4 For 3ds Max 2015 To 2018 Win Top | Psoft Pencil

PSoft Pencil 4 remains a cult classic for Max users stuck on versions 2015–2018 who need production‑ready non‑photorealistic rendering. While newer tools (like Corona’s Toon Material or V‑Ray’s Contour) exist, none offer the same depth of line control, hatching automation, and pure sketch output as Pencil 4. It’s not a renderer for realism – it’s a renderer for expression.

If you still work in Max 2018 and your deliverable is a black‑and‑white line art or colored storyboard, Pencil 4 is the best tool you’re not using yet.

Tags: #3dsMax #NonPhotorealisticRendering #ToonShader #LineArt #SketchRendering #PSoftPencil #Max2018 #TechnicalIllustration

Pencil 4 is a rendering plugin that allows 3D artists to turn standard 3D scenes into stylized images that look like hand-drawn sketches, manga, or cartoons. Key features typically included:

Since this is an older plugin for older versions of Max (2015-2018), the installation process is usually manual:

Important Note: This plugin is not compatible with newer versions of 3ds Max (2019 and above) due to changes in the Max SDK. If you have upgraded to 3ds Max 2020+, you will need to look for "Pencil+ 4" (the newer version by Psofthouse) or alternative NPR tools like those included in the Arnold renderer.

PSOFT Pencil+ 4 is a high-end non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) plugin for Autodesk 3ds Max (compatible with versions 2015 through 2018 and beyond). It is renowned in the Japanese animation industry for its ability to flawlessly replicate the look of cel animation, pen-and-ink drawings, and pencil sketches. Core Functionality and Expressiveness

Pencil+ 4 provides four primary pillars of functionality to transform 3D scenes into 2D art styles:

Pencil+ 4 Material: Enables rich cel-shading with granular control over color gradations, highlights, and "stroke maps" that simulate hand-drawn textures like hatching.

Pencil+ 4 Line: Features a multithreaded rendering engine that can quickly draw complex lines, including uniform outlines, rough sketch lines, and width-modulated "manga" style strokes.

Unique Modifiers: Includes specialized tools like the Perspective Deformation modifier and Normal Copy to manage hand-drawn looks that are traditionally difficult to achieve in 3D.

Render Elements Output: Allows artists to output specific material and line data separately, facilitating advanced compositing in software like After Effects. Key Technical Features for 3ds Max

Nitrous Viewport Support: Artists can preview Pencil+ 4 materials and highlights in real-time within the 3ds Max viewport, significantly speeding up the look-development process.

Material Penetration: A unique feature where specific materials can be rendered "in front" of other objects even if they are physically hidden behind them, allowing for stylized effects like eyes appearing through hair.

Edge Detection: Advanced settings for line drawing include Open Edge, Selected Edge, and Self-Intersection, providing precision in where lines are generated on a mesh.

Pencil+ 4 Spreadsheet: A dedicated utility for mass-editing parameters across multiple objects or materials in a single grid view. Workflow and Integration

For users on Windows (Win Top), the plugin integrates deeply with 3ds Max's native tools:

Renderer Setup: Operates primarily with the Scanline Renderer, though lines can be rendered independently using the specialized Pencil+ 4 Line Renderer.

Scene Management: The Pencil+ 4 Bridge utility allows settings to be exported and shared across different scenes or even different host applications like Maya or Blender.

Output Formats: Supports exporting lines to EPS (vector) for high-resolution print or PLD format for specialized editing in After Effects.

Discover the new features and powerful rendering capabilities of PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max: PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max New Features P SOFTHOUSE PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max / Improved Usability P SOFTHOUSE PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max / Material Penetration P SOFTHOUSE

. Versions released between 2017 and 2018 (such as v4.1.1) provide official compatibility for Autodesk 3ds Max 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 on Windows. Key Features for These Versions Nitrous Viewport Display: psoft pencil 4 for 3ds max 2015 to 2018 win top

Real-time preview of materials and shading zones directly in the 3ds Max viewport. Material Penetration:

Allows materials hidden behind other objects to be rendered as if they were in front. Light Intensity Control:

Offers granular control over how individual lights influence specific materials. Edge Detection:

Sophisticated line-drawing capabilities including detection of intersections, smoothing boundaries, and open edges. Compatibility & Access Supported Host: Autodesk 3ds Max versions 2015 through 2018. Windows 64-bit. Downloads:

