Maxwell Render

Maxwell Render is a physically based renderer with Maxwell Studio and plugins for host applications such as 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, SketchUp, Archicad, Rhino, and formZ. A23D model import is host-specific: use the A23D Asset Importer in supported hosts such as 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, and SketchUp, or use the host application's native FBX import workflow where an A23D importer is not available. The A23D Asset Importer imports assets into the host application; it is not a file converter. Once the geometry is in the scene, use Maxwell's material editor to create or refine Maxwell materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about using A23D assets with Maxwell Render

Do I need a plugin to use A23D assets in Maxwell Render?

Maxwell itself is the renderer plugin or Studio renderer. For importing A23D 3D models, use the A23D Asset Importer when your host supports it. In other hosts, import the delivered A23D model package through the host application's native import workflow, then assign Maxwell materials.

Which software option should I select for Maxwell Render?

Select Maxwell Render in the Software dropdown on the asset page. A23D delivers the model package best suited to Maxwell Render workflows, with FBX as the recommended 3D model format for most Maxwell host applications that import standalone geometry.

How do I use A23D PBR textures with Maxwell materials?

Maxwell uses a layered material and BSDF system rather than a one-click metallic/roughness shader. Load the A23D maps into the closest Maxwell material channels:

• Albedo / Diffuse -> Reflectance / color
• Normal -> Normal map / bump-normal channel
• Roughness -> Roughness
• Metalness -> layer weight or metal material mask when mixing dielectric and metal layers
• Ambient Occlusion -> multiply with Albedo only if you want extra baked contact shadow
• Height / Displacement -> Displacement
• Opacity -> opacity / clip map
• Emissive -> emitter material or emitter layer mask

Use a simple dielectric material for non-metal surfaces and a metal/conductor setup for metal surfaces. When a material mixes metal and non-metal regions, use the Metalness map as a mask between those material responses.

Can I use A23D Height maps as true displacement in Maxwell?

Yes. Maxwell supports displacement through its material system. Use the A23D Height map for close-up surfaces where silhouette or relief matters, and use Normal or Bump for distant surfaces where true displacement would add unnecessary render cost.

How do I use A23D IES lighting profiles with Maxwell?

Use a Maxwell light/emitter workflow that supports IES data in your host application. Load the A23D .ies file into the Maxwell light or emitter settings exposed by the host plugin, then render a test to confirm the beam direction, intensity, and scale.

Can I use A23D Decals in Maxwell?

Yes. Use the A23D decal as an opacity/clip-mapped material on a thin plane above the target surface, or use the host application's decal/projection workflow where available. Assign the decal color map to the material color and the opacity map to the clip/opacity control.

What texture resolution should I use with Maxwell?

Use 4K maps for hero surfaces and close-up product or architectural renders, 2K for general scene assets, and 1K for distant or background elements. Maxwell prioritizes physically accurate rendering, so tiered texture sizes help keep large scenes responsive without sacrificing close-up quality.