Hot Autodesk 3ds Max How-Tos

How To: Apply normal maps in 3D Studio Max

In this video, we learn how to apply normal maps in 3D Studio Max. First, go to the cylinder button and name it. Then, change the radius and height how you would like them. After this, select "extended primitives" from the drop down menu on the top. From here, enter in the diameter and sides for the round hose and then select the diameter of the cylinder. This will create a cylinder but with the look of a hose instead. Use the bottom toolbar to edit the sizes of the map and then save this whe...

How To: Model wavy window curtains in Autodesk 3ds Max

This video tutorial is meant to help you model your own curtains in Autodesk 3ds Max. If you need some window curtains, this is the best way to model them. You'll learn how to do it using several modifiers and layer techniques. You can download the finished curtain from VisualKnights, which you can fully edit to your needs. This tutorial can also work with older versions of 3ds Max (previously called 3d Studio Max).

How To: Use the Mr. Sky/Sun plug-in in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010

Looking for a quick primer on how to use Mr. Sky/Sun with 3ds Max? Look no further. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Use the Mr. Sky/Sun plug-in in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010.

How To: Create realistic hair in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 or 2011

Looking for a guide on how to create realistic hair and fur within 3ds Max? Look no further. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Create realistic hair in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 or 2011.

How To: Light and render a 3D model of a car in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010

This clip presents an overview of how to set up and render a 3D model of a car in 3ds Max 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Light and render a 3D model of a car in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 - Part 1 of 2.

How To: Animate with drag, follow-through & overlapping action techniques in 3ds Max

Eager to get started creating 3D animations in 3ds Max? Let this video be your guide. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Animate with drag, follow-through & overlapping action techniques in 3ds Max.

How To: Use the MR photographic exposure control in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010

This clip presents an exhaustive overview of the MR photographic exposure tool in 3ds Max 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Use the MR photographic exposure control in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010.

How To: Model natural environment using only the procedural features of 3ds Max 2010

In this clip, you'll learn how to model a natural landscape in 3ds Max 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Model natural environment using only the procedural features of 3ds Max 2010.

How To: Use the Ink & Paint shader tools in 3ds Max 2010 or 2011

This video lesson provides a general overview of the Ink & Paint shader tools in 3ds Max 2010 or 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Use the Ink & Paint shader tools in 3ds Max 2010 or 2011.

How To: Use the Composite (Toxik) feature in 3ds Max 2011

This clip presents a general overview of the Composite tool available in 3ds Max 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Use the Composite (Toxik) feature in 3ds Max 2011.

How To: Add custom UI objects over the viewports in 3ds Max 2010

In this 3ds Max 2010 video tutorial, you'll learn how to use Manipulators to create custom UI objects. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Add custom UI objects over the viewports in 3ds Max 2010.

How To: Create a 3D model of an aged wall in 3ds Max 2010

In this clip, you'll learn how to go about creating a realistic 3D model of an ill-kept wall in 3ds Max. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look. Create a 3D model of an aged wall in 3ds Max 2010.

How To: Add texture to a model house in 3D Studio Max

In this video, we learn how to add texture to a model house in 3D Studio Max. After you have created the model, press 7 on your keyboard. This will activate a new menu telling you how many polygons are in your model. Then, edit the edges and remove them so you have less polygons. After this, save the model under a name you want, then select everything on the model. Go to the parameters and click "edit". Now, go to mapping, then flatten mapping. The presets should be fine, then click "ok" and ...

How To: Use the UVW unwrap function in 3D Studio Max

In this video, we learn how to use the UVW unwrap function in 3D Studio Max. First, go to the UV modifier wrap and select all the faces. Once here, edit the parameters and then go to the mapping menu. After this, you will be able to change the object as you would like. After you are finished with this, save your object to your computer in a spot you won't forget it. You can create several different layers and change the colors as you prefer. You can completely customize your experience on thi...

How To: Use the UVW unwrap modifier in 3D Studio Max

A polymodel head is being mapped. Keep the turbo smooth active to smooth out edges and seams. Use the relax tool to help even out the mesh and areas around the mouth, the ears and the neck as work proceeds. Use the stitch modifier to attach and combine the top and bottom of the head. To get all the seams and areas to match they must be moved, rotated and scaled. Use the weld tool on all the vertices and use the relax tool to get all the seams to match. Use the pelt map for the ears. Use the s...

How To: Use custom map or UVW map in 3D Studio Max

In this video, we learn how to use custom map or UVW map in 3D Studio Max. First, go to the material editor and add a custom map to it using a hardwood deck. Change the material to cedar fence, then change the size as you would like it. As you continue to edit the different surfaces in the picture, it will preview it for you in the main screen. You will be able to see it customized how you would like it to be as you edit it. The material editor can be changed in design and renamed to help you...

How To: Use Production Shaders in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 & 2011

In this 3DS Max video tutorial, you'll learn how to create and apply lens shaders. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look! Use Production Shaders in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 & 2011.

How To: Do UVmapping with 3D Studio Max

In this tutorial, we learn how to do UVmapping with 3D Studio Max. Open up your image in the software, then go to "unwrap UV". Scroll down to edit and you will be able to see the basic scale. Grab the mass and scale it down, then use your element turn on to select the different pieces. The UV mapping will now turn a different color and show you where you have edited it. Continue to do this throughout the entire program. Make sure you have all other programs closed while you are doing this, an...

How To: Set up textures as a template background in 3DS MAX

This video will explain to you how to preform one of the more fundamental but confusing tasks in 3D Studio MAX: setting up textures as a template background for you models. Doing this will make sure that your models are displayed in front of the proper background and that said background will function properly. If you need a little help setting the scene for your 3D modeling, watch this video.

How To: Model & animate cloth in 3D Max Studio

In this tutorial, you'll see how to model and animate cloth in 3ds Max. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started modeling and animating cloth in your own Max projects, take a look!

How To: Use Daylight and Mental Ray when working in 3ds Max

See how to work with Daylight and the Mental Ray rendering engine in 3ds Max 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using Daylight & Mental Ray in your own 3ds Max projects, take a look!

How To: Link 3D images to sound files in 3DS MAX

There are a lot of videos out there about creating models and animating them using 3D Studio MAX. What isn't often discussed is the next step in creating a movie out of your models, adding sound and syncing your animations to the sound. This eight-part video series will show you how to do just that, animate objects and other properties with a sound file. This is very good stuff that you will need to know if you ever want to make a whole 3D movie yourself.

How To: Model and animate falling shell casings in 3DS MAX

When people fire weapons in movies, there is often a shot of the shell-casings leaving the gun and flying through the air. Sometimes we get to follow them all the way to the ground, leaving us with a sense of loss at the firing of the weapon. This video will show you how to model and animate some shell casings falling to the ground and smoke trailing them in 3D Studio MAX and Photoshop, utilizing Reactor physics, particle flow, space warps, and all sorts of other fun 3DS MAX tools.