book

Mastering Autodesk 3ds Max 2013

by Jeffrey Harper

September 2012

Beginner to intermediate

1008 pages

31h 17m

English

Sybex

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How to Use This BookThe Tutorial Files on the WebsiteWhat You'll FindSystem RequirementsAbout the Cover
Introducing the New 3ds Max 2013 FeaturesGetting Started with Autodesk 3ds MaxTouring the InterfaceWorking with ObjectsGetting the View You WantWorking with the Custom UI And Defaults SwitcherThe Bottom Line
Understanding Standard PrimitivesModeling Standard Primitives with ModifiersHow 3ds Max Sees ObjectsMaking Clones That Share PropertiesIntroducing Extended PrimitivesWorking with GroupsThe Bottom Line

Drawing with SplinesModifying a Shape Using Sub-object LevelsOutlining and Extruding SplinesCombining and Extruding Primitive SplinesJoining Closed Splines with Boolean ToolsCreating a Solid Form with SplinesIntroducing the Other Spline TypesEditing SplinesPlacing and Beveling TextThe Bottom Line
Creating Openings in a Wall with Boolean OperationsTracing a SketchEditing MeshesUsing Instanced Clones to Create Symmetrical FormsAttaching Objects to a MeshSmoothing MeshesCreating and Modifying Objects Using Box ModelingCreating Clones with Array and SnapshotThe Bottom Line
Creating Topography with SplinesSetting Up an AutoCAD Plan for 3ds MaxImporting AutoCAD Plans into 3ds MaxExploring the Manage Links Dialog BoxImporting a TrussLinking Revit Files into 3ds MaxThe Bottom Line
(Re)Naming ObjectsOrganizing Objects by LayersLofting an ObjectUsing the Noise ModifierExtruding with the Sweep ModifierAligning ObjectsThe Bottom Line
Lighting Your ModelRendering a ViewAmbient LightAdding Shadow EffectsPlaying in the ShadowsUsing the Light ListerUsing Scene StatesThe Bottom Line
Understanding Bitmap Texture MapsAdding Materials to ObjectsUnderstanding Material LibrariesEditing MaterialsUnderstanding Mapping CoordinatesUsing the Standard MaterialMap Scalar ModifiersAdding EntourageAssigning Materials to Parts of an ObjectExploring the Autodesk MaterialsThe Material UtilitiesModeling with Displacement MapsAdditional Mapping and Material FeaturesThe Bottom Line
Understanding the 3ds Max CameraSetting Up an Interior ViewCreating an EnvironmentUsing Immersive Environments for AnimationUsing Render TypesUsing Render Elements for CompositingMatching Your Scene to a Background ImageThe Bottom Line
Gaining Access to Materials and Objects from Other FilesArranging Furniture with XRefs and the Asset BrowserReplacing Objects with Objects from an External FileArranging Furniture with XRef ScenesUsing the Rendered Frame WindowTracking and Locating a Scene's AssetsCreating PanoramasPublishing a DWF FileThe Bottom Line
Understanding the World of Video TimeCreating a Quick-Study AnimationUnderstanding KeyframesIncreasing the Number of Frames in an Animation SegmentAccelerating and Decelerating the Camera Motion SmoothlyEditing KeyframesAdding More Frames for Additional Camera MotionAdding Frames to the Beginning of a SegmentOther Options for Previewing Your MotionMoving the Camera Target over TimeControlling Lights over TimeThe Bottom Line
Rendering the AnimationAutomating the Output of Multiple Still ImagesRendering a Shadow StudyCreating a WalkthroughThe Animation File Output OptionsUsing MassFX to Animate ObjectsUsing Particle SystemsThe Bottom Line
Creating Parent–Child HierarchiesUsing the Morpher ModifierAssembling an Articulated LuminaireUnderstanding BonesUnderstanding BipedThe Bottom Line
Understanding mental rayUsing Photon MapsFinal GatheringContour RenderingsUsing the mr Multi/Sub-Map MaterialSkylight Global IlluminationUsing High Dynamic Range ImagesUsing mr Proxy ObjectsUsing IES FilesThe Bottom Line
Adding Atmospheric EffectsUsing Hair And FurUsing GlareCreating Stereoscopic Renders in 3ds MaxUsing Autodesk Composite 2013The Bottom Line
Chapter 1: Getting to Know Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2013Chapter 2: Introducing ObjectsChapter 3: Creating Shapes with SplinesChapter 4: Editing Meshes and Creating Complex ObjectsChapter 5: Working with External Design DataChapter 6: Organizing and Editing ObjectsChapter 7: Light and ShadowChapter 8: Enhancing Models with MaterialsChapter 9: Using the CameraChapter 10: Organizing Objects and Scene ManagementChapter 11: Understanding AnimationChapter 12: Creating Animations, Particles, and DynamicsChapter 13: Rigging for AnimationChapter 14: Advanced Rendering Using mental rayChapter 15: Finishing It Off: Atmosphere, Effects, and Compositing

Content preview from Mastering Autodesk 3ds Max 2013

Appendix A

The Bottom Line

Each of The Bottom Line sections in the chapters suggest exercises to deepen skills and understanding. Sometimes there is only one possible solution, but often you are encouraged to use your skills and creativity to create something that builds on what you know and lets you explore one of many possible solutions.

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Autodesk^® 3ds Max^® 2013

Navigate and configure the viewports.

The 3ds Max viewports can be configured in several ways, including setting the quantity and configuration of the viewports.

Master It

Configure the viewports so that there are three small viewports stacked on the left side and one larger viewport on the right. From top to bottom, set the three stacked viewports to Top, ...