Autodesk 3ds Max vs SOLIDWORKS

Autodesk 3ds Max8.8Visit SSOLIDWORKS5.4Visit

Higher score Autodesk 3ds Max #5 in 3D Modeling Software 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Autodesk

vs

S SOLIDWORKS #40 in 3D Modeling Software 5.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit SOLIDWORKS

• Autodesk 3ds Max fits best

  Windows architectural and entertainment modeling

• SOLIDWORKS fits best

  Professional mechanical CAD teams

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Side by side

Feature	Autodesk 3ds Max 8.8/10 Visit ↗	SSOLIDWORKS 5.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	5.4
Ranking	#5 in 3D Modeling Software	#40 in 3D Modeling Software
Best for	Windows architectural and entertainment modeling	Professional mechanical CAD teams
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	30-day trial	$2,820/device/yr
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Desktop	Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms	Windows	Windows, Web
Support	Docs · 24/7	Docs
Integrations	6 integrations	2 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Autodesk 3ds Max 3/4 · SOLIDWORKS 4/4
Sculpting tools	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Animation tools	✓	✓
Parametric modeling	✓	✓
3D print export	✓	✓
Specs
Platform access	Desktop	Both
Render engine	Built-in	Built-in
Our review
Pros	Polygon, spline, retopology, sculpting, and modifier workflows Integrated Arnold rendering with materials, lighting, and texture tools Animation, scripting, plugins, STL export, and major workflow integrations	Covers parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, weldments, molds, and structures Adds cloud collaboration, revision management, simulation, and photorealistic rendering Supports 3D-print export to STL, 3MF, and AMF, plus 3DEXPERIENCE integration
Cons	Runs only on Windows desktop No free plan is available Paid purchasing is required beyond the 30-day trial	Standard starts at $2,820 per user per year, billed annually Advanced routing, simulation, and motion analysis require the Premium plan Free access is documented for students rather than general commercial users
Our verdict	Autodesk 3ds Max is desktop software for creating 3D models, characters, environments, animations, and visualizations. It is aimed at game developers, animation and visual-effects artists, architects, and product designers. The feature set… Read the review →	SOLIDWORKS is 3D CAD and product development software for engineers, designers, and technology professionals. Its scope includes parametric part, assembly, and 2D drawing modeling, with specialized tools for sheet metal, weldments, molds,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Autodesk 3ds Max — where it wins

  • Polygon, spline, retopology, sculpting, and modifier workflows
  • Integrated Arnold rendering with materials, lighting, and texture tools
  • Animation, scripting, plugins, STL export, and major workflow integrations

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs only on Windows desktop
  • No free plan is available
  • Paid purchasing is required beyond the 30-day trial

• SOLIDWORKS — where it wins

  • Covers parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, weldments, molds, and structures
  • Adds cloud collaboration, revision management, simulation, and photorealistic rendering
  • Supports 3D-print export to STL, 3MF, and AMF, plus 3DEXPERIENCE integration

  Where it doesn't

  • Standard starts at $2,820 per user per year, billed annually
  • Advanced routing, simulation, and motion analysis require the Premium plan
  • Free access is documented for students rather than general commercial users

• Autodesk 3ds Max8.8/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad Windows toolkit for architectural, game, animation, and visualization work.

  Visit AutodeskFull verdict →
• SSOLIDWORKS5.4/10 · Free plan

  A broad professional CAD suite with strong engineering depth, but a high annual starting price.

  Visit SOLIDWORKSFull verdict →