LightWave 3D 8 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide

by Howe, Arthur; Marshall, Brian E.

• ISBN13: 9780321232953
• ISBN10: 032123295X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-01-01
• Publisher: Peachpit Press

Summary

When simple 3D models aren't enough--when you want to put hair on your character's chest, add soft-body dynamics, include particle effects, and more--NewTek's 3D powerhouse LightWave 8 is the software you need. Instead of lengthy tutorials, you'll find task-based, step-by-step instruction and concise explanations that lets you get down to the serious business of creating 3D graphics and animation with a minimum amount of fuss and a maximum amount of enjoyment. If you're an advanced user, you'll be able to go straight to the new features that interest you most: workflow and user interface enhancements, improved character-animation tools, tighter integration with other production tools and third-party add-ons, and more. And if you're new to LightWave, you'll be able to get your feet wet without being intimidated. With plenty of visual aids and tips to ease the way, you'll soon find yourself creating animations, working with vertex maps, editing geometry, rendering projects, and more.

Table of Contents

Introduction	ix
Chapter 1 Getting Started	1	(22)
The Layout Interface	2	(2)
The Modeler Interface	4	(2)
Changing the LightWave Interface	6	(4)
Changing Keyboard Shortcuts	10	(2)
The Layout Scene Editor	12	(1)
The Hub	13	(2)
Working with Files	15	(3)
Importing and Exporting Object File Formats	18	(1)
Working with Content Directories	19	(4)
Chapter 2 Touring the Viewports	23	(20)
Overview	24	(9)
Changing the Viewport	33	(2)
Configuring the Grid	35	(2)
Customizing OpenGL in Layout	37	(2)
General Display Options	39	(4)
Chapter 3 Creating Geometry	43	(38)
Setting Up Modeler	44	(3)
Using Points and Polygons	47	(9)
Point Information	56	(3)
Primitives	59	(4)
Text and Fonts	63	(3)
Organic Modeling	66	(11)
Skelegons	77	(4)
Chapter 4 Editing Geometry	81	(40)
Modeling with Layers	82	(4)
Selection Methods	86	(4)
Clipboard Actions	90	(1)
Adjusting Geometry	91	(15)
Edge Tools	106	(5)
Extending Geometry	111	(5)
Boolean Operations	116	(5)
Chapter 5 Vertex Maps	121	(26)
UV Texture Maps	122	(10)
Weight Maps	132	(9)
Morph Maps	141	(3)
Color Maps	144	(3)
Chapter 6 Beginning Animation	147	(24)
Working in 3D Space	148	(7)
Using the Basic Animation Tools	155	(3)
Working with Time	158	(5)
Working with Keyframes	163	(4)
Previewing Your Animation	167	(4)
Chapter 7 Objects and Bones	171	(36)
Introducing Objects	172	(2)
Using Custom Objects	174	(7)
Working with Subdivision Surfaces	181	(2)
Deforming Your Geometry	183	(4)
Using Displacement Tools	187	(2)
Morphing Objects	189	(9)
Working with Bones	198	(8)
Adding Skelegons	206	(1)
Chapter 8 Lighting	207	(24)
Lights and Lighting Effects	208	(1)
Adding Lights	209	(7)
Adjusting Light Parameters	216	(4)
Creating Shadows	220	(5)
Lighting Special Effects	225	(3)
Using Global Illumination	228	(3)
Chapter 9 Cameras	231	(18)
Camera Management	232	(7)
Customizing the Lens	239	(3)
Using Anti-Aliasing	242	(3)
Depth of Field	245	(2)
Rendering Motion	247	(2)
Chapter 10 Advanced Animation Tools	249	(44)
Keyframe Automation	250	(4)
Managing Keyframes	254	(14)
Using Channel Modifiers	268	(3)
Targeting Items in Layout	271	(1)
Parenting Items in Layout	272	(4)
Working with Inverse Kinematics	276	(9)
Using the Motion Options	285	(2)
Working with Motion Modifiers	287	(1)
Working with Coordinate Systems	288	(5)
Chapter 11 Creating Special Effects	293	(28)
Changing the Backdrop	294	(5)
Creating Particle Effects	299	(6)
Using Fog in Your Scenes	305	(3)
Making Your Objects Glow	308	(2)
Applying Image Filters	310	(1)
Using HyperVoxels	311	(10)
Chapter 12 Surfaces and Textures	321	(36)
Creating Surfaces in Modeler	322	(3)
Working with Surfaces	325	(2)
Basic Surface Attributes	327	(7)
Creating a Texture	334	(16)
Animating Surface Attributes	350	(3)
Viper	353	(2)
Presets	355	(2)
Chapter 13 Rendering Your Scene	357	(22)
Considering Render Time	358	(2)
Configuring the Renderer	360	(6)
Exploring Render Modes	366	(3)
Using Ray Trace Options	369	(2)
Using Object Render Options	371	(5)
Working with High Dynamic Range Imagery	376	(3)
Index	379