What's New in 3ds Max 2023.2 Update

Array Modifier

The new parametric Array modifier lets you create arrays using multiple Distribution methods. Its expansive toolset includes transformation and randomization controls, and parameters to adjust material IDs and UV data.

Array Modifier Distribution Method: Grid

The Grid Distribution Method creates a uniform set of clones in a 1D, 2D, or 3D grid pattern.

Array Modifier Distribution Method: Radial

The Radial Distribution method creates clones in a circular pattern aligned to the X, Y, or Z axis.

Array Modifier Distribution Method: Spline

The Spline Distribution method creates clones along a target spline in your scene.

Array Modifier Distribution Method: Surface

The Surface Distribution method creates clones using the sub-objects of a target mesh.

Track View updates

Thanks to customer feedback, this update contains user-requested status changes to the Track View tool to simplify and improve animator quality of life, helping animators to focus only on their work.

Editable Poly Retriangulation

An enhanced retriangulation algorithm now produces improved results when creating new faces, moving vertices, or using Retriangulate on an Editable Poly object.

Chamfer updates

Several new updates improve the results of chamfer operations.

Updated Delta Mush computation

A problem where the Delta Mush operator (Data Channel modifier) created issues with some symmetrical meshes has been addressed. A new option, Use Legacy Compute, is now available in the Delta Mush UI settings.

The Use Legacy Compute option lets you turn off the improved algorithm in case you were relying on the legacy behavior and is turned on automatically whenever you load geometry that used the legacy (pre 2023 update 2) method. This option is turned off for all new Delta Mush scenes.

Note: You can switch the legacy and improved algorithm, by toggling the checkbox, however, be sure to do this only when the geometry is in the "neutral" or "rest" pose state, as the rest pose stores information critical to the Delta Mush functionality.

glTF updates

• The Scene Converter contains a new preset called "PhysicalToGLTF" that allows you to easily convert all physical materials in a scene to glTF materials.
• The glTF Exporter now exports all map channels instead of just channel 1. See Exporting to glTF.

MeshSmooth Performance

The NURMS algorithm that is used in the MeshSmooth modifier and NURMS subdivision for Editable Mesh and Editable Poly surfaces is now up to 15% faster.

Updated Particle Flow Source defaults

By customer request, some of the presets for the Particle Flow Emission and System Management settings have been changed.

Now, the Quality Multiplier value for Viewport is set to 100% (previously it was 50%), and the Integration Step value for System Management is set to Frame (previously it was Half Frame).

These changes sync the settings with the Quality Multiplier and Integration Step Render values, and save time spent adjusting these settings to produce an accurate render output.

New FBX Export workflow for Standard Materials

As of 3ds Max 2021, there was a change to the way default materials were exported by FBX. Since 2021, FBX exports with a Physical Material by default.

Before 3ds Max 2021, the FBX Exporter used a Standard Material, now known as a 'Standard (Legacy)' Material. If you want to continue to use the legacy (pre v.2021) method, using Standard (Legacy)' Materials, use the workflow in this topic: FBX Export with Standard (Legacy) Materials.

Arnold for 3ds Max 5.4.0.37

3ds Max ships with MAXtoA 5.4.0.37 for Arnold 7.1.3.0 which introduces an improved V-Ray scene converter, volume shader improvements, and new support for pinned curves and nested instancers. See the Arnold for 3ds Max 5.4.0.37 release notes for a full list of features.