Maxwell Render Explained

Maxwell Render
Developer:Next Limit Technologies
Latest Release Version:5.0[1]
Operating System:Linux (on x86-64)
Mac OS X (on IA-32 and PowerPC)
Microsoft Windows (on IA-32 and x86-64)
Language:English
Genre:Raytracer
License:Proprietary commercial software

Maxwell Render is an unbiased 3D render engine, developed by Next Limit Technologies in Madrid, Spain. This stand-alone software is used in the film, animation, and VFX industry, as well as in architectural and product design visualization.[2] [3] It offers various plug-ins for 3D/CAD and post production applications.[4]

Overview

Maxwell Render was released to the public as an early alpha in December 2004 (after two years of internal development) utilizing a global illumination (GI) algorithm based on a metropolis light transport variation.[5] Next Limit Technologies released its latest version of Maxwell Render V4.2 in February 2018.[6]

The physically correct rendering engine was originally used as a tool for animation and visual effects. Maxwell Render's trademark Multilight feature,[7] which permits the changing of light intensities and colors in real time, was used in the feature film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.[8]

General features

Physically-based advantages

Multilight™FIRE: Fast Interactive Rendering

MaterialsRealistic Camera Model

Memory Saving InstancesAccurate 3D Motion BlurHair, Grass and Fur

VolumetricsParticle Rendering

Industry standard support

Network RenderingPost Production

Interaction with other software

Maxwell Render for SketchUp[9] is a simplified version of Maxwell Render, fully integrated into the SketchUp software application. Users can set the camera, lighting and environment, apply SketchUp or Maxwell MXM materials, and render and save image files. It is widely used in product design, architectural and engineering visualization.

Plug-ins

3D application plug-ins

Postproduction application plug-ins

Third party supported plug-ins

Version history

2004 Maxwell Render Alpha version
2005 Maxwell Render Beta version
2006 Maxwell Render 1.0

Maxwell Render 1.1

2007 Maxwell Render 1.5

Maxwell Render 1.6

Maxwell Render 1.6.1

2008 Maxwell Render 1.7
2009 Maxwell Render 2.0
2011 Maxwell Render Suite 2.6

Maxwell for Google SketchUp

2012 Maxwell Render 2.7

Maxwell Render Learning Edition

Maxwell Render 2.7.1

2013 Maxwell for SketchUp

Maxwell Render 3.0

2014 Maxwell Render 3.0.1

Maxwell Render 3.0.1.1 beta

2015 Maxwell Render 3.1

Maxwell Render 3.1.0.2

Maxwell Render 3.2

2016Maxwell Render 4.0.0.11
2017Maxwell Render 4.0.1.1Maxwell Render 4.1
2018Maxwell Render 4.2.0.2Maxwell Render 4.2.0.3
2019Maxwell Render 5.0

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Latest release. nextlimit.com. 25 Nov 2019.
  2. Web site: What is Maxwell Render? | High quality 3d rendering . 7 October 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151004013616/http://www.maxwellrender.com/products/maxwell-render-suite . 4 October 2015 .
  3. Web site: Maxwell Render . Easy Render . 26 November 2019.
  4. Web site: Maxwell Render | Compatible with 17 3D/CAD/Post production platforms . 22 December 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151223021925/http://www.maxwellrender.com/index.php/products/maxwell-render-suite/plugins/ . 23 December 2015 .
  5. Web site: Review: Next Limit's Maxwell Render - Computer Graphics World. www.cgw.com. 12 June 2019.
  6. Web site: Next Limit Technologies - All Products - (866) 362-8970 Novedge, Authorized Reseller. novedge.com. 12 June 2019.
  7. Web site: Multilight_features. nextlimit.com. 12 June 2019.
  8. Web site: 10 things you didn't know about Maxwell Render. NOVEDGE blog. 12 June 2019.
  9. Web site: Plug-ins - Maxwell Render V4 Documentation - Next Limit support site. support.nextlimit.com. 12 June 2019.