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Add to SafariWhen comparing 3D Studio Max vs Lightwave 3D, the Slant community recommends Lightwave 3D for most people. In the question“What is the best 3D modeling software?” Lightwave 3D is ranked 6th while 3D Studio Max is ranked 13th. The most important reason people chose Lightwave 3D is:
In addition to Lscript, Lightwave supports Python.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Huge community
As a top-end industry standard tool, 3DS Max users benefit from a rich ecosystem of third-party tools and community knowledge.
Pro Excellent viewport performance
3DS Max is extremely responsive.
Pro Great polygon modeling
Great for poly-modeling for both high and low polygon counts.
Pro Support for Python scripting
In addition to Lscript, Lightwave supports Python.
Pro Been around for years, and is still capable of good animations, and great renders.
The 3DS MAX version 5 days. So Lightwave will always hold a special place for me. It was ahead of the game back in the day, with its renderer. And was widely used for films, among other things. Though it hasn't advanced much in the modeling section, and UI over the years. You can still make some really nice things in it, and get some highly realistic results.
Pro Powerful animation tools
Pro Great value for the price
Pro A perfect tool for freelancers
Pro Powerful nodes shaders
Pro Plays well with other software
Pro Beginner friendly with a very smooth learning curve
Pro Very stable
Pro Great community support
Pro Production proven
Used heavily in famous Hollywood movies, TV shows, commercials and video games.
Pro Designed for individual artists
Cons
Con Expensive
A 3DS Max license can be purchased outright for $3675. Subscription plans are available from $122.50/mo (for a full year commitment).
Con Can no longer purchase perpetual license
It is now $185/month, $1,470.00/year, or $4410/4years - subscription only.
Con Unstable and outdated
Bugs carry on from version to version. Lots of old code that still runs on one thread, even if modern systems offer 16+ threads.
Con Only for Windows
Con Two applications: one for modelling and another for layout
Con Not beginner-friendly
Lightwave has mediocre tutorials and a complex multi-application workflow.
