Autodesk 3ds Max

Autodesk® 3ds Max® software and its SDK provide a powerful environment for developing plug-ins to extend the power and toolset of 3ds Max. In this section you will find SDK documentation, tools, and examples to help you in your 3ds Max development projects.

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The 3ds Max SDK is an optional install on the product DVD's that can be used to extend and implement virtually every aspect of the 3ds Max application. From scene geometry and other entities, to animation controllers, to camera effects, atmospherics, and a whole lot more, 3ds Max's SDK has the power to deliver what you need! Create new scene components, control the behavior of existing components, and export the scene data to your own custom data format. 3ds Max's comprehensive SDK allows an unprecedented level of access to satisfy even the most demanding scenarios.

Learning the 3ds Max SDK

The following is a list of resources to help a new programmer get up and running developing 3ds Max plugins

• SDK Documentation
  Download the latest documentation for the 3ds Max SDK. Don't wait for the next release for the most up to date tips and tricks! The documentation is available in a standalone format or can be integrated directly with Visual Studio

• DevTV: Introduction to the 3ds Max SDK
  This self-paced video tutorial is an ideal starting point for an overview of writing plug-ins for 3ds Max. It deals primarily with the high-level concepts of how the different components of 3ds Max interact and how they can be accessed. This video shows the complete construction of an ASCII exporter plug-in, and the sample code is provided with the video for each step.
  
      DevTV Into The Vortex Intro to Max SDK English (zip - 130 Mb)
      DevTV Into The Vortex Intro to Max SDK Japanese (zip - 100 Mb)

• SDK Samples/Utilities
  Find samples and utilities for a multitude of Autodesk 3ds Max features and plug-ins.

• Presentations
  Slides and sample files from presentations made at major game development, and animation conferences.

Finding further help for the 3ds Max SDK

• Autodesk Developer Network
  The Autodesk Developer Network Sparks partner program is the premier source of assistance for any 3ds Max SDK related issues. ADN members have access to an extensive knowledgebase, exclusive access to special 'developer' builds of 3ds Max, and direct access with professional support for all their SDK related needs.

• ADN Sponsored 3ds Max SDK Trainings
  The Autodesk Developers Network regularly offers trainings to all levels of plug-in developers. Trainings can be open to the public free of charge:- however space may be limited and the schedule can change quickly, so keep an eye on this space

• Discussion Groups
  The Area provides an open forums for sharing knowledge through peer to peer interaction.

• The 3ds Max SDK Blog
  The 3ds Max SDK team is putting together a blog, containing general tips and tricks as well as thoughts on the SDK, 3ds Max, or programming in general.

SDK Requirements

Compiling plugins for 3ds Max 2010 requires:

• An install of 3ds Max 2010 and the included SDK
• Visual Studio 2008 SP1

Optionally, the following may also be needed

• Optional: Microsoft Direct X SDK (August 2008) (required for DirectX enabled plugins)