Overview
Conquering the vast array of tools available in 3D Studio Max is a challenge for even the most experienced user; to master them all at one time is even more difficult. By focusing on one major area at a time however, users can conquer a significant set of tools before moving onto the next. 3D Studio Max: Building Complex Models takes this approach by focusing on major areas of modeling. The in-depth coverage of this key aspect ensures that new and experienced users can successfully conquer all of Max's modeling tools.All internal modeling options and numerous plug-ins are thoroughly covered through a variety of tutorials, including four very detailed projects that integrate an array of skills, tools, and techniques. The book details how to use the additional Materials Creation and Management tools including the Displacement Mapping Channel, the Digimation Texture Lab and MaxMatter plug-ins, just to name a few. Additionally, the widely-used Right Hemisphere’s Deep Paint 3D and Darkling Simulations Simbiont Max are covered in detail.
Whether you are a new Max user or a seasoned pro, the modeling techniques you learn here will help boost your skills to a new level, and prepare you to think globally about applying these techniques to new projects and other 3D applications.
FEATURES
- An exhaustive exploration of Max’s internal and plug-in modeling capabilities covering both mechanical and organic object creation.
- Extensive developer tutorials for Surf-iT, DarkTree Textures, and Animatek’s World Builder.
- A step-by-step tutorial on how to use Deep Paint 3D Texture Weapons in conjunction with Max.
- Four comprehensive project tutorials: Ship, Urbania, Woodscene, and Monk’s Home. These projects are a final test of the skills taught in the book.
- Detailed coverage of a wide variety of popular plug-ins, freeware, and shareware
Synopsis
ON THE CD-ROM
- A large collection of Digimation Plug-in Demos to try before you buy
- A working version of Amapi 4.1, which handshakes with Max
- Cloud and Sky backgrounds for your Max projects
- Over 50 strange 3DS Models to customize
- Almost 50 Max project files
- All of the color images from the gallery
- 20 unique image files
System Requirement
3D Studio Max 3.0+. Pentium II running at 200 MHz (Pentium III/500MHz (recommended) Windows NT4 with Service Pack 3+ or Windows 98.; 128MB RAM minimum, 256MB RAM recommended; 350MB Hard disk space; CD-ROM drive; Sound card; Pointing device; Parallel port; and Internet Explorer 5.x. Various plug-ins are also used throughout the book.