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In Depth: How to Choose the Right 3D Rendering Software #3drenderer UPDATED

How to Choose the Right 3D Rendering Software

In the world of professional 3D animation, archviz, and design, creating stunning visual experiences is paramount. Selecting the right 3D renderer can significantly impact the quality, efficiency, and creative potential of your projects. In this blog post, we will delve into the crucial factors that you, the professional artist, should take into account when selecting a 3D renderer. By doing so, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns perfectly with your specific needs and artistic vision. Get ready for an informative and captivating read!

Updated 26 September 2023

This is a living document. There is a vast amount of information here and updates come out so often. We will try our best to keep it updated, nonetheless, some information may not be fully correct or may be out of date. Please let us know if something isn’t correct so that we may update the article and/or product information

Update Log

To view the update log, scroll to the bottom of the page.


Choose the right 3D rendering software for your needs

A standalone 3D renderer vs. the bundled renderer

You certainly can use the 3D renderer that is bundled with your 3D animation software. It will be fine for basic tasks and visualizations. However, if you’re looking for advanced functionality and performance, a standalone 3D renderer is a better choice for many 3D artists and designers. Why is that?

  • Focused development. Standalone 3D renderers are generally developed by dedicated teams focused on implementing the latest rendering techniques and technologies.
  • Advanced capabilities. Standalone renderers include a wider range of options and customizations catering to specific industries and artists’ needs. These options give the artist more control over lighting, shading, materials, and other rendering parameters.
  • Continuous development. Developers of standalone 3D renderers tend to have a faster development cycle and frequent updates that improve performance, introduce new features, and fix bugs.
  • A large ecosystem. Some renderers support multiple host integrations, plugins, scripts, cloud integration, collaboration tools, and more.

How to Choose the Right Standalone 3D Renderer for your needs

Choosing the perfect 3D rendering software for your needs can be an intimidating task, but there are some factors to consider to help you make an informed decision. Doing your homework upfront will ensure that you choose the best tool for your needs, and it’ll save you money and time.

Below, we have some tips on finding the right tool for what you need for the job.

1. Narrow down your list to your industry

Some industries require the use of a specific 3D application. For example, if you work with architectural design and need to use 3ds Max, you may need a renderer that specializes in architectural visualization, like V-Ray. Different types of projects, such as television ads, automotive product design, 360° panoramas, VR, or game development, require different rendering capabilities, too. Eliminating software outside of your industry will narrow the pool of choices immediately.

If you’re new to the industry, ask around and see what other professionals are using. If you don’t know anyone personally, find a user forum for the industry and ask.

2. Compatibility and Integration

Now that you’ve narrowed your list, make sure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements for components like your current operating system, CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage for the renderer you choose. If you’re using a Mac, you can cross those Windows-only tools off your list.

In addition, make sure that the renderer is compatible with your existing versions of 3D software and tools. In other words, if you’re running an older version of 3ds Max or Cinema 4D and have no plans to upgrade your host at this time, make sure that the renderer supports that version.

Compatibility is crucial to maintaining a smooth workflow. You want to be able to easily transfer files, materials, and settings between different applications.

3. Download free trials & demo versions

Once you’ve narrowed the field to 2-4 3D rendering programs, download the trial version. This will determine whether the renderer presents the range of features you need. I recommend that render the same scene in multiple or more 3D renderers and compare render quality, lighting, shading, speed, etc. Does the software allow you to fine-tune settings to achieve your preferred artistic style and aesthetic?

4. Choose the tool with features that meets your design objectives

According to Ilustraviz.com, “While a good 3D Render is definitely all about the overall form and silhouette, details do matter.” Look for a 3D renderer that offers detailed rendering, realistic lighting and shadows, accurate proportions, lifelike textures and materials, versatile lighting setups, scalability for objects, stunning post-production effects, impressive speed, and, of course, quality. More on rendering quality in point 5.

Determine whether the 3D renderer has the flexibility, customization, and personalization options that you need. Can it handle a wide range of materials and textures? Does it support advanced lighting and particle effects? Look for a renderer that provides a robust set of features and the ability to tweak settings to achieve your desired artistic style and aesthetic.

