Production houses managing long-running series, film sequels, or remastered assets frequently keep dedicated workstations running these exact versions to ensure visual consistency across project lifecycles.
It is built specifically for the 3ds Max workflow, integrating seamlessly into the material editor and renderer settings.
One of the most requested features is finally here: . With the Pencil+ 4 Material Nitrous Shader, artists can view highlights and zones in the viewport with quality close to the final render result. This speeds up the iteration process dramatically compared to older versions where you had to render to see your shading.
: Includes specialized tools like the Perspective Deformation modifier and Normal Copy to manage hand-drawn looks that are traditionally difficult to achieve in 3D. psoft pencil 4 for 3ds max 2015 to 2018 win top
For users working with Pencil+ 4 on the 2015-2018 Max versions, the is a notable tool. Announced in December 2018, this utility plugin helps streamline workflows between different software versions or projects. It functions as a data conversion and transfer tool, making it easier to move scene data and settings between compatible applications without losing material or line information. It is a free tool for registered Pencil+ 4 users and is another example of PSOFT's dedication to professional usability.
Pencil+ 4 is a powerful rendering plugin designed specifically for Autodesk 3ds Max to produce non-photorealistic imagery. It bridges the gap between 3D modeling efficiency and 2D hand-drawn aesthetics.
Background and purpose pSoft (often associated with or similar in function to other NPR tools) developed Pencil to address a common need in animation, architectural visualization, concept art, and technical illustration: producing controllable outline and stroke rendering directly from 3D geometry. While 3D renderers excel at photorealism, many projects require stylized visuals—comic book looks, technical diagrams, storybook illustration, or sketch-like turntables—that are cumbersome to create purely by hand. Pencil bridges that gap by letting users define stroke styles, vary line thickness, produce hatchings, and control visibility based on topology, smoothing groups, material IDs, or camera-facing angles. With the Pencil+ 4 Material Nitrous Shader, artists
PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max 2015-2018 is more than just a shader; it is a complete NPR solution that bridges the gap between 3D efficiency and 2D artistic aesthetic. Its ability to produce high-quality, customizable cel-shading and line art, combined with its fast rendering engine and Nitrous viewport support, makes it an indispensable tool for animators and illustrators looking to achieve a professional anime look on Windows systems.
Allows animators to preview lighting zones, tone boundaries, and highlights without triggering production renders.
Artists can review highlights and shading zones with quality close to the final render without needing to re-render. For users working with Pencil+ 4 on the
Choose which lines to draw (e.g., outlines, open edges, material boundaries, or intersection lines).
Pricing and licensing options may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, always check the official PSOFT Store . Registered users of Pencil+ 4 are entitled to free updates for the version they have purchased, such as the 4.1.0 update.
To set up a basic line-art render in 3ds Max 2015–2018, follow this structural production process:
Pencil+ 4 can reproduce the flat look of cel shading and the texture of pencil sketches. It moves beyond simple toon shading by supporting unique effects like . This allows materials hidden behind objects to penetrate through and be rendered as if they were in front—a critical feature for complex character rigging and clothing layers.
