Open MAX files

Full name

3D Studio Max Scene Format
Developer

Autodesk
Popularity

Have you encountered a problem with a MAX file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a MAX file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your MAX file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is MAX file?

The MAX file extension is used by the 3D modeling software Autodesk 3ds Max. Max is a proprietress 3D format and includes a complete 3D scene with 3D objects, textures, color and lighting settings, animations and other 3D design elements.

More info

3ds Max is used for the creation of graphics and animated films, especially in the professional field such as film, television and games. 3ds Max used to be 3D Studio Max, which saved scenes in 3ds format. This format, unlike the MAX format, can be read by some other 3D application. However, 3ds Max can still save the old 3ds format.
The free 3d software Blender can import MAX files via script by way of an obj conversion. (still alpha status)

Programs which can open a MAX file

Windows

3D Studio Max

How to open file with MAX extension?

In order to open a file with MAX extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening MAX file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with MAX files, follow the instructions below.

Install 3D Studio Max or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening MAX files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support MAX files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of MAX files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set 3D Studio Max as the default program for opening MAX files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate MAX files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the 3D Studio Max applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where 3D Studio Max has been installed.

Check the section that lists most common problems with MAX files

Sometimes problems with opening MAX files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

File data is corrupted
MAX files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open MAX files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
MAX file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)