Autodesk 3ds Max is one of Autodesk’s design visualization platforms. It offers state-of-the-art technology for creating photo-realistic “still” renderings and desktop animations. While it includes its own tools for 2D and 3D modeling, Autodesk 3ds Max can also work with geometry imported from many other applications.
Autodesk 3ds Max is a robust and powerful program that can be challenging to learn. This updated training guide is ideal for Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2008 users in the architectural, civil and mechanical engineering, and product and interior design industries. Significant emphasis on the mental ray renderer has been included with this update.
AutoCAD Training Topics
- Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max 2008
- Autodesk 3ds Max Interface and Workflow
- Autodesk 3ds Max Project Configuration
- Assembling Files – File Link and Import
- 3D Modeling from 2D Objects
- Materials
- Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max Lighting
- Lighting with Autodesk 3ds Max mental ray
- Rendering
- Animation for Visualization
Prerequisites
Experience with 3D modeling is an asset, but not a requirement.
AutoCAD Training Course Duration
24 hours
AutoCAD Training Course outline
Module 1: Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max
Section 1: Overview
- Overview
- Visualization Workflow
Section 2: The Autodesk 3ds Max Interface
- Menus and Toolbars
- Status Bar
- The Command Panel
- Setting the Project Folder and Configuring User Paths
- Viewport Configuration and Navigation
- Object Selection
Section 3: Basic Functions
- Modeling with Primitives
- Applying Transforms
- Sub-Object Mode
- Reference Coordinate Systems and Transform Centers
- Cloning and Grouping
- Box Modeling (Optional)
- Statistics in Viewport
Module 2: Starting a Visualization Project
Section 1: Autodesk 3ds Max Configuration
- Video Modes
- Preferences
- Configure Paths
- Set Project Folder
- Units Setup
- Customizing the User Interface
Section 2: Assembling Project Files
- Data Linking and Importing
- DWG Link and Import Options
- Layer and Object Properties
Section 3: 3D Modeling from 2D Objects
- Drawing 2D Lines
- The Lathe Modifier
- 2D Booleans
- Terrain Objects
- The Extrude Modifier
- Boolean Operations
- The Sweep Modifier (Optional)
- Loft ObjectsUsing
- Snaps for Precision
Module 3: Materials
Section 1: Introduction to Materials
- How Materials Work
- Understanding Maps and Materials
- Materials and Material Libraries
- Managing Materials
Section 2: Material Types and Parameters
- Standard Materials
- Architectural Materials (Optional)
- Multi/Sub-Object Materials
- Opacity, Bump, and Reflection Mapping
- mental ray Shaders and Materials
- Other Material Types
Section 3: Mapping Coordinates and Scale
- Mapping Coordinates
- Mapping Scale
Module 4: Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max Lighting
Section 1: Autodesk 3ds Max Lighting Overview
- Local vs. Global Illumination
- Choosing a Lighting Strategy
Section 2: Standard Lighting
- Fundamentals of Standard Lighting
- Types of Standard Lights
- Shadow Types
- Daytime Lighting with Standard Lights (Optional)
Module 5: Phototmetric Lighting and Rendering using mental ray
Section 1: Scene Preparation for mental ray
- Fundamentals of mental ray
- Photometric Light Objects
- Arch & Design Materials
- Exposure Control
Section 2: Rendering with mental ray
- Exterior Daylight with mental ray
- mental ray Interior Lighting
- Controlling mental ray Quality
Module 6: Rendering and Animation
Section 1: Rendering
- Single vs. Double-Sided Rendering
- Camera Parameters
- Background Images
- The Print Size Wizard
- Selected Rendering Options
- Rendering Presets
Section 2: Animation
- Animation Controls
- Walkthrough Animation
- Animation Output
Appendix
- Getting Help with Autodesk 3ds Max
- Object Substitution
- Completing the Interior Scene
- Camera Matching (recommend Help tutorial)
- Lighting Analysis
- Creating a Shadow Study Animation
- Creating Hierarchies
- Animating Visibility
