AnimRef Pro for 3ds Max
AnimRef Pro is a reference tool built right into 3ds Max, so you can keep your reference close while you work. Whether you’re studying movement, rotoscoping, or blocking out a 2D-style animation pass, it gives you the tools you need without pulling you out of your scene.
Made for animators, AnimRef Pro helps turn reference into something you can actually work with. You can load image sequences, sync them to your timeline, draw over frames, organize annotation layers, and export your notes from a dockable dark-themed panel that feels at home inside 3ds Max.
Draw Over Reference or Start Blank
You can load an image sequence as a background, or start with a blank sequence from scratch. Blank sequences can use any canvas size, frame count, background color, or transparency setting. In both cases, you can draw directly on the frames, making it useful for notes, motion breakdowns, rough planning, or simple 2D animation.
Pen Pressure and Erasing
AnimRef Pro supports drawing tablets with pen pressure. Pressure can affect both stroke width and opacity, so drawing feels more natural. There’s also a dedicated eraser tool for cleaning up strokes without leaving 3ds Max.
Layers, Undo, and Redo
Each sequence includes a layer system, so your drawings stay non-destructive. You can add, remove, reorder, hide, show, and adjust the opacity of layers. Drawing and erasing can also be undone and redone per layer, so it’s easy to experiment without committing too early.
Ghosting for 2D Animation
The ghosting system shows semi-transparent frames before and after the current frame, similar to onion skinning in traditional 2D animation. You can control how many frames appear before and after, as well as the opacity, which helps when checking timing, spacing, and motion flow.
Extra Features
3ds Max Dockable Panel
Runs directly inside 3ds Max, so you can dock, float, or keep it beside your viewport without switching apps.
Time Slider Sync
Keeps your reference locked to the 3ds Max timeline, with frame offset controls for easy alignment.
Video to Image Sequence Converter
Convert video reference into image sequences directly from the panel when needed.
PNG Sequence Export
Export your annotated or animated frames as a clean numbered PNG sequence.
Adjustable Panel Opacity
Make the panel transparent so you can view your reference over your 3ds Max scene.
Filmstrip Thumbnails
Quickly jump between frames using the scrollable thumbnail strip at the bottom of the panel.
Note!
This is the first release of the betting tool. If you encounter any issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out and report them so they can be fixed as quickly as possible.
I’ll be continuously improving the tool and adding new features over time. If there’s a feature you’d like to see, feel free to send your suggestions or requests, I’d love to hear your ideas.
Feedback, bug reports, and feature requests are always welcome and greatly appreciated!