3D Max

3DS MAX 2020.1 – 3D E-TRIBART SCHOOL BLOG

Overview of 3ds Max 2020.1

The latest iteration of 3ds Max, version 2020.1, has been designed to enhance user efficiency and workspace flexibility. This update introduces a variety of refined features and upgrades that cater to the needs of modern 3D modeling professionals.

Enhanced Multi-Monitor Workspace

Maximizing productivity is crucial in 3D design, and with 3ds Max 2020.1, users can now significantly expand their workspace across multiple monitors. This functionality allows designers to utilize up to three additional display panels, which can be configured to suit individual workflows. The adaptability of these panels enhances workspace organization, making it easier to view and manage various aspects of a project simultaneously.

Streamlined Keyboard Shortcut Management

A substantial upgrade in this version is the revised keyboard shortcut management system. Users can now:

  1. Customize Shortcuts: Personalize the shortcuts to enhance workflow by creating a set of commands that suits individual preferences.
  2. Merge and View Options: Easily combine existing shortcuts and view them in a new dedicated editor interface.
  3. Error Handling: Automatic management of conflicts in shortcut assignments is facilitated by a history feature that keeps track of user adjustments.

This overhaul moves beyond a basic interface, enabling users to search for actions by keyword or existing shortcuts, reset assignments, and migrate older shortcut files while retaining updated defaults.

Advanced Chamfer Modifier Features

Building on the user feedback received from the previous update, the Chamfer modifier has received significant improvements. Users can now:

  • Control Edge Dynamics: Adjust the miter angles and edge weights effectively for more predictable modeling.
  • Enhance Depth Management: Utilize the new depth weighting controls to manage how edges interact in 3D space. The options allow for optimized modeling of complex geometric shapes.

These features ensure that modelers can achieve nuanced control over their designs, leading to more sophisticated results.

Additional Productivity Improvements

3ds Max 2020.1 is packed with features aimed at increasing efficiency:

  • Double-Click Selection: A new selection tool facilitates faster modeling adaptations.
  • Enhanced Edit Poly Functionality: Control over Edit Poly modes has been accelerated, now allowing for quicker adjustments.
  • MAXScript Autocomplete: This feature is enabled by default, providing immediate assistance in scripting and enhancing coding efficiency.

Moreover, the ability to select all contiguous elements such as faces and segments has streamlined the modeling process, making it akin to working in other industry-standard applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main enhancements in 3ds Max 2020.1?
This version includes improved multi-monitor support, a revamped keyboard shortcut management system, and enhanced Chamfer modifier features, all aimed at boosting user productivity.

2. How can I customize keyboard shortcuts in 3ds Max?
Users can access the new keyboard shortcut editor to easily modify, merge, and organize their shortcuts according to personal preferences, which can significantly speed up workflow.

3. Are there any new modeling features available in this update?
Yes, the update introduces a new double-click selection feature and enhanced controls for modeling with the Chamfer modifier, enabling more efficient design and editing processes.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.