3D Studio Max, often abbreviated as 3D Max, is a leading PC-based 3D animation and rendering software developed originally by Discreet Corporation, which later merged with Autodesk. Its predecessor was the 3D Studio series for DOS operating systems. Before the advent of Windows NT, the industrial-level CG production was dominated by SGI graphics workstations. The combination of 3D Studio Max and Windows NT significantly lowered the threshold for CG production, initially used for video game animation and later involved in movie special effects production, such as in "X-Men II" and "The Last Samurai."

In this updated version, 3D Max 2024.2, users can enjoy a range of new features and performance improvements that enhance the animation production process.

Key highlights of 3D Max 2024.2 include:

• Updated "Assign Controller Roll" Tab: Enhanced animation efficiency with modernized controller options.
• Boolean Modifier Updates: Improved operand handling in the modifier stack, better performance, and OpenVDB processing.
• Operand Axis Information Retention: Now, operands maintain their axis data before and after being added to boolean modifiers for easier manipulation.
• Capture Operand Operations: New workflows for capturing and manipulating operands within the modifier stack.
• Improved OpenVDB Processing: Enhanced animation parameter support and maintenance of hollow shapes.

Performance enhancements include:

• Updated Topology: Process time reduced by up to 30% with the new version of Autodesk ReForm.
• Consistent Modifier: Facilitates surface alignment without explicit modeling, saving time and enabling animated deformations.
• Edge Bar: Detailed parameters for the Consistent Modifier, showcasing projection methods and workflow examples.
• USD for 3ds Max 0.5 Plugin:艺术家现在可以使用USD与3ds Max工作流无缝集成，享受通用场景描述的支持。

With these updates, 3D Studio Max continues to be a pivotal tool for artists and designers in the realm of 3D animation and rendering.