What’s New in 3ds Max 2023.2 Update
Array Modifier
The parametric Array modifier lets you create arrays using multiple Distribution methods. Its expansive toolset includes transformation and randomization controls, and parameters to adjust material IDs and UV data.
With an expansive toolset and a location in the stack, the Array modifier provides additional flexibility not found in the Array command. Most importantly, this modifier is parametric, giving you the ability to adjust parameters after an array has been created.
The Array modifier is especially useful in a procedural modeling context. For example, you can create an array to quickly model detail or ornamentation:
- Stiches on a surface
- Bolts on an airplane wing
- Bricks for a wall
- Books on a bookshelf
Track View updates
he Track View Auto-Zoom, Interactive Update, and Sync Cursor Time states now persist between sessions, and the following defects have been addressed:
- The state of various Curve Editor menu item icons now clearly indicates if the option is active
- The Filter option buttons at the bottom of the Curve Editor now always respond to mouse clicks
- The Mini Curve Editor now frames the timeline correctly when opened
Interactive Update now active by default
As of this release, the Track View Interactive Update option is now on by default, updating viewports with any change that affects the current frame.
Editable Poly Retriangulation
An enhanced retriangulation algorithm now produces improved results when creating new faces, moving vertices, or using Retriangulate on an Editable Poly object. See Editable Poly (PolygonElement).
Note: When loading a scene created in a previous version of 3ds Max into 2023.2, you can use the command $.enableEnhancedRetriangulation = true to activate this new functionality in the base Editable Poly object.
Chamfer updates
The following updates improve the results of chamfer operations:When performing a chamfer operation with the Chamfer modifier or an Editable Poly object, the Limit Effect output has been updated to prevent self intersections in chamfered surfaces. See Chamfer Modifier Reference
Hard edges can appear on chamfer segments and cannot be corrected with the Smoothing parameter in the Chamfer modifier. The Chamfer modifier now generates improved surface normals when working with non-explicit normals, solving this problem.
Tip: You can use the command $.modifiers[N].SetVersion #VerLatest to update Chamfer modifiers that were applied in previous versions of 3ds Max, so they use the new functionality.
Updated Delta Mush computation
A problem where the Delta Mush operator (Data Channel modifier) created issues with some symmetrical meshes has been addressed. A new option, Use Legacy Compute, is now available in the Delta Mush UI settings.
The Use Legacy Compute option lets you turn off the improved algorithm in case you were relying on the legacy behavior and is turned on automatically whenever you load geometry that used the legacy (pre 2023 update 2) method. This option is turned off for all new Delta Mush scenes.Note: You can switch the legacy and improved algorithm, by toggling the checkbox, however, be sure to do this only when the geometry is in the “neutral” or “rest” pose state, as the rest pose stores information critical to the Delta Mush functionality.
glTF updates
The Scene Converter contains a new preset called “PhysicalToGLTF” that allows you to easily convert all physical materials in a scene to glTF materials.
The glTF Exporter now exports all map channels instead of just channel 1
MeshSmooth Performance
The NURMS algorithm that is used in the MeshSmooth modifier and NURMS subdivision for Editable Mesh and Editable Poly surfaces is now up to 15% faster.
Updated Particle Flow Source defaults.
By customer request, some of the presets for the Particle Flow Emission and System Management settings have been changed.
Now, the Quality Multiplier value for Viewport is set to 100% (previously it was 50%), and the Integration Step value for System Management is set to Frame (previously it was Half Frame).
These changes sync the settings with the Quality Multiplier and Integration Step Render values, and save time spent adjusting these settings to produce an accurate render output.
New FBX Export workflow for Standard Materials
As of 3ds Max 2021, there was a change to the way default materials were exported by FBX. Since 2021, FBX exports with a Physical Material by default.
Before 3ds Max 2021, the FBX Exporter used a Standard Material, now known as a ‘Standard (Legacy)’ Material. If you want to continue to use the legacy (pre v.2021) method, using Standard (Legacy)’ Materials, use the workflow in this topic: FBX Export with Standard (Legacy) Materials.
Arnold for 3ds Max 5.4.0.37
3ds Max ships with MAXtoA 5.4.0.37 for Arnold 7.1.3.0 which introduces an improved V-Ray scene converter, volume shader improvements, and new support for pinned curves and nested instancers.
Source: https://help.autodesk.com/view/3DSMAX/2023/ENU/?guid=GUID-800B6F77-4738-4FFE-A534-AE49C0F1DA24
