3ds Max^® 2010 Bible

by Kelly L. Murdock (Tulip Multimedia, Spanish Fork, Utah)

• ISBN13: 9780470471913
• ISBN10: 0470471913
• Edition: DVD
• Format: Paperback w/Disk
• Copyright: 2009-08-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

The tenth edition of 3ds Max 2010 Bible is the only comprehensive reference-tutorial on 3ds Max, making it a favorite of all users, from beginners to pros. If 3ds Max novices are itching to actually create something immediately, the Quick Start project in Part 1 is just for them. If experienced Max users can't wait to check out the new software features the details are readily available. This bestseller is packed with expert advice, timesaving tips, and more than 150 step-by-step tutorials. A 16-page color insert will highlight work by various cutting-edge 3D artists. A valuable companion DVD includes all the examples and content from the book, including unique models and textures that readers can customize on their own as well as a searchable, full-color version of the book and trial version of 3ds Max.

Author Biography

Kelly Murdock has been authoring computer books for many years now and still gets immense enjoyment from the completed work. His book credits include various 3D, graphics, multimedia, and Web titles, including nine previous editions of this book, 3ds Max Bible. Other major accomplishments include Google SketchUp Bible, Edgeloop Character Modeling for 3D Professionals Only, Maya 6 and 7 Revealed, LightWave 3D 8 Revealed, The Official Guide to Anime Studio, Poser 6 and 7 Revealed, 3D Game Animation For Dummies, gmax Bible, Adobe Atmosphere Bible, Master VISUALLY HTML and XHTML, JavaScript Visual Blueprint, and co-authoring duties on two editions of the Illustrator Bible (for versions 9 and 10) and four editions of the Adobe Creative Suite Bible.
With a background in engineering and computer graphics, Kelly has been all over the 3D industry and still finds it fascinating. He’s used high-level CAD workstations for product design and analysis, completed several large-scale visualization projects, created 3D models for feature films and games, worked as a freelance 3D artist, and even done some 3D programming. Kelly’s been using 3D Studio since version 3 for DOS. Kelly has also branched into training others in 3D technologies. He currently works as a production manager for an upcoming game company.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Getting Started with 3ds Max

Quick Start: Landing a Space Vehicle

Exploring the Max Interface

Controlling and Configuring the Viewports

Working with Files, Importing, and Exporting

Customizing the Max Interface and Setting Preferences

Working with Objects

Creating and Editing Primitive Objects

Selecting Objects and Setting Object Properties

Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping

Cloning Objects and Creating Object Arrays

Grouping, Linking, and Using Containers

Modeling Basics

Accessing Subobjects and Using Modeling Helpers

Introducing Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack

Drawing and Editing 2D Splines and Shapes

Modeling with Polygons and Using the Graphite Modeling Tools

Materials, Cameras, and Lighting Basics

Using the Material Editor and the Material Explorer

Creating and Applying Standard Materials

Adding Material Details with Maps

Creating Compound Materials and Using Material Modifiers

Configuring and Aiming Cameras

Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques

Animation and Rendering Basics

Understanding Animation and Keyframes

Animating with Constraints and Simple Controllers

Rendering a Scene

Advanced Modeling

Building Complex Scenes with XRefs and Using Asset Tracking

Working with the Schematic View

Deforming Surfaces and Using the Mesh Modifiers

Working with Compound Objects

Modeling with Patches and NURBS

Adding and Styling Hair and Fur, and Using Cloth

Advanced Materials

Using Specialized Material Types

Painting in the Viewport Canvas and Rendering Surface Maps

Unwrapping UVs and Mapping Textures

Creating Baked Textures and Normal Maps

Advanced Animation Techniques

Using Animation Modifiers and Complex Controllers

Animating with the Expression Controller and Wiring Parameters

Working with Function Curves in the Track View

Using Animation Layers and the Motion Mixer

Creating Particles and Particle Flow

Using Space Warps

Simulating Physics-Based Motion with reactor

Animating Hair and Cloth

Working with Characters

Understanding Rigging and Working with Bones

Working with Inverse Kinematics

Creating and Animating Bipeds and Crowds

Skinning Characters

Advanced Lighting and Rendering

Working with Advanced Lighting, Light Tracing, and Radiosity

Using Atmospheric and Render Effects

Rendering with mental ray

Batch and Network Rendering

Compositing with Render Elements and the Video Post Interface

MAXScript and Plug-Ins

Automating with MAXScript

Expanding Max with Third-Party Plug-Ins

What's New with 3ds Max 2010

What's on the DVD

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.