book

Tradigital 3ds Max

by Richard Lapidus

November 2012

Intermediate to advanced

277 pages

6h 55m

English

Routledge

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Start to develop the basics of visualizing animation in a 3d programUnderstand the different ways to create and control animationHave several choices in selecting and editing keysControl how you see and control motion
Animate modifiers and limitsCreate clonesUse the Set Key mode to jump to previously created keysScale and offset ranges of keys in the Track Editor

Set keys with the right tangent typeLearn how to locate and identify the location of key frame informationUse the Key Info of a keyframe to adjust the position of an objectUse the Curve Editor to access curvesUse the Parameter Curve Out-of-Range Types to create repetitive motionView and adjust the timing of an object’s motion
Use World Space Modifiers and space warpsLink and bind to space warpsCreate secondary motion using noiseUse path deformation
IK (Inverse Kinematic) HI solversCreating dummy helpersLinking objectsAdding position controllers to move the main hip dummy
Create a shortcut to enable Ragdoll script and set up restrictions on Ragdoll character or bipedAnimate a biped and use layers to control the exaggerated motion of a fallControl the geometry for mass and simulationCreate and save your own custom animated .bip files for mixing
Set up a biped using the footstep method of animationUse layers to control the biped subtle motion of characterSet KeysUtilize Weight
Load motions onto a biped using Motion MixerAdd and edit clipsCreate transitionsMix motion down onto a biped
Create freeform motion with a biped while using a variety of anchorsAnimate a character to navigate one or more obstaclesIncorporate motion inherent adjusting weight
Place bones into mesh models appropriately for deformationSet envelopes with Skin Modifier and adjust falloffAdjust individual vertex weights using the Weight EditorUse more advanced deformers to create creases and bulges
Smoothly move a camera in your scene with path constraintsUse depth of field for more realismConsider the line of action when using multiple camerasUse a background image
Animate the head and eyes in a natural mannerInterpret meaning in eye movementsBe able to animate eyelids in a naturalistic wayExpress emotion by animating the head, eyes, eyelids, and eyebrows
Tail WagClothSpring Constraints
Use the three states of animation: anticipation, action and reactionAdd weight to a characterAnimate with the Morph Modifier
Create a link setup using multiple objectsUse a Link Constraint to weigh between multiple objectsUse an Attachment Constraint to have an object stick to another object’s surfaceLink to world for free-form animation between linksWithout linking, get the hands of a biped to move with another object
Animating an object out of view with the step-key tangentAnimating parametric slicingAnimating Slice ModifierGrowing an object over time with an animated extrudeAnimating a gradient ramp

Overview

Finally bridge the gap between software-specific instruction and the world of classical animation with this easy to utilize, one-of-a-kind reference guide. With great relevance for today's digital workflows, Richard Lapidus presents innovative 3ds Max controls to the classical principles of animation like squash and stretch, anticipation, staging and more. Move beyond these fundamental techniques and explore both the emotion and technical sides of animation with character appeal and rigging. Features a robust companion web sites that include demonstrations, project files, links to further resources, available at www.tradigital3dsmax.com.