Registered users can access the installers for these specific versions through the PSOFT User Page Trial Version: A free demo is typically available on the PSOFT Download Page

, though modern versions may target newer 3ds Max builds (2023–2026). www.psoft.co.jp Transitioning from Pencil+ 3

If you are upgrading from Pencil+ 3, these versions include a Pencil+ 3.11 (Ver4 Bundle)

that allows you to run Pencil+ 3 with a Pencil+ 4 license for converting older files. Note that data conversion between v3 and v4 is generally only supported in 3ds Max environments where both plugins can run simultaneously, which typically excludes 3ds Max 2018 and newer. www.psoft.co.jp installation steps for one of these versions? PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max

PSOFT Pencil+ 4 a professional non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) plugin for

that reproduces hand-drawn styles such as cel shading, pen-and-ink, and color pencil sketches

. Released in April 2017, it significantly improved speed and usability over its predecessor. www.psoft.co.jp Platform Compatibility 3ds Max Versions: Officially supports versions 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11 (64-bit versions only). Optimized for the standard 3ds Max Scanline Renderer www.psoft.co.jp Key Features for 3ds Max 2015–2018 Nitrous Viewport Display:

Real-time preview of toon shading and highlights directly in the 3ds Max viewport, reducing the need for constant test renders. Advanced Line Control: Material Penetration:

Allows hidden lines (e.g., eyes through hair) to be rendered as if they were in front. Line Set Management:

Efficiently manage multiple objects and line styles simultaneously using a dedicated list interface. Powerful Materials: Gradation Bar:

An intuitive UI for editing color zones and cel-shading highlights. Light Intensity Control:

Modify how individual lights affect specific materials for more precise shading control. Performance Improvements:

Multithreaded rendering for faster line calculation, which was a major upgrade over Pencil+ 3. PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max

The Anime Secret Weapon: PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max (2015–2018)

If you’ve ever watched a modern anime and wondered how they make 3D backgrounds and mechs look like hand-drawn cels, there's a high chance PSOFT Pencil+ 4 was involved. While newer versions of 3ds Max get a lot of attention, the 2015 to 2018 era remains a "sweet spot" for many production pipelines using this industry-standard non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) tool. Why Pencil+ 4 is the NPR Gold Standard

Unlike standard toon shaders that just "flatten" colors, Pencil+ 4 is a complete rendering system designed to replicate the distinctive look of pen-and-ink, colored pencils, and classic Japanese animation. 1. Expressive Material Shading

The Gradation Bar: Forget complex node setups; the Gradation Bar lets you edit material colors and bands intuitively.

Highlight Design: You can visually control the shape of highlights—making them curve or expand into "crescents" along an object’s surface.

Material Penetration: A powerful feature that allows specific materials to "penetrate" others, effectively rendering them in the foreground even when they are physically behind other objects. 2. Revolutionary Line Drawing The Line engine in Pencil+ 4 is arguably its best feature. PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max

Unlocking the Anime Aesthetic: PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max (2015–2018)

If you have ever wondered how major Japanese animation studios—like those behind Rebuild of Evangelion

—achieve that perfect hand-drawn look in a 3D environment, the answer is often PSOFT Pencil+ 4

. This non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) plugin is the industry standard for reproducing the appearance of pen-and-ink, color pencils, and classic animation cels. For artists working in Autodesk 3ds Max 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018

, Pencil+ 4 offers a powerful suite of tools designed to bridge the gap between 3D precision and 2D charm. Why Pencil+ 4 is a Game-Changer

The jump from version 3 to version 4 brought massive workflow improvements, focusing on speed and real-time feedback. Nitrous Viewport Display

: You no longer have to wait for a full render to see your results. Shading zones and highlights can be reviewed in real-time directly in the 3ds Max viewport. 15x Speed Boost

: Thanks to new multithreaded rendering, Pencil+ 4 can process complex scenes with thousands of objects significantly faster than its predecessors. Material Penetration

: A unique feature that allows materials hidden behind objects (like eyes behind hair) to "penetrate" and render as if they were in front, a common technique in anime. Advanced Line Control

: From uniform manga-style lines to rough, hand-drawn sketch strokes, the line engine provides granular control over width modulation based on camera distance or object intersection. Key Features for Toon Shading Gradation Bar PSoft Pencil 4 remains a cult classic for

: Edit your material colors and shading zones intuitively using a visual bar. Highlight Design

