Synopses & Reviews
Updated version of the bestselling 3ds Max book on the marketAutodesk 3ds Max is top animation software used by developers, visual effects artists, and graphic designers in film, television, and the game industry. One place designers turn for crucial information on how to use 3ds Max is this in-depth book. Whether you're a beginner just itching to create something right away or an experienced user checking out the latest and greatest features, you'll find it here. See what's new, what's tried and true, and just how creative you can get using the tips, tricks, and techniques in this essential reference. Every previous edition has been a top-seller.
- Packs expert advice, timesaving tips, and more than 150 step-by-step tutorials into over 800 pages that help you master this complex software
- Gives you in-depth coverage of all new features, as well as the basics
- Jump-starts your learning on day one with a Quick Start tutorial, so you can create an exciting animation right away
- Provides you with access to all before-and-after example files from each tutorial, plus unique models and textures that you can customize on the companion CD
- Includes extra content from previous editions of the 3ds Max Bible, including bonus Quick Start tutorials from previous editions
Whether you're just starting out or getting up to speed on 3ds Max 2013, this comprehensive book will get you there.
Synopsis
3ds Max Bible is the only comprehensive reference-tutorial on 3ds Max, making it a favorite of all users, from beginners to pros. If 3ds Max novices are itching to actually create something immediately, the Quick Start project in Part 1 is just for them. If experienced Max users can't wait to check out the new software features the details are readily available. This bestseller is packed with expert advice, timesaving tips, and more than 150 step-by-step tutorials. Accessible online will be the companion files which include all the examples and content from the book, including unique models and textures that readers can customize on their own, bonus chapters and bonus Quick Starts from past editions.
Synopsis
Hands down, the best book on 3ds Max around
Whether you're just getting started in 3D animation or are a veteran animator looking for the latest techniques and timesavers, you'll find this new edition of the perennial top-selling Autodesk 3ds Max Bible the perfect tutorial and resource. With page after page of professional techniques, the latest features, great advice, and over 150 step-by-step tutorials, this complete guide will quickly build and enhance your 3ds Max and animation skills.
- Get a sense of 3ds Max 2013 right away with a Quick Start tutorial
- Select a custom 3ds Max workspace for each task and switch easily between tasks
- Explore enhanced tools with the new Track View interface
- Convert mesh objects to raw format faster with the gPoly modeling format
- Learn good techniques for rigging, kinematics, working with bones, and skinning
- Simulate physics-based motion with MassFX
Companion CD
Access tutorial files, models, and textures you can customize.
About the Author
Kelly L. Murdock has been writing computer books for many years. His credits include eleven editions of the bestselling 3ds Max Bible, five editions of Adobe Creative Suite Bible, Edgeloop Character Modeling For 3D Professionals Only, and many other books. He holds a degree in engineering with an emphasis on computer graphics.
Table of Contents
About the Author v
Preface xxxv
Acknowledgments xli
Part I: Getting Started with Autodesk 3ds Max 2013 1
Quick Start: Falling from a Tightrope 3
Chapter 1: Exploring the Interface 15
Chapter 2: Controlling the Viewports 39
Chapter 3: Working with Files 69
Part II: Manipulating Objects 87
Chapter 4: Creating and Editing Primitive Objects 89
Chapter 5: Selecting Objects and Using Layers 107
Chapter 6: Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping 133
Chapter 7: Cloning Objects and Creating Object Arrays 163
Chapter 8: Grouping, Linking, and Parenting Objects 185
Part III: Modeling 3D Assets 195
Chapter 9: Introducing Subobjects and Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack 197
Chapter 10: Drawing and Editing 2D Splines and Shapes 221
Chapter 11: Modeling with Polygons 255
Chapter 12: Using the Graphite Modeling Tools 289
Chapter 13: Working with Compound Objects 321
Part IV: Applying Materials and Textures 335
Chapter 14: Creating and Applying Standard Materials with the Slate Material Editor 337
Chapter 15: Adding Material Details with Maps 361
Chapter 16: Creating Compound Materials and Using Material Modifiers 381
Chapter 17: Unwrapping UVs 397
Part V: Working with Cameras, Lighting, and Rendering 423
Chapter 18: Configuring and Aiming Cameras 425
Chapter 19: Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques 441
Chapter 20: Rendering a Scene and Enabling Quicksilver 461
Chapter 21: Using Atmospheric and Render Effects 477
Chapter 22: Rendering with mental ray and iray 501
Chapter 23: Compositing with Render Elements and the Video Post Interface 521
Part VI: Animating Objects and Scenes 549
Chapter 24: Understanding Animation and Keyframes 551
Chapter 25: Animating with Constraints and Simple Controllers 575
Chapter 26: Using Animation Layers and Animation Modifiers 597
Chapter 27: Wiring Parameters 611
Chapter 28: Editing Animation Curves in the Track View 621
Part VII: Working with Characters 653
Chapter 29: Understanding Rigging, Kinematics, and Working with Bones 655
Chapter 30: Skinning Characters 675
Chapter 31: Animating Characters with CAT 693
Part VIII: Dynamic Animation 711
Chapter 32: Creating Particles 713
Chapter 33: Using Space Warps 737
Appendix A: What’s New with Autodesk 3ds Max 2013 759
Appendix B: What’s on the CD-ROM 763
Index 767