The Connection Extension for Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2010 software makes it easier and more cost-effective to turn design data into more accurate, realistic visualizations. New levels of interoperability, based on intelligent data workflows, between 3ds Max Design and CAD software from both Autodesk and certain third parties makes it easier for architects, designers and visualization specialists to leverage existing design data and minimize rework.

1. Enhanced interoperability with CAD packages – Bring solid models from many of your favorite CAD packages into 3ds Max Design 2010 for visual enhancement or conceptual design and export them back as solids when you’re done.  A new high-fidelity SAT data translator (based on the proven Npower Software technology) helps make it easier to move solids-based data between 3ds Max Design and Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional, or certain third-party CAD products (like Rhino) without translating to polygons.

2. Extensive connectivity with Google™ SketchUp™ modeling software – A powerful new SKP file translator enables you to bring SketchUp scenes into 3ds Max Design with minimal effort and get straight to work rendering or enhancing the visuals. Also, 3ds Max Design can now read numerous  free models from the 3D Warehouse section of the Google website.

 

1. Streamlined compositing with OpenEXR -- Create professional-quality cinematic narratives. A rewritten OpenEXR translator makes it easier to work with compositing applications, enabling you to blend computer graphics (CG) animation with live action footage.

2. Intelligent workflows – Help save time and avoid costly geometry clean-up work with new, more effective workflows for dealing with complex scenes.

 

To learn more about the 3ds Max/Design Connection Extension:

1.  ImageModeler 2009:  This image-based modeling and photogrammetry software generates 3D models from photographs, enabling architects, designers, and visualization specialists to view designs in the context of surrounding buildings and existing environments.  In particular, Autodesk® ImageModeler® software helps you save time when working on renovations or projects in urban environments, where no documentation about existing buildings is available. Bridging the 2D and 3D worlds, Autodesk ImageModeler enables you to more easily capture reality as-built, take measurements of buildings, and create photorealistic 3D models and export them to 3ds Max Design in different formats (Autodesk^® FBX^® file format, OBJ, DWG).
    
2. MatchMover: Considered a critical production tool at leading visual effects facilities, Autodesk® MatchMover™ software delivers high-quality 3D camera tracking. Using this toolset, architects, designers and visualization specialists can extract accurate 3D camera and motion data from video sequences in order to insert computer graphics (CG) elements into a scene. MatchMover provides automatic tracking capabilities combined with precision manual controls that design visualization specialists demand.
    
3. Six-month trial license of Mudbox 2009: Designed for games and film artists,Autodesk® Mudbox™ 2009 software can also be used by architects and designers in conjunction with 3ds Max Design to help create highly detailed organic architectural elements, such as capitals and other sculptural components or free-form terrains. Mudbox includes a highly intuitive user interface that makes modeling almost as simple as working with clay. It has a powerful creative toolset for helping design ultra-realistic high-poly 3D models, and a texture painting workflow that allows you to paint directly on your 3D models – vastly simplifying the process of painting detailed textures across multiple high-resolution maps.