improvement results in a processing speed boost of up to 30%. Additionally, while unwrapping meshes, the Unfold3D Peel, Pack and Relax tools in the Unwrap UVW Modifier will now take into account the current UV selection, making the process more efficient.
Animation: updates to Assign Controller, Biped and CAT
Animators can now benefit from an improved Assign Controller rollout that automatically resizes to fit the dimensions of the Command Panel. Additionally, the context menu has been expanded to provide more options.
Other changes: OCIO color management is now production-ready
The OCIO color management system has been introduced in 3ds Max 2024. It is now officially out of the technology preview phase and comes with several workflow improvements. Moreover, 3ds Max has made an important change to the way it saves files. It will no longer save scenes with empty Animation Layers, Note Tracks, or Note Keys, which will help reduce file sizes.
Significant updates to the USD and Arnold plugins
The USD and Arnold plugins have been updated, apart from the core software. The 0.5 version of USD for 3ds Max brings in MaterialX support, and allows exporting facial animations created with 3ds Max’s Morpher modifier as blendshapes. For more information, please refer to this story. MAXtoA 5.6.5.1 now supports the new features in Arnold 7.2.4.
Price and system requirements
3ds Max 2024.2 is available for Windows 10+. It is rental-only. Subscriptions cost $235/month or $1,875/year.
In many countries, artists earning under $100,000/year and working on projects valued at under $100,000/year qualify for indie substriptions, now costing $305/year.
copyright source – https://www.cgchannel.com/2023/11/autodesk-releases-3ds-max-2024-2/
