Autodesk releases 3ds Max 2016 Extension 2

Autodesk has released 3ds Max 2016 Extension 2, the latest subscriber-only update to the software, extending the capabilities of the Max Creation Graph and the text tool.

Updates to the Max Creation Graph and TextPlus tools
Compared to this summer’s Extension 1 release, Extension 2 isn’t as major an update to the software, at least for entertainment professionals, but there are a number of interesting additions.

First up, the Max Creation Graph – the visual programming system introduced in the original 2016 release – has been further extended, enabling it to support splines and procedural shapes, as well as poly meshes.

In addition, the output of the TextPlus text tool introduced in Extension 1, can now be “piped through a material map”, meaning text can be applied to 3D objects as a decal and adjusted in real-time, without baking.

According to Autodesk, the new workflow enables artists to work “without worrying about material IDs or complicated UV mapping”.

New computational fluid dynamics and 3D printing features
The other major additions are geared more towards the design community: notably, Max’s new ability to edit and visualise computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation data.

Data can be imported in CSV or OpenVDB format. The video above shows the new CFDSplinePaths modifier for visualising fluid flow lines, and CFD data is also supported inside the Max Creation Graph.

The update also provides one-click access to Print Studio, the model-preparation tool provided with Autodesk’s Spark 3D printing platform and its Ember open-source 3D printer, and integrated into Inventor.

There are also a few smaller updates, which you can read about via the link below.

Pricing and availability
3ds Max 2016 Extension 2 is available now, to Autodesk users on subscription contracts only.

Read a full list of new features in 3ds Max 2016 Extension 2 on Autodesk’s AREA website