If you have decided to use Autodesk 3DS Max as your production tool, then is important to familiar yourself with the use of plugins within the software.
As discussed from our previous tutorial on how to select your 3D software Autodesk 3DS Max is among the most powerful 3D packages with lots of great functionalities and ability to streamline complex and large production.
Below are the collections of some widely used plugins for Autodesk 3DS Max used.
1. GroundWiz
GroundWiz is a add on plug-in for 3ds max for making terrain scenes with ease and precision. This tool consist of three main parts which are: GroundWiz Procedural Terrain Map, GroundWiz Planter and GroundWiz Variation Map for 3ds Max.
Download
3. SolidRocks
This tool comes with modular GUI which make it useful to make settings to stay concentrated on creation instead of loosing time on tedious technical setting.
Download
4. Ivy generator
This is a plugin “grows” ivy on 3d objects. Just place the seed next to the model, click “grow ivy” and let it do the job. If you need it not to grow around some 3d models in your scene, just freeze them. The interface is very simple and intuitive, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way around it.
Download
5. Labyrinth
Labyrinth is a spline based plugin that generates splines over the object that user wants. User has full control over the points that are attached to the splines. Labyrinth is an ideal tool for creating spider webs, ropes and cool abstract effects. This tool is available for 3ds max 2012-2014 (64 bit)
Download
6. Vue xStream
Vue xStream is a great tool for creating and rendering realistic environment and this tool is commonly used by well known 3d studios and CG artist.
Download
7. Krakatoa
This plugin was developed by Thinkbox Software to provide a pipeline for acquiring shading, deforming, culling, caching and rendering particles system including dust, silt, ocean surface foam etc. This little tool integrate well with the Particle Flow, the default 3DS Max built-in Event -Driven Particle System and also provide a platform for 3D artist to share particle with other 3D and simulation applications.
Download
8. Rayfire
If you are looking for interactive demolition effect such as bomb, cracks etc then Rayfire is the best plugin to consider. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2Fro0wLw86g
Download
9. Wrapit 1.5
Wrapit is a toolset for 3DS Max used for conforming meshed to other meshes and this is useful for retopologizing meshes created in Zbrush, Mudbox etc and creating low poly objects from it.
Download
10. Dreamscape
DreamScape is one of the best plugins for creating and rendering realistic seascapes, skies, clouds, landscapes etc. The new version of this tool (DreamScape Terra) uses new rendering technologies to reduces the CPU memory load.
Download
11. MultiScatter
MultiScatter is another 3ds max plug-in used for creating complex scenes with huge amount of identical objects. This plug-in works will with V-Ray and Mental Ray rendering system
12. Afterburn
AfteBurn is production tool used for creating effects such as fire, dust, explosions etc. This tool has been used in cinematic productions such as Matrix Reload, Armageddon, Dracula 2000 and various IMAX movies & games such as Warcraft3, Starcraft, Sin and many others.
Download
13. Realflow
Real is one of the most popular fluid simulation software and has been used in many movie productions including game productions.
Download
14. RailClone Lite
RailClone is another toolset used in 3ds Max for parametric modeling based on the geometry parts which are defined by user. This plug-in will help you build complex structures for Civil Engineering, Architecture Visualisation etc. Download RailClone Lite, the free version of the plugin and use it in your personal and commercial projects.
If you are new to RailClone, see the Getting Started guide for videos, tutorials and more help in your first steps using the software.
Download
15. MadCar 3
MadCar 3 is a tool for 3DS Max for rigging of wheeled vehicles and their animations by simulating the control. Demo version for MadCar 3 is now available from Download tab (login required) , as well as MadCar 1 (free version) for 3ds Max 9 only.
Download
16. Bones Pro
BonesPro is the most sophisticated and optimized technology for organic skinning of characters and objects in Autodesk 3ds Max. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qywFClKbbME
Download
17. Citytraffic
CityTraffic is a plug-in for 3ds Max for simulating car traffic flow on the roads and off-roads.
Download
18. AR-media
Armedia enable user to create their own augmented reality models that can be viewed on their own desktop with the help of a webcam and by printing a suitable code.
Download
19. Pulldownit
Pulldownit dynamic solver used to create fractures and simulates rigid bodies. It comes with tools like Shatter it! which is a Voroni-based pre cutting tool and some more useful features which allow user to create cool looking fracture effects.
Download
20. Cebas Thinking Particles 5
Thinking Particles is a particle simulator which offers non-linear particle dynamics. Unlike 3ds max native particle flow, TP operates particles on the basis of rules and conditions. It’s an ultimate pack for creating rigid-soft bodies, vehicle simulations, vertex particles, fragments and many more.