5. Rendering Quality vs. Rendering Speed and Efficiency.

Rendering software will devour your computer’s resources. And, Rendering speed can vary significantly between different rendering tools, and, as you know, efficiency is essential to meeting project deadlines and maximizing productivity. Ideally, you want a balance between rendering speed and rendering quality. Test rendering speeds by rendering the same project with similar settings in multiple renderers. As you try a few different tests, make note of the rendering speed.

Renderers employ all sorts of different algorithms and techniques, resulting in vast differences in lighting, shading, texture, and overall visual fidelity.

What to look for:

Take a look at your own render tests and examine the results for the following list, which comes from Top Things to Look at in a 3D Render for your project from Plus Render.

  • Extensive Detailing. Is it photo-realistic? Zoom in to look at the small details, curves, and more.
  • Lighting and shadows. Do the lights and shadows look realistic or fake? Check both the dark and light areas.
  • Proportionality. Are the elements in your 3D rendering producing natural-looking proportions?

In addition, read user testimonials and ask for recommendations from other artists in the field.

Also determine whether the software has features to streamline your workflow, such as distributed rendering, GPU acceleration, and support for network rendering.

6. Cost and Licensing

Rendering software will have an initial cost if it’s a perpetual license, plus ongoing maintenance costs. However, subscription licensing is currently the most common licensing option for 3D rendering software. If you plan to expand your team or projects in the future, you also will need to find out if the licensing is scalable. More about Types of Licenses.

8. Learning Curve and Support

Some renderers, like Corona, are as simple as drag and drop. Others, like V-Ray, have a steeper learning curve, requiring time and effort to become proficient. Find out whether the 3D rendering software has learning resources available such as tutorials, documentation, and active user communities. Additionally, find out if the developer provides reliable technical support, in case you run into any issues or challenges during your creative projects.


3D Rendering Software

Note: Pricing and system requirements are accurate as of the publishing of this article. We will keep this document updated when we get around to it. Please check for current versions.

Comparison Chart – Quick Reference

RendererDeveloperCurrent Host SupportDeveloped forGPU / CPU BasedOffline / Real-Time / InteractivityBias / Physically AccurateGI Method
ArnoldAutodesk (Solid Angle)Maya
Cinema 4D
3ds Max
Houdini
Katana
Softimage
VFX
CGI
Animation
GPU with Arnold GPU
CPU
OfflineUnbiasedPhysically-based uni-directional path tracer
Corona RendererCorona3ds Max
Cinema 4D
ARCHICAD (alpha)
Blender (add-on in development)
Architectural visualization
Automotive and product design, Television ads and title sequence
CPUOffline rendering with support for interactive renderingUnbiased & BiasedIntel Embree Ray Tracing Kernels
Cycles 4DInsydiumCinema 4D with X-ParticlesVFXGPU/CPUOffline (Real-time Preview)UnbiasedPath Tracing
EnscapeChaosSketchUp
Rhino
Revit
Archicad
Vectorworks
Architectural design
BIM managers
Viz specialists
GPU onlyReal-TimePartially physically accurateMultibounce
finalRenderCebas3ds Max
Maya (beta)
VFXHybrid, GPU (Nvidia CUDA) or CPUOfflineUnbiasedPhysically Based (Spectral) Wavelength Simulation
MaxwellNext LimitStandalone with plugins for:
Maya
3ds Max
Softimage
Form•Z
Modo
Nuke
Rhino
ArchiCAD
Revit
Sketchup
VFX
CGI
Animation
Architectural & product visualization
Hybrid - See Maxwell for details.OfflineUnbiased
Delivers physically accurate models
A variation of Metropolis light transport
RedshiftRedshiftMaya
Softimage
3ds Max
Cinema 4D
Houdini
Katana
VFX
Animation
Hybrid - See Redshift for more information)OfflineBiased, not physically accurateRay Tracing
RenderZoneForm•ZForm•ZForm•Z usersHybrid or GPU (NVIDIA CUDA)OfflineUnbiased & BiasedRay Tracing
V-RayChaos3ds Max
Maya
Cinema 4D
SketchUp
Revit
Rhino
Houdini
Nuke
Unreal
Blender
Professional artists and designers in architecture, games, animation, VFX, and VR.CPU, GPU, or HybridOffline rendering with support for interactive renderingUnbiased (optional)
Fully physically accurate
Path Tracing
VantageChaos3ds Max
Maya
Cinema 4D
Archviz artists
VFX artists
GPU (RTX) onlyInteractiveAll supported features are physically accurateReal-time Ray Tracing

Individual Standalone Renderers

Autodesk Arnold Render UPDATE

Arnold software is an advanced Monte Carlo raytracing renderer. Another key point, it’s designed for artists and the demands of modern animation and visual effects (VFX) production.

