In 1996, Autodesk Inc. and mental images entered into a research and development agreement in the area of advanced modeling and surface approximation technology for use in Autodesk's 3ds max and 3ds viz lines of products. The first product containing such technology, 3ds max Release 2.0, was released in October 1997. 3ds viz Release 2.0 followed in June 1998.

In April 1999, Autodesk and mental images entered into a long term license and research and development agreement to make mental ray 2.x and future versions available to all Autodesk products. In a first step, discreet (a division of Autodesk), and mental images jointly developed an advanced rendering solutions for the company's 3ds max product. Furthermore, mental ray 2.x and 3.x is made available as a separate product through selected discreet 3ds max resellers worldwide.

In June 2002, Autodesk and mental images extended the agreement to include mental matter and mental ray 3.x in future versions of Autodesk products, including future versions of 3ds max and 3ds viz.