By Dennis Collin
Since the 2019 release, 3ds Max has received a steady flow of additional commands and enhancements to aid in collaborating with fellow stakeholders and being able to share models and views with non 3ds Max users. A very useful function that impresses many users is the shared views command.
A shared view is a command that allows users to share in the cloud a viewable, read only document. The recipient doesn’t need a 3ds Max application, just a system with a current browser application and an internet connection. By opening the Shared Views panel, a new shared view can be created and uploaded to the cloud. The user will be prompted for a name and a compressed 3d model will then be available to view with a suitable web browser. The Shared View environment will also show other shared views than have been created by other applications within the Collection. In the image below, shared views from Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD are also available. This is possible for anyone who authored the views. If users do not have access to the link or the view gets removed by the author, then the view is not accessible.
The process is a Max artist needs input from a colleague about a model, but they are situated remotely on site or at another office. The artist, from within Max runs the Shared View command, which then exports the model whole or in part and a secure file gets uploaded to Autodesk Docs. This file is not a Max file but rather a read-only DWF file. Once the file is available, a notification appears with the option to view the published file in a browser. The user will also receive an email confirmation that the view is now available to be accessed.
As well as being able to be viewed by the Max designer, the view can be shared via a link and sent out to colleagues. They can click on the link and access the file via a browser. Once opened in a browser the drawing can be inspected, measured and commented upon, provided the recipient has an Autodesk account. the user doesn’t have an account, they will be prompted to register and set an account up. This needs to be done to track comments and markup annotations, all of which can be done without a license.
Once signed in, colleagues can add markups, comments or clouds indicating comments and where potential changes are to be made.
The Max user will see any comments in their desktop application and can action and resolve comments as required. If any clarification is required, the user can place comments in the shared views panel which the remote collaborator will be able to respond to via their web application on their portable device.
It should be noted that the shared view will just show basic textures and not include any HDR backgrounds, animations or effects. However, viewers can section the model, adjust section planes, look around the model and take screenshots as required.
The shared view file will initially have a 30-day lifespan from its publish date. However, the author can extend the duration of the view or terminate it early should the information be no longer required, or the shared view becomes superseded.
In summary, shared views is a great way to coordinate with the wider team Max models without having to send multiple images, videos and deciphering manual scribbled, hard to read notes. It is particularly useful in the current home working environment where critical members of staff may be working remotely and are not present to cast a critical eye over models. However, with a good internet connection and a compatible computer device whether it is a PC, Laptop, Phone or Tablet, models can be commented on and approved with a reduced risk of error and be achieved in a more timelier fashion.
Shared Views functionality is a useful tool for many other Autodesk products, including AutoCAD, Revit and Inventor.
Links to posts on Revit and AutoCAD can be found here:
The functionality is virtually identical, to what can be accessed within 3ds Max:
AutoCAD
Revit