by Atelier Bump·Modeling
Illustrative cover generated by AnyPlugins — no product screenshot available.
DesignToolBox earns its place for bundling reference-based transformation, measurement, and guide tools that mirror how CAD and precision-software users already work, brought into 3ds Max.
DesignToolBox is a collection of tools for 3ds Max aimed at accelerating and simplifying basic modeling tasks for architectural models, furniture design, and other work where accurate modeling is needed. Developed by Atelier Bump, it groups precision-oriented utilities that professionals coming from CAD or other precision software will find familiar, particularly some of the included transformation tools.
The set includes reference rotation, scale, and position, along with measurement tools and reference guides. It also lets you place snapping points at polyline intersections and adds visual rulers, fast UVW mapping, random transform, cloning tools, scene management, panel grids, fast pivot placement, and workplanes. New tools are added periodically with each update.
Some features depend on the 3ds Max version in use, and the current build supports 3ds Max 2018 through 2025. A demo download is available on the developer's page. If you are upgrading from refGuides, uninstall it first, since some files need to be removed manually.
DesignToolBox - tools for architecture & design is best for architectural modeling, furniture design, and other 3ds Max work that calls for accurate, precision-oriented modeling.
DesignToolBox - tools for architecture & design is completely free to download and use.
DesignToolBox supports 3ds Max 2018 through 2025. Some features depend on the 3ds Max version you are running: for versions before 2017, tools like custom guide objects are not available. The current release is version 2.20.x.x, last updated on June 5, 2024, and new tools are added periodically with each update. For the complete, current feature list, check the developer's page at atelierbump.com, which also links a demo download you can try before committing to the full version.
DesignToolBox asks you to uninstall refGuides first if you are upgrading from it. Some files need to be removed manually during that step, so following the developer's instructions before installing DesignToolBox helps you avoid leftover files from the previous tool. Beyond that, the current build covers 3ds Max 2018 through 2025, and a demo download is available on the developer's page if you want to test the tools before installing the full version.
DesignToolBox is listed as free in this catalog, though it is a commercial script and some features are not available in the demo version. A demo download is offered on the developer's page so you can try the tools before deciding. For the exact licensing terms and details of what the full version unlocks compared with the demo, check atelierbump.com for the current information.
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