That isn’t a question you can easily answer. You have to carefully assess the unique features of Revit and 3DS Max to know which of the stands out. After all, they are all Autodesk products but made with totally different features. When examining which of these two is the best, you need to look at which one of them is best for design and which stands out as far as Building Information Management(BIM) is concerned.

Of these two, 3DS Max was the first to be developed and is, therefore based on the older Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology. Revit, on the other hand, works very well as a BIM tool. Thus Revit stands out as an architectural design tool while 3DS Max is mainly used for graphic design. In this write-up, we shall take a detailed look at each of the software to determine which one of them is the best.

Revit

Apart from being very useful when it comes to architectural design, Revit is mainly a BIM tool. That’s, in addition, being used for designing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in all types of building projects.

Overall, Revit comes with an easy-to-use interface which is useful when it comes to simplifying work. It is not just a design software but also allows you to generate concept modeling plans, construction documentation, and bills of quantities. Thus, it is more of a BIM system than a design tool. In fact, you can use it to get an estimate of the construction costs.

As an all-in-one software, Revit can be used in architectural design, construction, structural engineering, and MEP. It is, therefore, not accurate to limit its functions in line with graphics design, rendering, and animations. Revit support various design functions including parametric components, bidirectional associativity, work sharing, and construction modeling.

You can use Revit to create sections, files, and elevations something that is not possible with 3DS Max. The good thing about it is that you don’t need knowledge in construction to use it. Even rookies can use it to easily import and edit files.

However, Revit also has a couple of downsides. The first is the fact that the 3D modeling images are not of the highest quality compared to those produced using 3DS Max. But it does not end there. Although Revit is a multifunctional software, you cannot use it to create 3D models, animations, movie visual effects, and graphics.

3DS Max

When it comes to animations, 3D modeling, and graphics design, 3DS Max is the best. Compared to Revit, 3DS Max is an excellent rendering tool. You can, therefore, use it to create architectural models, movie visual effects, and animations.

At its core, 3DS Max is a CAD application that provides better results than Revit as concerns the creation of architectural models. Some of its reviewers have said it has more colorful models than its counterpart.

However, the close relationship between the two software means they can complement each other for rendering and walkthrough projects. Thus, you can create architectural models using Revit and then export them to 3DS Max to give then color.

The highly vibrant tools included in 3DS Max has enabled it to provide an accelerated performance to its users. When you add onto that the streamlined workflow, then you can only expect improved productivity where complex high-resolution assets are involved. Clearly, 3DS Max is better than Revit when it comes to graphic design, animations, and rendering.

One of the best features of 3DS Max is that it supports several enhancements including Point Cloud, Python Scripting, and Active Shade. If you have a building and construction background, this is the best program for you. It works very well when it comes to producing animations, models, and high-resolution graphics.

However, 3DS Max also has a number of downsides. Unlike Revit, you cannot use the program to get project estimations. 3DS Max is not easy to crack for individuals without a building and construction training and experience. Undoubtedly, it is a very good 3D modeling software. Creating plan elevations and output is, however, not possible. Reading imported files is not easy and an attempt to do so could slow down your system.

Conclusion

Before you make a conclusive decision on which between Revit and 3DS Max is the best, you should consider the specific function for which you want to use it. If you are interested more in rendering, 3D animations, and movie special effects, then 3DS Max should be your number one choice. You can use it if you are into computer games, motion graphics, and film.

However, if all you need is a BIM tool, Revit should be your number one choice. It is the best tool for design and construction professionals who need to transit between the concept and the construction project in actuality. If you are looking for an all-inclusive approach to design, then Revit should be your choice.