3ds Max
ZBrush
3ds Max
ZBrush
3ds Max
ZBrush
3ds Max
ZBrush
3ds Max
ZBrush
3ds Max
ZBrush
3ds Max
No signals
ZBrush
3ds Max
No signals
ZBrush
3ds Max
No signals
ZBrush
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Most expensive per-year option ($3,060/year). No ownership, subscription required to continue.
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Windows only. No perpetual option, must renew annually. Very expensive for individuals.
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Annual gross revenue must be under $100,000 USD. Cannot use on projects valued over $100,000 USD.
Users: 1 user
Limits: Essentially a demo - cannot export or save work, missing key brushes
Users: 1 user
Limits: Requires internet for license verification
Users: 1 user
Limits: Requires internet for license verification
Users: 1 user
Limits: iPad only, import wipes scene, no real-time rendering
Users: 1 user
Limits: May be overkill if only need ZBrush
| Feature | 3ds Max | ZBrush |
|---|---|---|
| Modeling | ||
| Polygon Modeling Powerful modifier stack system | ||
| NURBS Modeling Full support | ||
| Performance | ||
| High polygon sculpting (100M+) Industry-leading poly count handling | ||
| Sculpting | ||
| Dynamic subdivision DynaMesh, Sculptris Pro | ||
| Rendering | ||
| Arnold Renderer Included in subscription | ||
| V-Ray Support Separate license required | ||
| Corona Support Separate license required | ||
| Photorealistic rendering Basic BPR only, need external renderer | ||
| Workflow | ||
| Automatic retopology ZRemesher with edge flow control | ||
| UV unwrapping UV Master plugin | ||
| Animation | ||
| Rigging and animation Must export to Maya/Blender | ||
| Character Animation Capable but Maya preferred | ||
| Effects | ||
| Particle Systems Particle Flow system | ||
| Mobile | ||
| iPad version Separate subscription or included with desktop | ||
| Integration | ||
| CAD Import Strong Autodesk ecosystem | ||
| Platform | ||
| Linux support Windows and Mac only | ||
| Mac Support Windows only | ||
| Extensibility | ||
| MAXScript Scripting and automation | ||
| Python Support Limited compared to Maya | ||
| Integrations | ||
| GoZ integration One-click export to Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D | ||
| Export | ||
| 3D printing preparation Decimation, mesh fixing, slicing | ||
| Texturing | ||
| UV Mapping Standard toolset | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Free tier with export Free iPad version has no export | ||