Arnold Render – The Details

Current ReleaseAPI 7.2.3.2
30 August 2023
Release notes
PlatformsWindows
macOS X
Linux
Host SupportMaya
Cinema 4D
3ds Max
Houdini
Katana
Softimage
License optionsSubscription
Floating
Multipacks,
Maintenance plan renewal for perpetual licenses
PriceOne-year subscription starting at $360.00

Autodesk Arnold Render

Autodesk Arnold Render

Global illumination rendering software

Arnold software is an advanced Monte Carlo ray tracing renderer that helps you deliver beautiful and predictable results.

• Navigate through the software with simple and intuitive controls.
• Produce professional-grade renders with full artistic control.
• Get immediate results with interactive rendering.

Learn More

Learn more: Arnold Render in the News

Cebas finalRender True Hybrid

trueHybrid™ technology – bringing the power of CPU and GPU together! finalRender for 3ds Max is the perfect choice for 3d artists and studios alike wanting the maximum in image quality and photo-realism, without experiencing a brain melt when setting up complex scenes for rendering! And no compromises.

Cebas finalRender True Hybrid – The Details

Current Release3ds Max (Subscription Drop 4)
19 May 2023
PlatformsWindows
Host Support3ds Max
Maya is in beta as of March 2019 (Beta info)
License optionsWorkstation
Network license
GPU license
Price
  • The first option is a 1 Year Workstation License, with an MSRP of $294.00 (Toolfarm Price: $279.30)
  • Second, a 1 Year Unlimited Network License, MSRP: $294.00, Toolfarm Price: $279.30
  • Lastly, a 1 Year Unlimited CUDA GPU License, MSRP: $294.00, Toolfarm Price: $279.30

cebas finalRender

cebas finalRender

finalRender is a photographer’s dream come true

cebas finalRender is a comprehensive, true Hollywood quality rendering engine that supports GPU rendering or pure CPU, as well as both technologies at the same time. finalRender’s trueHybrid™’ technology allows the user to experience all the power within ONE application

Learn MoreTry cebas finalRender for free!

Learn more: cebas finalRender in the News

Chaos Corona

Corona

Intuitive, easy-to-use rendering engine optimized for designing high-quality, ultra-realistic projects that can be used for still images and animations.

Chaos Corona – The Details

Current ReleaseCorona 10 for 3ds Max
Corona 10 for Cinema 4D
June 22, 2023
PlatformsWindows (3ds Max, Cinema 4D)
macOS X (Cinema 4D only)
Host Support3ds Max
Cinema 4D
License optionsSubscription licensing in tiers
PriceSolo: $358.80/yr
Premium: $478.80/yr

Chaos Corona

Chaos Corona

Realism without the headaches.

Corona is the only render engine built from the ground up with a specific focus on the needs of the archviz community. While capable and well-liked in the fields of automotive and product visualization, its UI, feature set, pricing, and ease of use are primarily driven by what architectural visualizers require.

While remaining unique with its own development team, code, and community, Corona now also benefits from being part of the Chaos platform, giving its users access to many of the industry-standard tools created by Chaos.

Learn MoreTry Chaos Corona for free!

Chaos Corona

Chaos Corona

Realism without the headaches.

Corona is the only render engine built from the ground up with a specific focus on the needs of the archviz community. While capable and well-liked in the fields of automotive and product visualization, its UI, feature set, pricing, and ease of use are primarily driven by what architectural visualizers require.

While remaining unique with its own development team, code, and community, Corona now also benefits from being part of the Chaos platform, giving its users access to many of the industry-standard tools created by Chaos.

Learn MoreTry Chaos Corona for free!