: Control the shape of highlights to make them curve or contract into crescents, mimicking hand-drawn lighting. Pencil+ 4 Bridge

: A vital utility for those working across multiple platforms, allowing you to export and import your material and line settings between different scenes or even between 3ds Max and Maya. Essential Setup Tips Renderer Requirement : Remember that Pencil+ 4 operates specifically with the Scanline Renderer

. If you are using Arnold or another engine, you will need to switch your render setup to see the plugin's effects. Edge Detection

: Experiment with the "Selected Edge" and "Open Edge" settings to draw lines only where they are artistically necessary, rather than just outlining every polygon. Compositing Render Elements Output

to export lines and material zones as separate files. This is incredibly useful for post-processing in software like After Effects.

To prepare PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for Autodesk 3ds Max 2015 to 2018 on Windows, you must ensure you have the correct version of the plugin, as later updates (v4.2.x and above) typically drop support for older versions like 2015. 1. Compatibility and Version Check

Pencil+ 4 v4.1.1 is specifically confirmed to support 3ds Max 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. While newer versions of Pencil+ (such as v4.2.6) support 3ds Max 2026, they may not be compatible with versions earlier than 2019. 2. Downloading the Plugin

Registered Users: Access the latest compatible installer via the PSOFT User Page. You will need your login ID and password provided at purchase.

Demo Version: If you are just testing, you can find free demo versions on the PSOFT Download Page. Note that demo versions cannot be converted to full versions without a fresh installation. 3. Installation Steps

Locate Plugin File: After downloading, find the .dlt file that matches your specific 3ds Max version (e.g., Pencil+4_2015_ntr.dlt).

Copy to Plugins Folder: Copy this file into your 3ds Max installation's plugins folder, typically located at C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max [Year]\plugins.

Clean Install: If you have an older version of Pencil+ 3 installed, you must uninstall it before installing Pencil+ 4. 4. Authorization Process To activate the full version after installation:

Open License Window: In 3ds Max, go to the menu bar and select Pencil+ 4 > License.

Enter Serial ID: Input your Product Serial ID and click Authorize.

Online/Offline Activation: You will be prompted to enter your PSOFT User Page credentials to complete the authorization online. For machines without internet, you can use the "Authorize Offline" option to generate a machine code and obtain a license key from another device. 5. Essential Utilities

Pencil+ 4 Bridge: Use this to export/import material and line settings between different scenes or even between 3ds Max and Maya.

Pencil+ 4 Converter: Necessary if you need to convert old data from Pencil+ 3 to the Pencil+ 4 format.

Psoft Pencil 4 for 3ds Max 2015-2018 Win

Psoft Pencil 4 is a powerful and intuitive rendering and animation plugin designed specifically for 3ds Max. With its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, Psoft Pencil 4 enables artists and designers to create stunning, photorealistic images and animations with ease.

Key Features:

Benefits:

System Requirements:

What's New in Psoft Pencil 4:

By installing Psoft Pencil 4, users can unlock a world of creative possibilities and take their 3ds Max workflow to the next level.

PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max is a specialized non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) plugin designed to reproduce the aesthetic of Japanese 2D animation (cel shading), pen-and-ink drawings, and colored pencil sketches within a 3D environment.  Version Compatibility & Requirements 

For the requested range, the plugin supports Windows and is compatible with the following Autodesk 3ds Max versions: 

Supported 3ds Max Versions: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (and later up to 2026 in current versions). Operating System: Windows (64-bit).

Renderer Support: Works primarily with the Scanline Renderer and offers a dedicated Nitrous Shader for real-time viewport previews.  Key Features for Materials 

Pencil+ 4 introduced several advancements over previous versions to improve visual expressiveness: 

Nitrous Viewport Display: Materials can be reviewed in real-time in the Nitrous viewport with a quality close to the final render.

Material Penetration: Allows specific materials hidden behind other objects to be rendered as if they were in front, useful for stylized character effects.

Light Intensity Control: Users can modify light intensity for individual materials, providing granular control over highlights and shading zones. If you still work in Max 2018 and

Gradation Bar: An intuitive interface for editing material colors and creating complex toon shading textures.  Advanced Line Functionality 

The "Line" component of the plugin is a high-speed rendering engine used by major studios for series like Evangelion and RWBY: 

Hidden & Intersection Lines: Can draw lines that are normally hidden behind objects or at the intersection of two meshes.

