Where Does 3ds Max Save Autoback Files?
3ds Max autoback, scene, and user settings folders on Windows with release version year in each path.
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3ds Max versions every path by release year. User files live under Documents with folders like 3ds Max 2025. Scenes sit in scenes, autoback saves in autoback, and renders in render output paths. The year in the path changes with each install.
Settings live separately in %LOCALAPPDATA%\Autodesk with UI layouts and plugin configs. Autoback files are numbered .max files that rotate on a timer. Back up scenes with autoback and any external project paths. The version folder name is the part that trips up scripts.
Where 3ds Max stores this, by platform
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\3ds Max 2025\autoback
Rotating numbered backups like AutoBackup01.max. Set count and interval under Preferences, Files. Copy whole folder after a crash before reopening.
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Autodesk\3dsMax\2025 - 64bit\ENU
UI layouts, plugin configs, and login state for the matching release year. Roams separately from scene files. Keep with scene backups when moving machines.
Frequently asked questions
where is the 3ds Max autoback folder
Open Customize, Preferences, Files to read the AutoBackup path. Defaults point at Documents with the 3ds Max version year. The autoback folder holds AutoBackup01.max through numbered files.
what do i back up for a 3ds Max project
Copy the scenes folder with the autoback folder and export custom UI settings. Project paths in Configure Project Paths may point outside Documents. Check those paths before assuming.
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