Chaos Corona

Chaos Corona

Realism without the headaches.

Corona is the only render engine built from the ground-up with a specific focus on the needs of the archviz community. While capable and well-liked in the fields of automotive and product visualization, its UI, feature set, pricing, and ease of use are primarily driven by what architectural visualizers require.

While remaining unique with its own development team, code, and community, Corona now also benefits from being part of the Chaos platform, giving its users access to many of the industry-standard tools created by Chaos.

Learn MoreTry Chaos Corona for free!

Corona in the News

Chaos Enscape UPDATE

Enscape

Fast real-time renderer for high-quality 3D visualizations and immersive interactive 3D scenes in real-time.

Chaos Enscape – The Details

Current Release3.5
May 16, 2023
PlatformsWindows 10 and higher
Host SupportAutodesk
Revit
SketchUp
Rhinoceros
Graphisoft
Archicad
Vectorworks
License optionsSubscription node-locked
Subscription floating licenses
PriceAnnual Node-Locked License: $514.80 – Recommended for individuals and smaller teams.

Annual Floating License: $898.89 – Recommended for individuals and teams who want maximum flexibility.

Upgrades are available.

*U.S./Canada sales only

Chaos Enscape

Chaos Enscape

Industry-leading real-time visualization

Enjoy the convenience of having your visualization plug-in right at hand with Chaos Enscape! This revolutionary software integrates seamlessly into popular design tools, so you can quickly and easily generate stunning real-time visuals in no time. Leave tedious workflows behind and make every stage of the design process enjoyable.

Note: U.S. and Canada sales only.

Learn More

Enscape in the news

Chaos Vantage

Vantage

High-quality standalone visualization tool for V-Ray artists who want to quickly explore and present their work in a fully ray-traced environment. Explore your most complex V-Ray 3D production scenes ray traced in real-time. Take advantage of a 100% ray-traced environment to handle massive scenes and produce results as close to reality as possible. Unlike any other real-time game engine alternatives Vantage can keep up real-time frame rates even with massive scenes.

Current Release2.1.0
September 21, 2023
PlatformsWindows 10 and higher
Host Support3ds Max
Maya
Cinema 4D
License optionsSubscription node-locked
Subscription floating licenses
PriceMonthly Floating License: $108.90/Month

Annual Floating License: $658.80/Year

*U.S./Canada sales only

Chaos Vantage

Chaos Vantage

High-quality scene exploration in real-time.

Explore your most complex V-Ray 3D production scenes ray traced in real-time. With Chaos® Vantage, there are no time-consuming conversions. Simply drag and drop your complete V-Ray scene into Vantage and start exploring. Quickly create high-quality visualizations or pre-visualizations for architecture, film-making, automotive and more.

Learn MoreTry Chaos Vantage for free!

Vantage in the News

Chaos V-Ray

V-Ray is the industry standard visualization tool for producing physically accurate and photorealistic images. Built for artists, designers & jacks-of-all-trades, our 3D rendering software helps you visualize anything imaginable. Undoubtedly, you will save time and create your best work with tech from Chaos.

V-Ray also seamlessly integrates into several hosts with one license, including 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Maya, Nuke, Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, and Unreal.

Current ReleaseSee Table below
PlatformsWindows
Mac
Linux
Host Support3ds Max
Maya
Cinema 4D
SketchUp
Revit
Rhino
Houdini
Nuke
Unreal
Blender
License optionsSolo License Annual Subscription (Fixed license on one computer)

Premium License Annual Subscription (Floating license on any computer.
PriceSolo License Annual Subscription: $466.80

Premium License Annual Subscription:
$694.80


*U.S./Canada sales only
HostVersion/BuildRelease DateNotes
V-Ray for Cinema 4D6.10.0018 May 2023Details
Release notes
V-Ray for 3ds Max6.10.085 May 2023Details

Release notes
V-Ray for Maya6.10.0018 May 2023Release notes
V-Ray for NUKE5.20.002 Dec 2021Release notes
V-Ray for Houdini6.10.0912 June 2023Release notes
V-Ray for Revit6.10.0313 July 2023Release notes
V-Ray for Rhino6.10.0228 Aug 2023Release notes
V-Ray for SketchUp6.10.0228 Aug 2023Release notes
V-Ray Next for Unreal5.10.01

27 Jan 2022Release notes
Softimage3.0 (previous version)
Discontinued – V-Ray Next for Katana4.10.02 – Discontinued as of 20 Jan 202226 Mar 2019Release notes
Discontinued – V-Ray Next for MODO4.12.01 – Discontinued as of 20 Jan 202224 Apr 2019Release notes

Chaos V-Ray

Chaos V-Ray

The one renderer that does it all.

