Focusing on teaching new or beginning users the basics of 3D Studio MAX Release 4, this book covers topics ranging from the user interface all the way through Character Animation and Special FX. The book also features items such as Tips, Notes, and Upgraders Notes for users to get more information about MAX. All the tutorials in the book can be found on the accompanying CD-ROM in an AVI format, so not only do you read about the exercises, you can see how they are actually created.

This latest edition of Inside 3ds max is retooled to focus on the needs of the intermediate to professional user, based on continuing conversations with our target audience. This market is crying out for information that goes beyond the basic to provide guidance on how to make the most use of the program in real-world work situations. Inside 3ds Max 4 explores changes in the program as well as more advanced functionalities and how they can assist the professional user in enhancing efficiency or output. Inside 3ds max 4 is organized into units that mirror and actually step through the workflow of a 3D project. Moreover, where differences exist in the application of techniques between the broadcast/film and game/interactive applications, the authors present careful analysis to assist readers in making the right choices for their technical work. The CD-ROM includes all of the project files necessary to complete the projects as well as any plug-ins referred to in the text.

Make the Most of Today’s Leading Animation Package With release 4, max further establishes itself as today’s dominant modeling, animation, and rendering package. And with its fully revised and updated coverage, Mastering 3ds max 4 further establishes itself as the definitive max resource--just the book you need to master all the techniques supported by this powerful product. Inside, you’ll learn all about sculpting and texturing your characters, setting them in motion, lighting the scene, and producing the final animation--for movies, games, television, and the Web. You also get in-depth instruction in MAXScript, including detailed explanations of all that’s new to this release. Coverage includes: Understanding basic 3D concepts Modeling in polygons, patches, and NURBS Creating detailed models Optimizing models for low-poly environments Applying textures for real-time and pre-rendered output Animating using parametric animation, forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, and character studio Fine-tuning animation by editing keys and transitions Creating drama with lighting Applying post-process effects Cutting and cross-fading between shots Compositing in Video Post and combustion Exporting to Web 3D with Pulse Getting started with MAXScript Using scripting for scene manipulation Using scripting for animation Customizing the user interface Defining autostart scripts Creating your own plug-ins using MAXScript

The book teaches skills and techniques in a way that not only provides an understanding of MAX X and its functionality but also how to apply those tools to a normal work environment by using a single, comprehensive project. Each chapter contains a section that provides an explanation of the tools, features and techniques being used, some sample exercises for reinforcement, and some of the artistic insight behind the process. The chapter concludes with the "workshop" section, which walks the reader through a series of step-by-step tutorials that culminate into a final, working project by the end of the book. The tear card, color section, tips, notes and sidebars are filled with expert advice and supplemental information and together with the chapter material provide the reader with an invaluable resource that they can return to time and again.

Autodesk’s official guide to architectural visualization using 3ds Max Design Exclusively endorsed by Autodesk, this comprehensive tutorial and reference thoroughly covers 3ds Max Design, the 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software used for architectural visualizations. It also includes essential material for students preparing for the new Certified Associate and Certified Professional exams. Examples come from projects that architects, designers, and planners actually encounter each day, while the workflows and instructions have been tested in real-world applications. The official guide endorsed by Autodesk, with comprehensive information on using 3ds Max Design 2011 as well as achieving certification Features step-by-step instructions and real-world projects that readers will actually encounter Covers using the 3ds Max interface, working with Revit and AutoCAD files, using the data and scene management tools, modeling, simulating lighting effects, analyzing sustainable design features, setting up animated walkthroughs, and much more Explains how to render real-world surfaces with architectural material and how to choose the renderer that creates the desired effect Mastering Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2011 covers every facet of this powerful program.

3ds Max Modeling for Games - VOLUME II Insider's Guide to Stylized Game Character, Vehicle, and Environment Modeling **ALL TECHNIQUES, TUTORIALS BELOW WILL FEATURE STYLIZED (COMIC-STYLE) ART. THIS IS THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN VOLUME I (WHICH OFFER REALISTIC STYLE ART). Chapter 1 - Introduction to 3dsmax (20-30 pages) User Interface Primitives Viewports Projects Load & Save Chapter 2 - Basics of Modeling and Texturing (20-30 pages) Creating a box asset Creating simple texture maps Creating texture maps from photographs Cleaning up images in Photoshop Mapping UV Unwrap Editing UV's Render settings and quick renders Saving and organizing your work Chapter 3 - Low Poly Modeling Techniques continued (20-30 pages) Modeling a simple object Extrude, Bevel, etc Graphite modeling tools Chapter 4 - Low Poly Vehicle (80 pages) Using blueprints and concept art work Modeling techniques Materials and mapping Rendering Chapter 5 - Low Poly Character (80 pages) Using blueprints and concept art work Modeling techniques Materials and mapping Rendering Gallery (20 pages) Chapter 6 - Creating Trees and Foliage (30 pages) Different approaches for different uses Modelling Texture creation Chapter 7 - Low poly Environment (80 pages) Planning the scene Blocking out in 3D To detail or not to detail Unwrapping Creating texture maps Lighting Rendering Chapter 8 - Normal Map creation in detail (20-30 pages) Creating normal maps from high poly assets Baking maps Types of normal map Tangents based normal maps in detail Chapter 9 - Ambient Occlusion in detail (10-20 pages) Chapter 10 - Portfolio creation and Interview (10 pages).