3DS Max vs Maya – Which One You Should Learn In 2022

3DS Max and Maya both are Industry-standard 3d modeling software.

3DS Max is known for advanced and easy to use 3d modeling tools whereas Maya is used for advanced animation tools.

Both software is used by popular Production houses, Big gaming studios, Animations studios worldwide.

Let’s Compare.

1. User Interface

UI means user interfaces play a major role in faster works. 3DS Max UI is really simple whereas Maya UI is a little confusing for beginners.

After using Maya, you will realize that Maya UI is better. You can also customize UI according to your needs.

2. 3D Modeling

3ds Max is great 3d modeling software for Hard surface Modeling, Architecture Visualization, product visualization whereas Maya is Good for Animation, Character Modeling, and VFX Projects.

3DS Max is mostly used in gaming industries whereas Maya is used mostly in the Animation industry.

Most beginner 3d artists think that 3DS Max is better in 3D modeling because of readymade objects and modifiers.

Yeah, it’s true but in old days.

Now, Maya also has great 3d modeling tools, modifiers, and readymade objects too.

Let’s be more clear, 3DS Max is good in Hard Surface Modeling whereas Maya is Good for Character Modeling.

Hair modeling is the most difficult part for character artists. Maya has great tools such as XGen for extremely realistic hair creation.

Whereas 3ds Max still uses the old method for hair creation, Autodesk Maya is the winner in Hair creation.

3DS Max is used widely in the gaming industry, if you want to pursue a carried in the gaming industry, you should learn 3ds max instead of Maya.

Maya is also used in gaming industries but 3ds max is very popular in the gaming industry.

So, If you want to join the gaming industry as a 3d modeler, you should choose 3ds Studio max instead of Maya.

3. 3d Texturing

3DS Max is much better for architecture texturing than Maya. 3DS Max has great inbuilt material for architecture texturing.

Maya also has a great texturing material library that you can use for realistic texturing. If you are an architect then you can use 3DS Max instead of Maya for architecture texturing.

4. Rigging and Animation

Maya is the most used 3D Animation software worldwide.

Autodesk Maya has very advanced rigging and Animation tools that make rigging and Animation a lot easier than 3ds max.

Maya has very advanced and easy-to-use animation tools than 3ds max. Most animation studios prefer Autodesk Maya for animation.

3DS Max has also a great tool for rigging and animation but it is not good compared to Autodesk Maya.

Most professional animators use Autodesk Maya for animation, Most popular animated movies are made in Autodesk Maya.

So, If you want to be a successful animator, you should choose Autodesk Maya for rigging and animation work.

5. Dynamic

Maya is very popular in the VFX industry. Most professional studio uses Autodesk Maya for VFX work.

3DS Max and Maya both have VFX features but Autodesk Maya is very advanced in VFX.

3DS Max and Maya costs are the same, So you should choose Autodesk Maya for VFX-related work.

6. Motion Graphic

With Maya motion graphics tools, you can create complex shapes and animation easier.

3DS Max is not having great motion graphic tools. So, Autodesk Maya is good in Motion Graphic.

7. Maya LT vs 3DS Max

Maya LT is affordable and Light 3d modeling software but also limited in features. Maya LT is designed for gaming artists who are not able to afford expensive software.

3DS Max is a costly software but has more features than Maya Lt.

8. VFX

3DS Max is software whereas Autodesk is a complete 3d package including amazing VFX tools.

Autodesk Maya is used in mostly VFX movies instead of 3DS Max. So, Maya is good for VFX.

Now It’s Your Turn

So I share the some differences that will help you choose 3ds max or Maya for your next projects.

You can also share your thought in the comment section about this discussion.