With Chaos V-Ray, the creative possibilities are endless. From bold designs to captivating stories and mesmerizing art—no matter your vision. This remarkable renderer will bring it all together with photorealistic images and animations that feature unparalleled clarity.

So unleash your imagination! Whether you use 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, or Houdini for every step of your 3D journey, V-Ray allows users worldwide to craft stunning visuals in their favorite applications.

Purchase a single V-Ray license to access all V-Ray integrations, including 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Maya, Nuke, Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, and Unreal.

Learn MoreTry Chaos V-Ray for free!

In Depth: Why Should I Use V-Ray?

In summary, V-Ray is a powerful 3D rendering system, built for designers, architects, and jack-of-all-trades. To be sure, click to learn about how artists use V-Ray. To emphasize, there are many examples and trial versions for every field!

In Depth: Why Should I Use V-Ray?

Recent Chaos V-Ray News & Updates

FormZ RenderZone

Add photo-realistic rendering with global illumination, ambient occlusion, and radiosity effects to formZ! Single user license of RenderZone plugin for form·Z 8.

Form•Z RenderZone – The Details

Current Releasev9, 12 January 2020
PlatformsMac
Windows
Host SupportForm•Z
License optionsPerpetual license for Form•Z Pro or Form•Z Jr.
PriceMSRP: $395.00, Toolfarm Price: $375.25

INSYDIUM Cycles 4D

Cycles is an unbiased GPU/CPU render engine developed by the Blender Foundation and made available under the Apache 2 licensing system. Cycles 4D is a dedicated bridge plugin allowing Cinema 4D users to access the Cycles rendering engine directly inside Cinema 4D without the need for an external application.

With INSYDIUM’s own real-time preview and fully featured node editor, along with our eye for detail and quality, Cycles 4D is the ultimate render companion. Of course, it has unparalleled access to X-Particles.

Insydium Cycles 4D – The Details

Current ReleaseBuild 559, Update 1 December 2022- Supports Cinema 4D R19-2023
PlatformsMac
Windows
Host SupportCinema 4D with access to X-Particles
License optionsPerpetual license with and without Maintenance

Subscription
PriceSold as part of INSYDIUM Fused

Fused Complete (No Maintenance):
$1,995

License + 12 Months Maintenance:
$890

Annual Subscription: $435.00

INSYDIUM Fused Annual Subscription

INSYDIUM Fused Annual Subscription

Includes both X-Particles and Cycles 4D

The INSYDIUM Annual Subscription allows for flexibility. INSYDIUM Fused contains all of our plugins and products in one complete collection. Everything you need to create stunning particle effects, realistic terrains and fulfill modeling tasks through to the final render. Plus, all our available 3D Resources, hours of Training, Technical Support, and Content Repository files.

Learn More

INSYDIUM Fused Perpetual License

INSYDIUM Fused Perpetual License

Includes both X-Particles and Cycles 4D

INSYDIUM Fused is their collection of plugins, products and benefits.

INSYDIUM Fused provides everything an artist needs in one complete collection. INSYDIUM Fused contains all of our plugins and products in one complete collection. Everything you need to create stunning particle effects, realistic terrains and fulfill modeling tasks through to the final render. Plus, all our available 3D Resources, hours of Training, Technical Support, and Content Repository files.

Learn More

Cycles 4D in the News

Maxon Redshift

Redshift for Maxon

Redshift is a powerful GPU-accelerated renderer, built to meet the specific demands of contemporary high-end production rendering. In other words, Redshift is tailored to support creative individuals and studios of every size. In fact, Redshift offers a suite of powerful features and integrates with industry-standard CG applications.

