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An introductory guide to help beginning and intermediate users gain the upper hand on the world's best-selling professional 3D graphics software, which is used by an estimated 170,000 animators in film, television, games, and other industries. Covers the essentialssuch as the 3ds max interface, navigation, and display tools, then moves on to modeling, modifiers, mapping surfaces, rendering, using lighting, and creating 3D animations.
List of contents
From the contents:
Introduction.
Part I: First Things First.
Chapter 1: Reading the Roadmap.
Chapter 2: Customizing Your Workspace.
Part II: All About max Models.
Chapter 3: Polygons, Properties, and Transformations.
Chapter 4: Model Movers and Shakers.
Chapter 5: 2D Shapes in Flatland.
Chapter 6: Compound Interest.
Part III: Applying Modifier Alchemy.
Chapter 7: Working with Modifiers.
Chapter 8: Creating Duplicated Objects.
Chapter 9: Making Mirrored Objects.
Chapter 10: 3D from 2D.
Chapter 11: Getting Hitched: Grouping Objects.
Chapter 12: Vital Modifier Magic.
Chapter 13: Modifying Sub-Objects.
Chapter 14: Invasion of the NURBS.
Part IV: Trees of Fur and Fish of Wood.
Chapter 15: Living in the Material World.
Chapter 16: Using Composite Textures.
Chapter 17: Backdrops and Backgrounds.
Part V: Lights, Cameras, Action!
Chapter 18: Lights.
Chapter 19: Cameras.
Part VI: Animation at Its Best.
Chapter 20: Making Friends with the Timeline.
Chapter 21: Path Animations.
Chapter 22: Materials That Wont Stand Still.
Part VII: f/x Are Us.
Chapter 23: Particle Physics.
Chapter 24: Traveling Through Space Warps.
Part VIII: Pictures Perfect.
Chapter 25: Rendering Images.
Chapter 26: Rendering Animations.
Part IX: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 27: Ten Tips for Maximizing Your 3ds max Sessions.
Chapter 28: Ten or So Great Plug-ins.
Appendix: About the CD.
Index.
About the author
Shamms Mortier, PhD, has been involved in computer graphics and animation since its inception in the late 1980s. Beginning as a traditional pen and ink illustrator and animator, he entered the realm of 3D modeling and animation beginning with 3ds max version 1. He has maintained a working relationship with 3ds max through its various incarnations, developing graphics and animation for government, academic, and professional broadcast clients through his studio in Bristol, Vermont, Eyeful Tower Communications and Earful Tower Productions (a soundtrack and audio FX production facility). He has authored more than 25 books on computer graphics and animation topics for the world market and teaches various classes on media and creative pursuits at colleges in his area.§