Distance-Based Variation: Line width and transparency can be set to vary based on distance from the camera to create perspective effects.

Output Elements: Line data can be output as separate render elements (like Z Depth or specific line layers) for flexible post-processing.  Workflow Tools 

Pencil+ 4 Spreadsheet: A utility that allows users to modify multiple parameters across different objects simultaneously via a grid view.

Pencil+ 4 Bridge: Enables the export and import of material and line settings between different 3ds Max scenes or even across other host applications like Maya.

File Output: Lines can be exported to specific formats, such as PLD, which allows them to be edited in After Effects with the Pencil+ 4 Line for After Effects plugin. 

Next Steps: Would you like a step-by-step guide on setting up a basic cel-shaded material, or are you looking for licensing information regarding standalone vs. network options? 

PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max is a specialized non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) plugin used extensively in the Japanese animation and film industry. It is specifically designed to replicate the appearance of hand-drawn pencil sketches, pen-and-ink drawings, and cel animation within a 3D environment. 💻 Compatibility & Support

Pencil+ 4 is fully compatible with 3ds Max 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 on Windows. It operates primarily with the standard Scanline Renderer but includes its own dedicated line rendering engine. 🚀 Key Features 1. Advanced Material System

Cel Shading: Reproduces the iconic flat look of 2D animation with high precision.

Stroke Maps: Allows for the application of artistic textures like cross-hatching and rough pencil strokes.

Nitrous Viewport: Real-time preview of cel shading and highlights directly in the 3ds Max viewport, significantly speeding up the lighting process.

Material Penetration: Enables specific materials to be rendered through foreground objects, allowing for stylized effects where eyes or other details remain visible through hair. 2. High-Performance Line Rendering

Multithreading: The line engine was rebuilt for version 4 to support multicore CPUs, achieving render speeds up to 15x to 68x faster than previous versions in complex scenes.

Edge Detection: New settings include Selected Edge (drawing lines on specific polygons), Open Edge (outlining geometry gaps), and Merge Group (outlining multiple objects as a single unit).

Pencil+ 4 Line Renderer: A specialized mode that renders only the lines on a white background, ideal for creating separate line passes for compositing. 3. Workflow Utilities PSOFT Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max

PSOFT released Pencil+ 4 for 3ds Max on April 27, 2017, specifically built to bring the high-quality look of Japanese animation (cel shading) and hand-drawn sketches to 3D environments

. This version was a major leap forward, focusing on massive speed increases and a significantly improved workflow based on feedback from major film and TV production companies. www.psoft.co.jp Compatibility & Timeline

Pencil+ 4 covers a wide range of 3ds Max versions for Windows users: 3ds Max 2015 – 2018

: These versions were supported during the initial Pencil+ 4 era. Older versions (like 3ds Max 2015/2016) had support carried over from the legacy Pencil+ 3 line until the official release of version 4.

: Subsequent updates quickly added compatibility for newer releases, including 3ds Max 2019 (May 2018) and eventually all the way through 3ds Max 2026. www.psoft.co.jp Key Features of Pencil+ 4

The release of version 4 introduced several "game-changing" features for artists: Nitrous Viewport Display

: For the first time, Pencil+ 4 materials could be viewed in real-time within the 3ds Max viewport, allowing artists to review highlights and zones without full renders. Material Penetration

: This unique feature allows materials hidden behind other objects to "penetrate" through them and render as if they were in the foreground. Light Intensity Control

: Artists gained the ability to modify light intensity for individual materials, offering surgical control over specific highlights and shading zones. Improved Line Usability

: The line drawing engine was upgraded with a more user-friendly interface, support for gamma/LUT correction, and enhanced gradation bar editing for intuitive color management. Workflow & Collaboration Pencil+ 4 Bridge

: To help studios using multiple platforms, PSOFT introduced the Pencil+ 4 Bridge

to transfer material and line settings seamlessly between 3ds Max, Maya, and Unity. Render App : A standalone Render App for Windows

was developed to handle distributed network rendering, which is essential for large-scale anime production. www.psoft.co.jp For those looking to test these features, PSOFT offers Free Demo Versions

with watermarks to verify compatibility with your specific 3ds Max environment. www.psoft.co.jp toon shading effect or instructions on how to use the Nitrous viewport

New Product: Release of “PSOFT Pencil+ 4” Plugin for 3ds Max