Autodesk 3ds Max AlternativesOnly apps categorised as VFX Software for Mac

Autodesk 3ds Max is not available for Mac but there are some alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The best Mac VFX Software alternative is Blender, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max and five of them are VFX Software available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Mac VFX Software alternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max are Autodesk Maya, Houdini, Vue and LightWave.

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Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives are mainly VFX Software, but if you're looking for 3D Modelers or 3D Animators you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Android, Free, Open Source, Mac, Linux and iPad. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max.
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Alternatives list

  1. Blender icon

    Blender

     1743 likes
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    A comprehensive open-source 3D software suite for modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, rigging, and animating. It supports renderings, simulations including fluid and cloth dynamics, complex compositing, video editing, and Python scripting, running across all major operating systems.

    139 Blender alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Steam
    • Flatpak
    • Snapcraft
    Splash Artwork for Blender 4.3
     
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    109
    Comments about Blender as an Alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    9

    It is really powerfull. It is only a 100 MB file (3ds Max is 1+ GB file). It really really requires low resources from a modest PC. Its is free!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    0

    Blender is free but is hard to use

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Lower learning curve and high usability.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Show more comments
    3 of 9 comments
    Autodesk 3ds Max Icon
    Blender icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Blender is a great Autodesk 3ds Max alternative.

    • Blender is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max.

    • Blender is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max.

    • Blender is Free and Open SourceAutodesk 3ds Max is Paid and Proprietary
    • Blender is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedAutodesk 3ds Max is not according to our users
  2. Autodesk Maya icon

    Autodesk Maya

     149 likes
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    Professional-grade 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visual FX software used in films, TV, and games, featuring advanced tools, Bifrost effects, and a visual programming environment for intricate simulations.

    61 Autodesk Maya alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Subscription
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Autodesk Maya screenshot 1
     
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    19
  4. Houdini icon

    Houdini

     40 likes
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    Houdini covers all the major areas of 3D production, including:

    • Modeling - All standard geometry entities including Polygons, (Hierarchical) NURBs/Bezier Curves/Patches & Trims, Metaballs
    • Animation - Keyframed animation and raw channel manipulation (CHOPs), motion captur.
    48 Houdini alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Houdini screenshot 1
     
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Autodesk Maya icon
    Autodesk Maya

    Professional-grade 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visual FX software used in films, TV, and games, featuring advanced tools, Bifrost effects, and a visual programming environment for intricate simulations.

    https://www.autodesk.com
    Learn More
  6. Vue icon

    Vue

     29 likes
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    Create vast expanses of terrains, add trees, select the best point of view and render hyper-realistic images of your landscapes in moody atmospheres... in a few mouse clicks.

    62 Vue alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    vue final
     
  7. LightWave icon

    LightWave

     17 likes
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    LightWave 3D combines a state-of-the-art renderer with powerful, intuitive modeling, and animation tools. Tools that may cost extra in other professional 3D applications are part of the product package, including 999 free cross-platform render nodes, support for Windows and Mac...

    45 LightWave alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    LightWave screenshot 1
     
5 of 5 Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives