Autodesk Released USD for 3ds Max 0.3

It lets you directly load a USD stage without having to import data, while an SDK allows you to control how the exporter translates data from 3ds Max into USD.

Autodesk has released USD for 3ds Max 0.3. The plug-in lets the users create, edit, work in, work with and collaborate on USD data while being able to switch across platforms when working on their projects.

The update introduces a new USD Stage Object, which allows directly loading a USD scene without having to import data. The feature is not yet fully implemented as there is no UX for browsing or editing data inside a Stage yet and the Stage Object displays geometry and USD Preview Surface materials, but it doesn't display lights, cameras, and shapes.

"The current USD Stage Object is also not supported by most renderers. However, a temporary system allows you to render with classic APIs for renderers that don’t read the Stage’s USD directly," says Autodesk in a blog post.

Developers and technical artists also get 3ds Max USD SDK, which allows them to control how the exporter translates data from 3ds Max into USD using C++ and Python.

USD for 3ds Max is available for free in public beta for registered users owning 3ds Max 2022+. You can purchase 3ds Max itself for $225/month or $1,785/year. Find out more about the update here and don't forget to join our Reddit page and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.