3ds Max: Introduction

Introduction to 3ds max
· The stages of the 3D pipeline:
modelling, materials, lighting,
cameras, animation and rendering

The max interface
· The menu bar, tool bars and panels
· Activating and arranging viewports
· The Command Panel

Drawing precision
· Grids explained
· The Transform Managers
· Using Axis Constrainers

Modelling in 3ds max
· The Create Panel
· Fundamentals of modelling
· Creating primitive based objects
· Lofting and Lathing

Arranging a scene
· The various selection methods
· Pivot points explained
· The move, rotate and scale transforms
· Aligning objects
· Cloning and grouping objects
· Creating and using selection sets
· Positioning and adjusting cameras

Importing from AutoDesk
· Opening Vis Render files
· Importing from AutoCAD (.dwg)
Modifying objects
· The Modify panel
· Object modifiers

Lighting
· Different types of light sources
· Positioning and adjusting lights

The Materials Editor
· The Materials Editor interface
· Adjusting materials
· Specular, diffuse and ambient colour
· Glossiness and opacity
· The Material Library
· Reflection and bump maps

Rendering a still image
· Render parameters and options

Animating a scene
· Animation controls
· Controlling time
· Adding and animating cameras

Rendering an animated scene
· Rendering parameters

Questions and answers