If you already have a career in Computer Aided Design (CAD), then you are familiar with 3D Max and Revit. These two software are products of Autodesk. But which of these two is the best design software? Which is easy to use and which is the best when it comes to Building Information Modelling (BIM)?

Since it is the earlier software, 3DS Max is based on the older CAD technology, while Revit is majorly used for BIM purposes. While 3D Max is used mainly for designing graphics as well as 3D graphics, Revit is more of an architectural design tool. In this write-up, we shall examine the unique features of these two design solutions together with the advantages of each one of them.

3Ds Max

As stated earlier, 3DS Max is suitable for graphics, 3D modeling, and animations. It, therefore works very well as a rendering tool. Thus, this tool can be used to create animations, visual effects for movies, and architectural models.

The following are some of its characteristics:

• As a CAD application, 3DS Max works very well for purposes of rendering 3D animations and creating architectural models.
• Since it is closely related to Revit, it can complement the latter especially when it comes to projects involving walkthrough and rendering.
• It has a set of highly dynamic tools that allow for accelerated performance, which, coupled with streamlined workflows, lead to improved productivity when working with complex high-resolution assets.
• It supports Python Scripting, Point Cloud, Active Shade, and other enhancements.
• 3DS Max works very well for people with a background in building and design.

Advantages

• It is great for use in, graphics design, 3D animations rendering, and 3D modeling.
• The architectural models produced by this program and much better than those by Revit.
• It comes with some of the best tools for producing high-resolution graphics, models, and animations.

Disadvantages

• You cannot get the cost estimations of a project using this program.
• 3DS Max is not easy to understand unless you have a building and construction background.
• Since this software is only useful for 3D modeling, you cannot use it create plan elevations and output.
• Imported files are not easy to read and could end up slowing down your system.

Revit

This basically a BIM software that is used for much more than just architectural design. One of its major functions is in the design of mechanical, Electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in building projects. Revit is also important when it comes to structural engineering and construction projects.

The following are some of its distinctive characteristics:

• It has an easy-to-use architectural interface that helps simplify workflow.
• Unlike 3DS Max, it allows for the generation of great results when it comes to bills of quantities, construction documentation, and concept modeling.
• Revit is an all-in-one application that can be used for MEP, architectural design, as well as structural engineering & construction.
• It supports Construction Modeling, Worksharing, Bidirectional Associativity, and Parametric Components.

Advantages

• It is possible to create files, sections, and elevations, which are not possible using 3DS Max.
• This software is easy to use for the importation and editing of files.
• You can use it to get a rough estimate of construction costs, using its bill of quantities feature.
• Compared to 3DS Max, the program is easy to use. In fact, you don’t need knowledge of building and construction to use it.

Disadvantages

• When it comes to the quality of 3D modeling images, the quality is not as good as that produced by 3DS Max.
• You cannot use it for creating graphics, 3D models, animations, and movie visual effects.

Between 3DS Max And Revit, Which One Is The Best?

That’s a good question. However, it is also important to ask if Revit means 3DS Max has effectively been rendered obsolete. Granted, CAD software such as 3DS Max belong to an older generation and cannot match their BIM counterparts in many ways. With that in mind, 3DS Max and Revit are infinitely interoperable.

As such, it is possible to import some of the work done on Revit to 3DS Max for enhanced results. Thus you can create an image in Revit and export it to 3DS Max.

When it comes to picking between 3DS Max and Revit, it boils down to personal preference, user competence, time, budget, and project stage. With BIM, what you input into the software is what you get.

Although easy to use, the Revit BIM infrastructure requires you to have very good knowledge on how to use it. You also need very good knowledge of how to create content and manage the models that you create. Without proper knowledge and experience, rendering in Revit is as hard as exporting the images created to 3DS Max.

While it is possible to do all your rendering in Revit, it doesn’t provide a professional platform like that created by 3DS Max. With Revit, you are likely to have issues with depth of field, refraction, reflection, and exposure. The only way to make your 3D modeling better is by exporting your rendering to 3DS Max.

Part of the limitations of BIM-based software such as Revit has everything to do with the quality of hardware used. Where the hardware is not right, it will take you longer to produce a poor quality image that someone using a professional software such as 3DS Max.

Even where you are exporting 3D modeling images from Revit to 3DS Max, it is important to know the process of creating the images as well as the limitations involved. In essence, while Revit can be used to create the images, 3DS Max can help enhance their visualization quality.

Conclusion

Given the foregoing, Revit is good for architecture while3DS Max is best used for rendering. As a BIM tool, Revit allows design and construction practitioners to make the transformation between concept and actual construction project. That’s together with an all-inclusive design approach.

On the other hand, 3DS Max is infinitely good for 3D modeling, animations, simulation, and rendering. Thus it works well for motion graphics, games, and film artists.