3DS Max is a professional computer graphics program developed by Autodesk for video game developers, movie studios, and architectural firms, among others. Essentially, it’s used to create scenes and models, but the software also offers rigging and physics calculations as well as a high-quality 3D rendering that has been used to create movies such as Avatar and 2012.
However, if you’re working by yourself or with a small team, creating every object from scratch can be a daunting task, even with such powerful software. That’s where this list comes in: with this list of free sources of 3DS Max files, you can focus more on the high-level aspects of your projects.
On the other hand, if you’re unfamiliar with the software and want to see what it’s all about, we have numerous articles dedicated to demystifying the topic. But for the initiated, let’s see where 3DS Max models are bountiful and free.
One of the most popular 3D model sites out there, Turbosquid offers models for game developers, interior designers, architects, and artists. Fortunately, the search tool allows you to filter the list and only show the free items. But it gets better: You can then even filter down to the .MAX or .3DS filetypes you’re looking for.
At the time of writing, there were over 12,000 different models posted for free with the file types compatible with 3DS Max. If you’re willing to spend a bit of money, you can even find rigged and animated models ready to be imported and used in your next masterpiece.
Free3D has a vast collection of free models in many of the most popular 3D file formats. Right on the front page, they have the option to filter your search criteria for free 3DS Max models. In addition, they have subcategories for architecture, vehicles, aircraft, furniture, and much more. If you require a quick model or even want some inspiration, just browse their website for a while.
Free3D even offers a selection of premium 3D models if you have a small budget and want something extra. What we like about this website is the ability to switch between premium and free models without having to sort through a series of filters or hidden links.
Check them out, and you might be surprised by what you find.
CGTrader is a quality source for free and premium 3D models. Some of them are 3D printable, and many are available in any filetype you might need, including 3DS Max-compatible filetypes. With over 840,000 3D models, you’re sure to find that last piece of the scene here. Use their license-free items for gaming, advertising, animations, and more!
The website features models of architecture, animals, aircraft, characters, and more. Simply locate their 3D models page, select a category, apply the free filter, and select 3DS Max to get on your way.
If you’re a 3D designer, you even have the option to create an account with CGTrader and get your work out there for sale. Although, one thing we don’t necessarily like about this website is that even with the free filter selected, they pepper in some premium models for advertising. Buyer beware.
While 3DSky’s website isn’t as flashy as the others, they offer a wide range of model types for your next project. From lighting to textures and even materials, there are models here that you might not be able to find elsewhere. The website specializes in architecture, interior design, or decorative models.
If you’re looking for something unique or can’t find it on other sites, give 3DSky a look and see if there’s something available for you. Similar to other websites, they offer premium and free models. To get to the free ones, select your category from the main page, then select the free tab right above the model thumbnails.
The next source on our list features free 3D models, textures, Vray materials, and even tools and plugins for 3DS Max. CadNav is a unique website in that all their content is completely free and ready to use. They offer the same ability to filter specifically for 3DS Max files, and even have categories for designers, engineers, architects, and more.
If you don’t want the hassle of sorting through premium models to find the free ones, this source is for you.
Beauty isn’t everything in a website, and that holds true with Archive 3D. While the website isn’t as flashy or as large as some of the other ones, the models are all free to download with a quick registration. When it comes to meeting that tight deadline, the look of your sources doesn’t matter. What makes the difference is the quality of your models and the speed at which you can get them.
You won’t go wrong with Archive 3D, give them a look next time you’re in a pinch and need that last piece to finish the day or break a creative block.
A boutique website dedicated to interior designers and architects, ArchibasePlanet has a whole range of 3D models, high-quality textures, and even a news blog. If you’re looking for a designer, they also offer services for that.
What we like about this source is the quality of models and the filters available for any scene or room type. As a bonus, you can create your own designer profile and share your work with others, if you’ve made anything shareable.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our curated list of websites to find 3DS Max models. More importantly, we hope we were able to help you find that last bit of inspiration or even the final piece to your project. From tier one model suppliers with vast communities to the obscure user groups featuring their versions of cool models, the sources of 3DS Max models online is truly diverse. Have fun combing through them!
Feature image source: Autodesk