In the "Save File As" dialog, look at the dropdown menu.
If you have access to a newer version of the software, you do not need an online tool. 3ds Max includes a built-in feature for this purpose: Open the file in the newer version. File > Save As Save as type dropdown, select a version up to three generations older (e.g., 3ds Max 2024 can save down to 2021). Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Manual "Bridge" Method (Online to Local) Convert 3ds Max File To Older Version Online
If you have temporary access to the newer version of 3ds Max—or if you can ask the person who sent you the file to resave it—Autodesk provides two native ways to handle backward compatibility. Method 1: The "Save As" Downward Compatibility Feature In the "Save File As" dialog, look at the dropdown menu
For example, if you have 3ds Max 2026, you can save the file directly as a 2025, 2024, or 2023 file. Step-by-Step Downsaving: File > Save As Save as type dropdown,
To avoid file compatibility headaches in the future, follow these industry-standard practices:
If you need to open a 3ds Max (.max) file in an older version of 3ds Max, direct backward compatibility isn’t supported by Autodesk. Here are practical online-first methods to convert or export your scene so it works with older versions.