Redshift – The Details

Current Release3.5.19 – September 13. 2023
PlatformsMac
Windows
Host SupportMaya
Softimage
3ds Max
Cinema 4D
Houdini
Katana
License optionsRedshift is a licensed per machine with no limit on the number of GPUs*. To clarify, there is no distinction is made between workstations and render nodes. In other words, 1 license is good for 1 machine.
PriceAnnual Subscription:
$264

Also sold as part of Maxon One.

GPU/CPU Notes:

As of the 3.5 release in April 2022, users can now render with Redshift inside Cinema 4D. The rendering can be in CPU mode or in hybrid mode, which uses both CPU and GPU, without the need for a separate Redshift product subscription.

  • Redshift CPU, which uses just the CPU
  • Redshift XPU, which lets users render a hybrid, with both the CPU and GPU simultaneously.
  • Note: Users can also still render with the GPU.
  • Please see the system requirements for GPUs for all operating systems.

Redshift by Maxon

Redshift by Maxon

Redshift Now Available as Subscription

Redshift is the world’s first fully GPU-accelerated, biased renderer built to meet the specific demands of contemporary high-end production rendering in C4D. Tailored to support creative individuals and studios of every size, Redshift offers a suite of powerful features and supports complex, advanced shading networks and texturing capabilities as required for production-quality rendering. Redshift has the features and uncompromising quality of a CPU renderer, but at GPU rendering speeds.

Learn MoreTry Redshift by Maxon for free!

Maxon One

Maxon One

Get all the Maxon products at one low price.

Maxon One is an annual subscription for all products in one all-encompassing package. To summarize, this bundle includes Cinema 4D, Redshift, ZBrush, and Red Giant Complete.

Maxon One 2024 Now Available!

Cinema 4D 2024 is better than ever – with massive performance improvements in interactive playback, enhancements to Rigid Body simulations, and a more “art-directable” Pyro workflow. With Trapcode 2024, artists can now create realistic thermal dynamics with the new Combustion feature and create particle tracks with Stroke from Parent. VFX 2024 opens up a new dimension in lighting control and includes several enhancements to the popular Real Lens Flares. With Magic Bullet 2024, color correction is easier than ever – plus a host of new presets give artists more creative freedom. Universe 2024 also sees numerous workflow improvements and offers new presets. Redshift offers more creative freedom when using the MatCap and Distorter shaders as well as performance improvements on multi-core CPUs.

Learn MoreTry Maxon One for free!

Redshift News:

Maxwell Render

maxwell 5 dropdown

To summarize, Maxwell is legendary for its quality and realism. It delivers great results via a simple set-up, which lets you focus on lighting. Now, Maxwell easily integrates a powerful denoiser (by Innobright’s Altus), while preserving texture and geometry details, effectively saving a lot of time. You can obtain your images around two to six times faster, depending on the scene for a similar amount of detail. Instead of having to render your images to a high sampling level, you can keep it low and let the denoiser do the job.

Multi-GPU Rendering / Hybrid Rendering?

*** Maxwell has the option of rendering on GPU, or CPU, or you can render both at once. They do not seem to use the term “hybrid rendering” in their manual or marketing materials, however, so it is unclear if it’s not the same or just not the same terminology.

Maxwell also has a feature called Multi-GPU, introduced in Maxwell 5, which allows users to use two or more graphics cards while rendering. This is Windows only, however. From the Maxwell system requirements, “Graphics cards that support CUDA platform (Nvidia), running on Windows. No AMD or Intel will work, sorry. This means the GPU engine is not supported for Mac, as they don’t use Nvidia cards.”

Maxwell Render – The Details

Current ReleaseRelease notes

Standalone – v5.21.49, 9 Sept 2021

3ds Max – v5.2.1 – 06 Jul 2021

Maya – v5.2.1 – 15 Dec 2021 – Added support for Maya 2022

Cinema 4D – v5.2.4 – 22 Sep 2022 – Added Cinema 4D 2023 support

Rhino v6 – v5.2.6.3 – 23 Aug 2022

Form•Z – v5.2.1.1 – 06 Jul 2021

SketchUp – v5.2.2, 24 Feb 2022 – Added support for SketchUp 2022

Archicad – v5.2.3 – 14 Nov 2022

Revit – v5.2.2 – 24 Feb 2022 (adds support for SketchUp 2022

Modo – Discontinued
PlatformsMac
Windows
Host SupportStandalone with plugins for:
Maya
3ds Max
Softimage
Form•Z
Modo
Nuke
Rhino
ArchiCAD
Revit
Sketchup
License optionsNode-locked or Floating licenses
PriceStarting at $595, depending on the host.

