.MAX File

The max file extension is associated with 3D Studio Max, a modeling, animation and rendering package developed by Autodesk, Inc. 3D Studio Max is also known as 3ds Max.

The MAX file format is default format of 3D Studio Max that contains complete 3D data for rendering scene, such as models, wireframe, lightning settings etc.

No program can convert .max files without having a local copy of 3ds Max available.

The max file format is not a generic "3D file format" like FBX, COLLADA, 3ds, OBJ, LightWave, etc.

Rather it is a "state snapshot" of how all the various plug-ins of 3ds Max work together to create the final 3D scene. This applies to Maya and its .ma and .mb files as well.

How to open:

Use 3ds Max to open and edit *.max files (MAX 3D Studio MAX scene).

How to convert:

Scene files can be typically exported to several other formats.