Free alternatives to 3ds Max

Autodesk's 3D modelling, animation and rendering software. Here is 1 free option, most popular first.

Blender

Mesh & visualisation

Free and open-source 3D creation suite

Stars: ★ 21k
Licence: GPL-2.0+
Updated: yesterday

Check file compatibility before switching. Free tools import STEP, DXF and other neutral formats well, but native SolidWorks, Altium or Revit files, drawing standards and PDM workflows may not carry over cleanly.