Autodesk 3ds Max 2018 for Beginners: A Tutorial Approach, 18th Edition

Prof. Sham Tickoo

• Publisher: CADCIM Technologies
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN: 9781942689997
• eBook ISBN: 9781942689997
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Welcome to the world of Autodesk 3ds Max, a 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software package developed by Autodesk Inc. It is widely used by architects, game developers, design visualization specialists, and visual effects artists. A wide range of modeling and texturing tools make it an ideal platform for 3D modelers and animators. The intuitive user interface and workflow tools of Autodesk 3ds Max have made the job of design visualization specialists easier. Autodesk 3ds Max 2018 for Beginners: A Tutorial Approach is a tutorial-based textbook that introduces the readers to the basic features of 3ds Max 2018 created on real world model through tutorials. The textbook caters to the needs of both the novice and the advanced users of the software.This textbook will help you unleash your creativity and help you create simple and complete 3D models and animations. The textbook will help the learners transform their imagination into reality with ease.Following are the additional features of this book:Consists of 17 chapters and 5 real world based projects that are organized in a pedagogical sequence covering various aspects of modeling, texturing, lighting, and animation.The author has followed the tutorial approach to explain various concepts of modeling, texturing, lighting, and animation.The first page of every chapter summarizes the topics that are covered in it.Step-by-step instructions that guide the users through the learning process.Additional information is provided throughout the book in the form of notes and tips.Self-Evaluation test, Review Questions are given at the end of each chapter so that the users can assess their knowledge.Student project has been given at the end of this book to test and enhance the skills of students. Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max 2018Chapter 2: Primitive Objects - IChapter 3: Primitive Objects - IIChapter 4: Working with Splines - IChapter 5: Working with Splines - IIChapter 6: Lofting, Twisting, and Deforming ObjectsChapter 7: Material Editor: Creating MaterialsChapter 8: Material Editor: Texture Maps-IChapter 9: Material Editor: Texture Maps-IIChapter 10: Material Editor: Controlling Texture MapsChapter 11: Material Editor: Miscellaneous MaterialsChapter 12: Interior Lighting-IChapter 13: Interior Lighting-IIChapter 14: Animation BasicsChapter 15: Complex AnimationChapter 16: RenderingChapter 17: Creating WalkthroughProject 1: Creating a WindmillProject 2: Creating a DinerProject 3: Architectural ProjectProject 4: Corporate Design ProjectProject 5: Creating a Computer CenterIndex

Chapter 1

Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max 2018

Learning Objectives

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

• Understand the Autodesk 3ds Max interface components

• Use controls for creating or modifying objects

• Use and customize hotkeys in Autodesk 3ds Max

• Customize the colors of the scene elements

Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max 2018

Welcome to the world of Autodesk 3ds Max, an advanced application that is used to create still or animated 3D models and objects. With the help of this application, you can create realistic scenes by modifying objects, applying maps and materials to a scene, assigning environment to a scene, adding lights and cameras, and so on. Before working with Autodesk 3ds Max, you should have the basic knowledge of various tools and commands available in this software. In this chapter, you will learn the basic features of Autodesk 3ds Max.

Getting Started With Autodesk 3ds Max

First, you need to install Autodesk 3ds Max 2018 on your computer. On installing the software, the 3ds Max 2018 shortcut icon will be created automatically on the desktop. Double-click on this icon to start Autodesk 3ds Max. Alternatively, you can start Autodesk 3ds Max from the Start menu. To do so, click the Start button from the taskbar to display the Start menu and then choose All Apps > Autodesk > 3ds Max 2018, refer to Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1 Starting Autodesk 3ds Max 2018 from the Start menu

When you first time start 3ds Max, the Welcome Screen is displayed, as shown in Figure 1-2. The Welcome Screen consists of a set of slides that contains information for new users to inspire and get them started. If you do not want see the Welcome Screen the next time you start 3ds Max, clear the Show this Welcome Screen at startup check box located at the bottom-left corner of the screen. You can bring back the Welcome Screen anytime by choosing Help > Welcome Screen from the menu bar.

Figure 1-2 The Welcome Screen

Starting a New File in Autodesk 3ds Max

To start a new file in Autodesk 3ds Max, choose the File > New from the menu bar; a new file will be displ...

Table of contents

• Front_matter_2018
• Chapter 1 Introduction to 3ds Max 2018
• Chapter 2 Primitive Objects-I
• Chapter 3 Primitive Objects-II
• Chapter 4 Working with Splines-I
• Chapter 5 Working with Splines-II
• Chapter 6 Lofting, Twisting, and Deforming Objects
• Chapter 7 Material Editor: Creating Materials
• Chapter 8 Material Editor: Texture Maps-I
• Chapter 9 Material Editor: Texture Maps-II
• Chapter 10 Material Editor: Controlling Texture Maps
• Chapter 11 Material Editor: Miscellaneous Materials
• Chapter 12 Interior Lighting-I
• Chapter 13 Interior lighting-II
• Chapter 14 Animation Basics
• Chapter 15 Complex Animation
• Chapter 16 Rendering
• Chapter 17 Creating Walkthrough
• Project01 Creating a Windmill
• Project02 Creating a Diner
• Project03 Architectural Project
• Project04 Corporate Design Project
• Project05 Creating a Computer Center
• Student Project
• Lastpage