Autodesk 3ds Max 2018: A Comprehensive Guide, 18th Edition

Prof. Sham Tickoo

• Publisher: CADCIM Technologies
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN: 9781942689980
• eBook ISBN: 9781942689980
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Autodesk 3ds Max 2018: A Comprehensive Guide textbook aims at harnessing the power of Autodesk 3ds Max for modelers, animators, and designers. The textbook caters to the needs of both the novice and the advanced users of 3ds Max. Keeping in view the varied requirements of the users, the textbook first introduces the basic features of 3ds Max 2018 and then gradually progresses to cover the advanced 3D models and animations. In this textbook, two projects based on the tools and concepts covered in the book have been added to enhance the knowledge of users.This book will help you unleash your creativity, thus helping you create stunning 3D models and animations. The textbook will help the learners transform their imagination into reality with ease. Also, it takes the users across a wide spectrum of animations through progressive examples, numerous illustrations, and ample exercises.
Following are the salient features of this book:

• Consists of 18 chapters and 1 project 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 and Review Questions are given at the end of each chapter so that the users can assess their knowledge.

Brief Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max 2018Chapter 2: Standard PrimitivesChapter 3: Extended PrimitivesChapter 4: Working with Architectural ObjectsChapter 5: Splines and Extended SplinesChapter 6: Modifying SplinesChapter 7: Materials and MapsChapter 8: Modifying 3D Mesh ObjectsChapter 9: Graphite Modeling TechniqueChapter 10: NURBS ModelingChapter 11: Compound ObjectsChapter 12: ModifiersChapter 13: Lights and CamerasChapter 14: Animation BasicsChapter 15: Systems, Hierarchy, and KinematicsChapter 16: Rigid Body Dynamics and HelpersChapter 17: Particle Systems and Space Warps-I (For free download)Chapter 18: Particle Systems and Space Warps-II (For free download)Project 1: Creating a DinerIndex

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.

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 in the bottom-left corner of the screen. You can bring back the Welcome Screen anytime by choosing Help > Welcome Screen from the menubar.

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 displayed in the 3ds Max interface. The new file will clear all the contents of the current file. Alternatively, press the CTRL+N keys; the New Scene dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 1-3. By default, the New All radio button is selected in this dialog box. Choose the OK button; a new file will be displayed.

You can also reuse the objects from the current scene in the new scene. Select the Keep Objects radio button in the New Scene dialog box to keep only the objects from the current scene for the new file. However, on selecting this radio button, all the animation keys and links between the objects will be cleared. To keep the objects and the links between them, select the Keep Objects and Hie...

Table of contents

• Preface
• Chapter 1: Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max 2018
• Chapter 2: Standard Primitives
• Chapter 3: Extended Primitives
• Chapter 4: Working with Architectural Objects
• Chapter 5: Splines and Extended Splines
• Chapter 6: Modifying Splines
• Chapter 7: Materials and Maps
• Chapter 8: Modifying 3D Mesh Objects
• Chapter 9: Graphite Modeling Technique
• Chapter 10: NURBS Modeling
• Chapter 11: Compound Objects
• Chapter 12: Modifiers
• Chapter 13: Lights and Rendering
• Chapter 14: Animation Basics
• Chapter 15: Systems, Hierarchy, and Kinematics
• Chapter 16: Rigid Body Dynamics and Helpers
• Project
• Other Publications