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Autodesk releases 3ds Max 2026.1 with a new Attribute Transfer modifier
Autodesk has released the 3ds Max 2026.1 update, introducing new and improved modifiers amongst the changes.
One of the most notable new features is the Attribute Transfer modifier. This tool gives artists the ability to copy attributes such as normals, UVs, vertex colors, and even vertex positions from one object to another. It’s designed to speed up workflows that previously required scripting and is particularly relevant for game development and VFX pipelines. The modifier supports transferring vertex positions to match the shape of a reference mesh, adjusting normals for more uniform shading, copying UVs even between dissimilar topologies, and applying vertex color information across multiple assets.
The Push modifier has also been upgraded with controls that make deformations easier to direct and refine. A new Relax Iterations setting smooths geometry to avoid self-intersection. Artists can now define collision objects that stop mesh expansion when contact occurs, allowing for more complex and believable forms. Additionally, transformations can be restricted to selected axes using the new Axis Multiplier.
The XForm modifier has also been update and now includes a clearer interface and additional coordinate systems. These include Gizmo, Local, World, and Reference Object modes, each offering a different approach to transforming mesh data. The new Preserve Normals option helps maintain shading consistency when modifying geometry.
Support for USD continues to grow. The update introduces a “Promote to 3ds Max Object” feature that makes it easier to convert imported USD geometry into editable Max objects. OpenPBR material support has been added, along with improved exporting and more responsive tools within the USD Layer Editor.
Arnold for 3ds Max 5.8.2.0 also brings performance improvements, particularly in scene loading and memory usage. Multithreaded instancer handling and better resource management make rendering more efficient, especially for complex USD-based scenes.
You can review the full 3ds Max 2026.1 release notes on Autodesk’s official documentation page.
Attribute Transfer is going to be really useful for sure. Revamping Push and Xform is awesome. That’s cool. But still a barebones and very minor update overall, come on! The entirety of 2025 brought nothing major, 2026 is disappointing so far. Have you not been paying attention to what the teams behind Houdini or Unreal have been delivering of late? We have a real time engine outclassing an editor like Max, you don’t even have to open a DCC anymore. It even features muscle simulation now.
This is a great point release! – The new modifier is super useful and goes well in hand with the existing tools. Also the updated modifiers are a huge improvement and will be usefull in a large variety of cases.
The progress of the USD implentation is also very promising and as of now one of the most feature rich implementations compared to other DCCs.
So ADSK, get on with it! Keep the momentum high. Looking forward to further updates!