3dsmax-mcp
An MCP server for Autodesk 3ds Max: the agent reads the scene, models, and sets up materials and modifiers
- 350 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Broad access
Why this level
- The agent can run arbitrary MAXScript and change the scene, materials and the material library
- The installer places Python, native bridges and skills on the system and in client settings
Install
- Works in
Manual install
git clone https://github.com/cl0nazepamm/3dsmax-mcp.git && cd 3dsmax-mcp && uv sync && uv run python install.pySource install; needs Python 3.12 or newer, uv and Git. Choose the full tool profile.
Access and checks
How we reviewBroad accessThe tool can change data, run commands or handle secrets.
- The agent can run arbitrary MAXScript and change the scene, materials and the material library
- The installer places Python, native bridges and skills on the system and in client settings
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
The server connects an AI agent to Autodesk 3ds Max through the Model Context Protocol. It has 161 tools. They read the scene, build geometry and set up materials, and they also handle modifiers, controllers and procedural graphs. The native bridge works with Max 2023–2027. In modeling the agent builds editable meshes (create_mesh, curve_model, loft_mesh, mesh_edit), then checks topology and intersections (geometry_qa, contact_check). In materials it assembles PBR texture sets, saves the material library to .mat files and restores it, and replaces materials across the scene in bulk. FStorm textures, materials and lights have their own tools. Asset work is a separate strand. The smart_import tool lays a folder of models out in a grid and matches PBR textures. With search_max_files, inspect_max_file and merge_from_file the agent finds objects in old scenes and brings over only those. Mesh, CAD, USD and glTF formats are imported through the importers installed in Max. For custom automation there is MAXScript execution, introspection of Max classes and mcg_* tools for Max Creation Graph. A bundled agent skill carries MAXScript documentation.
Who it is for. For 3D artists and technical artists who work in 3ds Max on Windows and want to hand scene and material chores to an agent.
Good fit when
- You need to sort a folder of PBR textures into materials and preview a palette in the Material Editor
- You need to find an object in old .max files and bring it into the current scene
- You want to replace materials across a scene in bulk by rules
- You need to check built geometry: topology and object contacts
- You need to write a MAXScript or a Max Creation Graph with verification of the result
Not a fit when
- You are on macOS or Linux: the server requires Windows
- You work in Blender: a separate server exists for it
- The scene has no backup: the agent can run MAXScript and change objects, materials and the library
Example request
Take the folder of PBR textures, build materials from them and apply each to the object with a matching name in the current scene.MCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
Limitations
It runs only on Windows with Autodesk 3ds Max 2023–2027 and an MCP client such as Claude Desktop, Codex or Cursor. The ready installer bundles Python, dependencies, native bridges and agent skills. Installing from source needs Python 3.12 or newer, uv and Git. Close Max and the client before installing or updating. Tool profiles and manual client setup are collected in docs/ADVANCED.md. The server is written in Python and the native bridges run inside Max, so scene tools do not respond while Max hangs.
How to disable. Close Max and the client, then remove the server from the client config and uninstall the program through Windows. For a source install delete the project folder and the server entry in the client settings.
FAQ
How do I install 3dsmax-mcp?
Close Max and the client, run the installer from the releases and pick your clients, then open Max and restart the client. From source: git clone, uv sync and uv run python install.py.
Which clients work with 3dsmax-mcp?
Claude Desktop, Codex and Cursor work. The installer lets you pick clients, and manual setup and tool profiles are collected in docs/ADVANCED.md.
What if Max hangs?
Call get_bridge_status: it shows whether Max is responsive, busy or hung and what holds its main thread. This tool answers even while Max is hung.
Does the server work with the FStorm renderer?
Yes. The server imports FStorm and FStormPBR textures, lays out palettes and creates plane, disc and sphere lights and a sun with native solar controls.
Can I build my own tools for 3ds Max through the server?
Yes. There is MAXScript execution, introspection of Max classes and a set of mcg_* tools to build, compile and test Max Creation Graph graphs. A bundled agent skill carries MAXScript documentation.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Entries that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Entry | Official | Authentication | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dsmax-mcp (this entry) | no | not required | 350 | |
| Blender MCP | no | not required | 32,717 | the same approach for a 3D package, but for Blender and its addon |
| Unity MCP Server | no | not required | 530 | scene and component control in the Unity game engine |
README in short
The author groups workflow ideas by modeling, materials, assets and custom tools, and each idea comes with its list of calls. The full tool catalog is a separate table.