by Osetrov·Workflow
Illustrative cover generated by AnyPlugins — no product screenshot available.
A focused optimization utility. The preview step lets you check how many objects and triangles are affected before committing, and making a backup of the scene beforehand is advised.
Auto instances scans a 3ds Max scene for objects that share completely identical geometry and turns them into instances. By collapsing duplicate geometry into shared instances, the script can reduce RAM consumption, scene file size, and the time it takes to save and open a scene. It is described as especially useful when optimizing other people's scenes and downloaded 3D models.
The script preserves the rotation and scale of objects during conversion, and it keeps Turbo Smooth modifiers when they sit at the top of the stack. A "Just Select (Preview)" button selects the objects that can be instantiated without changing the scene, and reports how many objects can be optimized and how many triangles they contain. Pressing the "GO!" button then performs the optimization.
There are limitations in the current version. It works only with geometric objects, so splines and lights are not supported. Texture coordinate differences are not considered when comparing copies, objects rotated or scaled at the subobject level are treated as different, and modifier animation is not taken into account, so optimization is not recommended where preserving animation matters.
Auto instances is best for 3ds Max artists optimizing scenes and downloaded 3D models by reducing duplicate geometry, file size, and RAM usage.
Auto instances is completely free to download and use.
Auto instances lists compatibility with 3ds Max 2014 through 2022. The script is a geometry optimization tool that runs inside 3ds Max, so a compatible installation within that range is required. It works only with geometric objects; splines and lights are not supported. If you use a 3ds Max version outside the stated range, check the developer's page for current details before relying on the script in a production scene.
Auto instances is installed by unzipping the archive and dragging the .mzp file into the 3ds Max viewport, then pressing "Ok". If drag and drop does not work, use "Run Script" from the "Scripting" top menu and select the script file. To add a button, open "Customize User Interface", go to the Toolbar tab, select the "OS-3D" category, drag the "RunAutoInstance" button to the toolbar, and restart 3ds Max.
Auto instances does not take modifier animation into account when comparing objects. Because of this, it is not recommended to apply optimization on animated objects in cases where it is important to preserve the animation. The script may also collapse the modifier stack before making objects instances, though it tries to keep a Turbo Smooth modifier if it is at the top of the stack. For animation-critical scenes, review these limitations first and keep a backup of your scene.
Auto instances is listed as free in this catalog. For current licensing terms and downloads, refer to the developer's page. The script is available through the Osetrov Gumroad link, where you can find the current version. Before running it on an important project, make a backup of your scene, as the script modifies objects by converting duplicate geometry into instances and can collapse the modifier stack during the process.
by JTB World Inc.
JTB FlexReport LT is a freeware add-in from JTB World for 3ds Max that creates HTML reports on current usage of FlexNet/FLEXlm network licenses. Autodesk Network License Manager and other FlexNet vendors are supported.
by Colin Senner
Relink Bitmaps is a 3ds Max script for relinking missing assets — bitmaps, VRay proxies, VRayHDRI, IES files and Mental Ray proxies — when files change directories or you move to a new computer.
by Inglobe Technologies
AR-media, developed by Inglobe Technologies, exports Autodesk 3ds Max models directly into the AR-media Studio platform, where you can create Augmented and Virtual Reality experiences and add events, interactions, digital assets and media.
by SiNi Software
Forensic is a scene-cleanup and diagnostics app from SiNi Software for 3ds Max that interrogates 3D scenes, removes CAD and Revit blocks, unifies normals, and searches for and removes malicious MAXScripts, ADL, CRP and ADSL.
by 3DZver
V-RayMax Converter PRO is a 3ds Max script that converts materials, maps, lights, cameras, proxies and render elements from various render engines to V-Ray, and from V-Ray to Corona Renderer. It also outputs Standard, Physical, PBR/OpenPBR and glTF materials.
by Hannes
Dark Listener enables dark mode for the 3ds Max listener, switching it on automatically at startup. The darker background is easier on the eyes and reduces eye strain during late-night work, with no manual setup after install.
