thinkingParticles 7.4 is now available—and it's our most powerful release yet. Fully compatible with Autodesk 3ds Max 2026, this version supercharges your VFX pipeline with over 160 new ME‑L scripting functions, advanced simulation features, and powerful artist-driven tools for procedural animation.

Whether you’re crafting particle effects, simulating fluids, or manipulating meshes, thinkingParticles 7.4 gives you unprecedented control, performance, and creative freedom—all inside 3ds Max.

What’s New in thinkingParticles 7.4?

Full Support for 3ds Max 2026

thinkingParticles 7.4 is fully optimized and certified for Autodesk’s latest 3ds Max 2026. Upgrade your software with confidence—your simulation workflows will remain seamless and more stable than ever.

160+ New ME‑L Functions for Total Procedural Control

ME‑L (Math Expression Language) has evolved far beyond math—it’s now a robust scripting powerhouse. With 160+ new functions, artists and technical directors can:

• Access and modify mesh components: vertices, faces, normals, and elements
• Perform complex tasks like edge subdivision and dynamic remeshing
• Create custom markers (text, points, lines, and colors) for debugging and visualization
• Push the boundaries of what’s possible in standard 3ds Max workflows

Groundbreaking Features in thinkingParticles 7.4

New Explosion System

A complete explosion toolkit with purpose-built nodes for realistic detonation simulations. It’s the fastest way to build complex explosions while maintaining full control over every parameter—from force to timing and particle behavior.

SPH 7.3 Fluid Solver Upgrade

The SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) solver has been fine-tuned for greater realism and performance. Simulate fluid behavior with more accurate pressure response and optimized splash dynamics—perfect for water, slime, and other fluid effects.

ME‑L Markers for Real-Time Debugging

Quickly create visual markers inside 3ds Max using ME‑L. Add lines, text, points, and colors for in-scene debugging, visualization, and scripting feedback. Perfect for technical artists and developers building complex setups.

SplineForce Node

Turn any spline into a dynamic force field. Particles are drawn and guided along the spline path, enabling stylized trails, motion paths, and controlled flow simulations. Ideal for magical effects, energy beams, and abstract VFX.

MPM-Sand: Wakeup on Moisture

This new moisture-sensitive feature allows sand particles to “wake up” when exposed to a moisture threshold. Simulate realistic damp-to-dry transitions in granular materials like sand, soil, or snow.

SimpleDeform with Pose Matching

Now includes Pose Matching capabilities. Particle-based meshes can retain or revert to their original shape after deformation, allowing more believable character rigs, morph targets, and dynamic mesh retention.

ME‑L: Shaping the Future of Procedural VFX

thinkingParticles 7.4 takes ME‑L scripting to a new level—blending raw control, ease of use, and production-grade performance. It’s not just a tool; it’s a procedural VFX platform built for the future.

Ready to Take Your VFX to the Next Level?

Whether you're working on blockbuster films, high-end commercials, or ambitious indie projects, thinkingParticles 7.4 gives you the tools to build real-time, non-destructive simulations that are both powerful and artist-friendly.

Explore thinkingParticles 7.4 now and upgrade your procedural game.

cebas thinkingParticles Subscription (1 year)

Offers advanced procedural particle effects, leveraging ME-L scripting for efficient real-time multi-core processing. It includes an explosion system with pre-built nodes and controls, along with a realistic SPH and MPM fluid solver. Importantly, it allows for seamless integration of these particle effects within the 3ds Max environment.

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