Autodesk 3ds Max Alternatives for Mac

Autodesk 3ds Max is not available for Mac but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The best Mac 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 many of them are available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Mac alternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max are SketchUp, Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D and Rhinoceros.

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Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives are mainly 3D Modelers but may also be 3D Painting Apps or CAD Software.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Autodesk 3ds Max.
Autodesk 3ds Max iconAutodesk 3ds Max
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Professional-grade 3D modeling, rendering, and animation software, used for creating detailed worlds across film, TV, games, and design projects.

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Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives page was last updated Nov 28, 2024
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  1. Blender icon
    Blender icon

    Blender

     1672 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.

    143 Blender alternatives
    Splash Artwork for Blender 4.3

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Steam
    • Flatpak
    Cycles Render Engine
    Modeling, Sculpt, UV
    +9
    VFX

    Top Blender Features

    1.  3D Animation
    2.  3D Sculpting
    3.  Real time rendering
    4.  Compositor
    5.  Community-based
    6.  Keyframe Animation
    7.  Texturing
    8.  Animation Rigging
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  3D Renderer
    11.  Texture painting
    12.  Grease Pencil
    Blender iconAutodesk 3ds Max Icon

    Blender VS Autodesk 3ds Max

    Is Blender a good alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?
     
    Comments about Blender as an Alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max
     
       
    Guest

    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!

    Top positive comment •Jun 27, 2017
    9
    Guest

    Blender is free but is hard to use

    Top negative comment •Jan 30, 2017
    0
    Guest

    Lower learning curve and high usability.

    Positive comment •Dec 10, 2020
    0
    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
  2. SketchUp icon
    SketchUp icon

    SketchUp

     551 likes
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    Comprehensive 3D modeling software ideal for architecture, engineering, film, and gaming. It includes features like easy-to-use interface, sun and shadow analysis, color experimenting, and mock-up creation. Available in freeware and professional versions for diverse needs.

    164 SketchUp alternatives
    Main UI

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    SketchUp screenshot 1

    SketchUp Features

    1.  3D Animation
    2.  3d sketching
    3.  Built-in 3D model viewer
    4.  Pencil
    5.  3d Drawing
    6.  Cabinet design
    7.  Image to 3D
    8.  Mechanical Design
    9.  Browser-based
    SketchUp iconAutodesk 3ds Max Icon

    SketchUp VS Autodesk 3ds Max

    Is SketchUp a good alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?
     

    • Some users think SketchUp is a great Autodesk 3ds Max alternative, some don't.

    • SketchUp is the most popular Web-based alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max.

    • SketchUp is Freemium and ProprietaryAutodesk 3ds Max is Paid and Proprietary
  4. Autodesk Maya icon
    Autodesk Maya icon

    Autodesk Maya

     147 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.

    64 Autodesk Maya alternatives
    Autodesk Maya screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux

    Autodesk Maya Features

    1.  3D Sculpting
    2.  Keyframe Animation
    3.  Texturing
    4.  Cross-Platform
    Created with Maya
    Autodesk Maya screenshot 2
    +4
    Autodesk Maya screenshot 3
    Autodesk Maya iconAutodesk 3ds Max Icon

    Autodesk Maya VS Autodesk 3ds Max

    Is Autodesk Maya a good alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?
     

    • Most users think Autodesk Maya is a great Autodesk 3ds Max alternative.

    • Autodesk Maya is the most popular commercial alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max.

    • Autodesk Maya is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk 3ds Max is also Paid and Proprietary
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  6. Cinema 4D icon
    Cinema 4D icon

    Cinema 4D

     82 likes
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    CINEMA 4D is a commercial, cross-platform, high-end 3-D graphics application, produced by MAXON Computer GmbH of Friedrichsdorf, Germany. Noted for its flexible interface and ease of use, it is capable of procedural and polygonal/subd modelling, animating, lighting, texturing...

    49 Cinema 4D alternatives
    Cinema 4D screenshot 1

    License model

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows

    Cinema 4D Features

    1.  Rendering
    2.  Keyframe Animation
    3.  Support for scripting
    4.  Procedural Modeling
    Cinema 4D screenshot 1
    Cinema 4D iconAutodesk 3ds Max Icon

    Cinema 4D VS Autodesk 3ds Max

    Is Cinema 4D a good alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?
     
  7. Rhinoceros icon
    Rhinoceros icon

    Rhinoceros

     31 likes
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    Rhino can create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS* curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes. There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware.

    62 Rhinoceros alternatives
    Rhinoceros screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Rhinoceros screenshot 1
    Rhinoceros screenshot 2
    +2
    Rhinoceros screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Nurb Surfacing
    2.  Parametric Modeling
    3.  Support for scripting
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Procedural Modeling
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  3D Sculpting
    8.  Portable
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
    Rhinoceros iconAutodesk 3ds Max Icon

    Rhinoceros VS Autodesk 3ds Max

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  8. Houdini icon
    Houdini icon

    Houdini

     36 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.
    50 Houdini alternatives
    Houdini screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Houdini screenshot 1
    Houdini screenshot 2

    Houdini Features

    1.  Procedural Modeling
    2.  Node Based
    3.  Motion Capture
    4.  3D Sculpting
    5.  3D Renderer
    Houdini iconAutodesk 3ds Max Icon

    Houdini VS Autodesk 3ds Max

    Is Houdini a good alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?
     
  10. Vue icon
    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
    vue final

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    vue screenshot
    vue render
    +6
    Vue screenshot 3

    Vue Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Keyframe Animation
    5.  Procedurally generated
    Discontinued

    No longer under active development, but you can still download it and use it for free.

    Vue iconAutodesk 3ds Max Icon

    Vue VS Autodesk 3ds Max

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  11. Vectary icon
    Vectary icon

    Vectary

     12 likes
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    Vectary is the most accessible 3D and Augmented Reality design platform. Create an account for free online. No app download needed. Build immersive experiences for the real world. Publish 3D and Augmented Reality content to any website.

    38 Vectary alternatives
    Create 3D UI in Vectary

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Chrome OS
    • Figma
    • madewitharkit
    • WebGL
    • Sketch
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Vectary Web AR Customizer
    Create, Render, Collaborate in Vectary
    +3
    Vectary Photon Rendering. This image is a customizable 3D template

    Vectary Features

    1.  Augmented Reality
    2.  Real time collaboration
    3.  Web-Based
    4.  Rendering
    5.  3D Renderer
    6.  Figma plugin
    7.  HD-Rendering
    8.  3d sketching
    9.  Sketch
    Vectary iconAutodesk 3ds Max Icon

    Vectary VS Autodesk 3ds Max

    Is Vectary a good alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?
     
  12. GLC_Player icon
    GLC_Player icon

    GLC_Player

     16 likes
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    GLC_Player is a software used to view 3D models (COLLADA 3DXML OBJ 3DS STL OFF and COFF format are supported) and to navigate easily in these models. With the album management, capture and multi-capture capabilities, HTML export and navigation possibilities, GLC_Player is the...

    27 GLC_Player alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux

    GLC_Player Features

    1.  Built-in 3D model viewer
    GLC_Player iconAutodesk 3ds Max Icon

    GLC_Player VS Autodesk 3ds Max

    Is GLC_Player a good alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?
     
    Comments about GLC_Player as an Alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max
     
    Guest

    It is only a viewer, and not a modeler.

    Negative comment •Mar 15, 2017
    0
    Autodesk 3ds Max Icon
    GLC_Player icon
    • GLC_Player is Free and Open SourceAutodesk 3ds Max is Paid and Proprietary
9 of 43 Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives