Turn Your Ideas Into High-Impact 3D Models and Animations Transform flat drawings and concepts into impressive 3D visualizations that will amaze your clients with the comprehensive instruction you'll find in Mastering Autodesk VIZ 2007. Written by VIZ experts, this book shows you how to get the most out of the latest version of Autodesk's powerful 3D design, modeling, and animation tool with an in-depth, tutorial-based approach grounded in real-world examples. This new edition has been fully updated and revised to cover all of Autodesk VIZ 2007's new features--asset tracking, revamped Xrefs, an updated interface, and the improved rendering and editing tools--and it's packed with professional techniques you can apply immediately to your own work for striking results. Whether you're new to VIZ or simply want to master the latest features, this book offers the clear explanations and step-by-step instructions you need to create, animate, and render realistic architectural visualizations with VIZ 2007. Coverage includes: * Creating complex shapes with surface modeling tools * Using, organizing, and editing objects and meshes * Efficiently managing design data * Adding natural lighting effects * Staging a virtual walk-through of your room designs for clients * Applying radiosity to create lifelike views * Employing mental ray to achieve high-res rendering * Using AutoCAD and Photoshop(r) with VIZ * Exporting content to the Web Featured on the CD You'll find a trial version of VIZ 2007 plus project files for all of the book's exercises. Master VIZ 2007's great new features, including asset tracking, scene states, new modeling and texturing enhancements, batch rendering, and improved interoperability with other Autodesk products. Create 3D models quickly and intuitively using the new edit poly tools and Sweep modifier. Work effectively with lights, materials, and cameras. Animate your models and create interactive views. George Omura was cited as favorite CAD author by members of the Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) in AUGIWorld magazine's "Best of Everything CAD" issue, November/December 2003. www.sybex.com

In Mastering Autodesk VIZ 2008, VIZ expert Jon McFarland teaches you how to get the most out of Autodesk's potent 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software. As you follow real-world examples, you'll quickly see how to apply these techniques to your design projects. Whether you're entirely new to VIZ or simply want to master its newest features, this book offers the clear explanations and step-by-step instruction you need to make VIZ work for you. Coverage includes: Finding your way around in VIZ Linking to AutoCAD files Modeling using primitive and compound objects Editing using modifers and sub-objects Creating complex shapes with surface modeling tools Managing your design data more efficiently Simulating lighting effects accurately with global illumination Rendering real-world surfaces with Architectural material Setting up animated walk-throughs Using radiosity to create accurate scene lighting Using mental ray to achieve the most realistic rendering Producing design presentation views Understanding keyframes and function curve editing Acquiring 3D models and props from the Web

AutoCAD is the leading software tool for creating technical and architectural drawings, but it definitely doesn't lead in the "easy to master" category. That's why there's AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies—the perfect way to break a complex topic into bite-size, easy-to-understand pieces. Once you get the hang of using AutoCAD and its slightly less feature-rich cousin, AutoCAD LT, you discover that it offers wonderful advantages. AutoCAD allows you to Create precision to 14 significant digits Re-use portions of your drawings by copying and pasting Draw things full size and print your drawings in any scale Produce drawings that are easier to read when reduced Electronically share and distribute drawings Design in 2D or 3D So obviously, the trick is to speed up that "getting the hang of it" process. That's where AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies comes in especially handy. Ten easy-to-follow minibooks cover every aspect of AutoCAD, including the latest features of AutoCAD 2007, so you can find just what you need to know quickly and easily. You'll get the scoop on AutoCAD basics, such as setting up drawings, finding your way around the interface, and using all the tools Drawing and modifying objects in 2D and annotating your drawings 3D modeling and viewing, working with solids and surfaces, and rendering Understanding how AutoCAD LT differs from AutoCAD and deciding which program you need Advanced drafting skills, including organizing drawings, working with blocks, and using AutoCAD utilities Setting up your drawings for plotting to paper and publishing Sharing your drawings online for collaboration Customizing and programming AutoCAD to make it work the way you want it to In the familiar, friendly For Dummies fashion, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies gives you plain-English explanations and step-by-step directions. Written by a pair of AutoDesk Authorized Authors, this handy guide will help make your relationship with AutoCAD a happy and productive one.

This volume covers the latest drafting tools of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

The book focuses squarely on the rationale and practicality of the ADT (Architectural desktop) process through lessons that emphasize "why" as well as "how" to help readers complete their projects successfully.