What's New in Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max 2014

Welcome to the Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max 2014. With the release of this
Extension, users of Autodesk 3ds Max 2014 have access to new tools for using three-
dimensional point-cloud data captured directly from reality in their scenes. Also new in
Extension for 3ds Max 2014 is the 3ds Max Python API, which helps you to extend and
customize 3ds Max and more easily integrate it into a Python-based pipeline.

Point Cloud

The Point Cloud feature lets you create precise, three-dimensional models from real-
world references by importing large datasets captured from reality as point clouds. 3D
modelers can view point clouds in true color in the viewports, interactively adjust the
extent of the cloud displayed, and create new geometry in context by snapping to
point-cloud vertices.

The Point Cloud toolset consists of the following components:

Point Cloud object

 Autodesk Point Cloud material

Autodesk Point Cloud shader

Point Cloud vertex snapping

3ds Max Python API

The 3ds Max Python API provides a bridge between MAXScript and Python libraries and
Python tools. You can execute Python scripts from MAXScript and the 3ds Max
command line. The Python SDK is built on top of the 3ds Max C++ SDK, and you can
access a subset of the 3ds Max API from Python scripts, including the ability to
evaluate MAXScript code.

For more information, see the Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max 2014 Python SDK
Documentation at http://www.autodesk.com/me-sdk-docs.

What's New in Autodesk 3ds Max 2014

Autodesk 3ds Max 2014 software brings a fresh approach to 3D animation for motion
graphics, visual effects, design visualization, and game development. From the
innovative new Populate feature set for automatic crowd generation, to a significantly
augmented Particle Flow toolset, to a performance-enhanced viewport that now
supports Microsoft DirectX 11 shaders, 3ds Max 2014 embraces concepts and
technology required by today's modern pipelines. And, with new Perspective Match and
Vector Map tools that cross the 2D/3D divide, 3ds Max 2014 provides new ways of
working that can help artists extend their creative capabilities.
NoteThis topic lists all significant new features, but does not include every change
in 3ds Max. As you proceed through the documentation, keep an eye out for

the icon, which indicates a new feature, and the icon, which
indicates a change to an existing feature.
You can also use the index in this help to find topics that contain information about
new features. For topics that describe new program features, check the index entry
"new feature." For changes in existing features, check the index entry "changed
feature."
TipThis version of the 3ds Max help features a number of new short, embedded how-to
videos, or viewlets, in addition to those carried over from previous versions. When you
open a topic that contains a viewlet, there's a brief delay, while the video loads, before
the page appears. If you encounter this, be sure to check out the viewlets in the topic
for extra help in learning the software.

Focus on Workflow

With the understanding that small things can make a big difference, 3ds Max 2014
includes a number of workflow improvements to help increase overall productivity:
fixes to UV Unwrap, Snapping, Caddies, and Viewport switching; Isolate tool
enhancements; unified poly editing shortcuts; and improved scene management
related to missing plug-ins.

Topics in this section

What's New in Ease of Use

What's New in Reliability
What's New in Data Exchange
What's New in Character Animation
What's New in Hair And Fur
What's New in Particle Flow
What's New in Environments
What's New in Material Editing
What's New in Maps
What's New in Cameras
What's New in Rendering
What's New in Viewports
What's New in File Handling
What's New in Customization
What's New in Help