1st Edition
Kelly L. Murdock's Autodesk 3ds Max 2021 Complete Reference Guide
Kelly L. Murdock's Autodesk 3ds Max 2021 Complete Reference Guide is a popular book among users new to 3ds Max and is used extensively in schools around the globe. The success of this book is found in its simple easy-to-understand explanations coupled with its even easier to follow tutorials. The tutorials are laser focused on a specific topic without any extra material, making it simple to grasp difficult concepts. The book also covers all aspects of the software, making it a valuable reference for users of all levels.
The Complete Reference Guide is the ultimate book on 3ds Max, and like Autodesk’s 3D animation software, it just gets better and better with each release. Whether you're new to 3ds Max or an experienced user, you'll find everything you need in this complete resource. The book kicks off with a getting started section, so beginners can jump in and begin working with 3ds Max right away. Experienced 3ds Max users will appreciate advanced coverage of features like crowd simulation, particle systems, radiosity, MAXScript and more. Over 150 tutorials – complete with before and after files – help users at all levels build real world skills.
Part I: Getting Started with Autodesk 3ds Max 2021
1. Exploring the Interface
2. Controlling and Configuring the Viewports
3. Working with Files, Importing and Exporting
4. Setting Preferences
Part II: Manipulating Objects
5. Creating and Editing Primitive Objects
6. Selecting Objects and Using Layers
7. Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping
8. Cloning Objects and Creating Object Arrays
9. Grouping, Linking and Parenting Objects
10. Organizing Scenes with Containers, XRefs and the Schematic View
Part III: Modeling 3D Assets
11. Accessing Subobjects and Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack
12. Drawing and Editing 2D Splines and Shapes
13. Modeling with Polygons
14. Using the Graphite Modeling Tools and Painting with Objects
15. Working with Compound Objects
16. Deforming Surfaces and Using the Mesh Modifiers
Part IV: Applying Materials and Textures
17. Creating and Applying Standard Materials with the Slate Material Editor
18. Adding Material Details with Maps
19. Using Specialized Material Types
20. Creating Compound Materials and Using Material Modifiers
21. Creating Shaders in the ShaderFX Editor
22. Unwrapping UVs and Mapping Textures
23. Painting in the Viewport Canvas and Rendering Surface Maps
24. Creating Baked Textures and Normal Maps
Part V: Working with Cameras and Lighting
25. Configuring and Aiming Cameras
26. Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques
27. Positioning the Sun and Setting the Lighting Environment
28. Working with Advanced Lighting, Light Tracing, and Radiosity
Part VI: Rendering a Scene
29. Rendering a Scene and Enabling Quicksilver
30. Managing Render States
31. Batch and Network Rendering
32. Rendering with ART, mental ray and iray
33. Compositing with Render Elements and the Video Post Interface
Part VII: Animating Objects and Scenes
34. Understanding Animation and Keyframes
35. Animating with Constraints and Simple Controllers
36. Exploring the Complex Controllers
37. Using Animation Layers and Animation Modifiers
38. Wiring Parameters
39. Editing Animation Curves in the Track View
Part VIII: Working with Characters
40. Understanding Rigging, Kinematics and Working with Bones
41. Skinning Characters
42. Animating Characters with CAT
43. Creating Crowds and using Populate
Part IX: Adding Special Effects
44. Creating Particles and Particle Flow
45. Using Space Warps
46. Using Atmospheric and Render Effects
47. Creating Volume Light Effects
48. Adding Lens Effects
Part X: Using Dynamic Animation Systems
49. Simulating Physics-Based Motion with MassFX
50. Working with Hair and Cloth
Part XI: Extending 3ds Max
51. Creating Fluid Simulations
52. Customizing the Interface
53. Creating Procedural Content with Max Creation Graphs
54. Exploring 3ds Max Interactive
55. Automating with MAXScript
56. Expanding Max with Third-Party Plug-Ins
Appendixes
Appendix A: What's New with Autodesk 3ds Max 2021
Appendix B: Installing and Configuring Autodesk 3ds Max 2021
Appendix C: Keyboard Shortcuts
Biography
Kelly L. Murdock