Next Limit Maxwell | Studio

Next Limit Maxwell | Studio

Independent scene editor with a full 3D environment

Maxwell Studio is a sophisticated independent scene editor with a full 3D environment, offering an alternative workflow for those Maxwell Render users that work with 3D or CAD applications for which there are no Maxwell plugins.

Learn MoreTry Next Limit Maxwell | Studio for free!

Maxwell Bundle

Maxwell Bundle

All in one & one for all

The Maxwell | Bundle contains all Maxwell plugin integrations and Maxwell | Studio in one product.

One Maxwell | Bundle license equals one license seat in either of the products included – Studio, Rhino, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, SketchUp, Maya, ArchiCAD or formZ.

One license to switch between and use as needed. One day you could be using Maxwell | SketchUp, and on the next – Maxwell | Studio or the plugin for Cinema 4D.

Learn More

Maxwell in the News:

Maxwell Render exporter for Blender

While there doesn’t seem to be official support for Blender, there are some tools that you can try. I have not tried either of these so these links are informational.

Otoy Octane

We’ve left Octane off of the list previously because we do not sell it. A couple of people recently asked us why we are snubbing Octane. We are definitely not snubbing it. In fact, we think it’s a great renderer and we’d love to carry it. However, we’re not going to put the energy and time into keeping it updated here since we do not sell it, and it’s tough enough to keep what we do sell up to date. Hopefully, we’ll be able to add it to this list in full detail in the future! We’d like that very much!


Updates from 2023

3D Renderers Updates from 2022

  • 12 December 2022: Made correction about Maxwell. Updated Corona and V-Ray, Cycles 4D, Arnold, Redshift.
  • 25 November 2022: Arnold, Redshift, V-Ray for Revit updated. Maxwell for Cinema 4D & Archicad also updated.
  • 17 October 2022: U-Render discontinued. Chaos Corona 9 is available. Updated V-Ray.
  • 16 August 2022: Updated V-Ray, U-Render, Arnold, Redshift
  • 20 July 2022: Updated Corona, Redshift, V-Ray for 3ds Max, V-Ray for Cinema 4D, Arnold
  • 9 May 2022: Removed Keyshot & Shaderlight
  • 4 May 2022: Updated U-Render, Redshift, and V-Ray for Maya
  • 14 April 2022: Chaos Corona, Arnold, and several V-Ray hosts updated.
  • 24 January 2022: V-Ray products discontinued, Updates for Redshift, and Corona Render 8 coming soon.

3D Renderers Updates from 2021

  • 4 November 2021: V-Ray 5 for SketchUp, V-Ray 5 for Rhino, Update 2 Now Available
  • 26 October 2021: Arnold Renderer 7.0, V-Ray for 3ds Max update, V-Ray for C4D now supports R25, Next Limit Maxwell Render for Cinema 4D now supports R25.
  • 20 September 2021: Several products have been updated to support Cinema 4D R25, including Cycles 4D, U-Render, and Redshift.
  • 19 July 2021: updated V-Ray for Revit and Maya. In addition, Redshift updated to v3.0.50.
  • 30 June 2021: We updated a few recent updates for V-Ray, finalRender, and U-RENDER.
  • 3 May 2021: Corona Renderer 6 Hotfix 2 adds support for 3ds Max 2022, V-ray for Cinema 4D 5.00.45 (Hotfix 3) adds support for Cinema 4D S24.
  • 15 April 2021: Redshift and V-Ray for 3ds Max updated
  • 9 March 2021: Maxwell Render 5.2 updated
  • 24 February 2021: Major Chaos updates for V-Ray, an Arnold point update
  • 12 February 2021: Updated Luxion Keyshot
  • 5 February 2021: Updated Arnold,  U-Render, V-Ray for Cinema 4D, Redshift
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