Hot Autodesk 3ds Max How-Tos
How To: Model with primitives in 3DS Max for Papervision3D
This software tutorial demonstrates how to build with primitives in 3DS Max for Papervision3D. This first part demonstrates 3D Studio Max basics and how to build a column base using primitives. This second part demonstrates how to use the Shift clone tool.
How To: Box model a jet in 3DS Max for PaperVision3D
This software tutorial series teaches you how to box model in 3DS Max. Specifically, you will learn the basics of box modeling in 3D Studio Max, then box model a jet and animate it for PaperVision3D.
How To: Create materials with displace modifier in 3ds Max
This 3D software tutorial shows you how to use the displace modifier in 3ds Max. The displace modifier allows you to create perfect materials and realistic shadows in 3D Studio Max. Proper materials and shadows are key to creating a realistic 3D scene. See how to work with the displace mod in 3ds Max to achieve more realistic models. This video is best viewed full screen.
How To: Use the cloth reactor in 3ds Max
This 3D software tutorial will show you how to use the cloth reactor in 3D Studio Max. Learn how to animate a cloth swinging over an object in 3ds Max. This concept can be used to create a table cloth spread over a table, clothes for characters and much more. It's best to view this 3ds Max tutorial full screen.
How To: Animate a free camera in 3ds Max
This 3D software tutorial shows you how to create and animate a free camera in 3D Studio Max. Not only will you learn how to animate the camera in 3ds Max, you will also learn how to use the timeline and auto key features. This 3ds Max tutorial is best viewed full screen.
How To: Create a realistic 3D flame with FumeFX in 3ds Max
This software tutorial shows you how to create a flame from a sphere in 3D Studio Max using FumeFX. After you complete this tutorial you will have a realistic 3D flame produced by a sphere using the FumeFx plugin.
How To: Create good renders in 3ds Max 8
This software tutorial shows you how to create good renders from 3ds Max 8. It's one thing to create cool models in 3D Studio Max but if you can't get the lighting right and output a good render, then it's pretty useless. So watch this tutorial and get tips on creating a good render in 3ds Max 8.
How To: Smooth geometry in 3ds Max
This short tutorial shows you how to smooth polygonal geometery so it renders smoothly from 3D Studio Max.
How To: Snap and move with dimensions in 3ds Max
How does one snap in Autodesk's 3ds Max and how can one move things dimensionally? This 3ds Max video tutorial explains both of these questions as well as angle snaps and axis constraints.
How To: Use the surface modifier in 3ds Max
The Surface modifier in Autodesk's 3ds Max generates a patch surface based on the contours of a spline network. A patch is created wherever the segments of the interwoven splines form a three- or four-sided polygon. The Surface modifier and the CrossSection modifier, taken together, are referred to as Surface Tools. They allow you to create complex or organic surfaces, like the fuselage of a plane, or a three-dimensional character.
How To: Use the bend modifier in 3ds Max
The Bend modifier in Autodesk's 3ds Max lets you bend the current selection up to 360 degrees about a single axis, producing a uniform bend in an object’s geometry. You can control the angle and direction of the bend on any of three axes. You can also limit the bend to a section of the geometry.
How To: Use omni lighting in 3ds Max
Check out this video tutorial on how to use Omni Lights in 3ds Max. You'll learn how to make the light dimmer and create shadows in your 3D animation.
How To: Animate a basic biped in 3ds Max
Check out this Autodesk 3ds Max video tutorial on how to animate a basic biped. This 3D graphics application will have your digital character walking in no time. Creating multiple footsteps in 3D Studio Max is a cinch.
How To: Export objects from 3ds Max into the game Crysis
This six-part 3ds Max video tutorial will guide you step by step through the process of exporting from 3D Studio Max into the award-winning, science-fiction, first-person shooter, computer game Crysis.
How To: Create a textured face in 3ds Max 8
This is a three-part 3ds max video tutorial that takes a look at using reference photos for creating a head texture. If you have photographs that can work, there really isn't any reason not to use them since they can often provide plenty of subtle details that would be very time consuming to add otherwise.
How To: Unwrap UV's for organic modeling in 3ds Max 8
Having problems unwrapping in Autodesk 3ds Max? Don't worry—this video tutorial will show you what you need to know about unwrapping UVs for organic models. It's a complete unwrapping session in two videos (so make sure to watch both parts). You'll learn some of the common problems encountered, as well as things like pelt mapping, relaxing UVs and pixel distribution. If you just happen to master these techniques, maybe it's time to check out RoadKill, a great UV tool.
How To: Use splines to model a head in 3ds Max 8
Check out this two-part 3ds Max video tutorial which exploits a little known capability of Max to create a head. You'll find this technique easier than box modeling for heads since your topology and edge flow are there from the beginning. With box modeling, there's a lot of division, connecting, turning, etc. to get basic topology in place.
How To: Start organic modeling in 3D Studio Max 8
Watch this 3ds Max video for an introduction to a complete series of tutorials for modeling and texturing a human head sponsored by Ego Farms. This is the very start of learning how to use this digital animating software. You'll also get insight on Adobe Photoshop, since you'll be working with that, too.
How To: Animate using keyframes in 3ds Max 8
Breath some life into your animated scene by watching this 3ds Max video tutorial to see how to use keyframes for basic digital character animation modeling.
How To: Get an object to follow a path in 3ds Max 8
Watch this 3ds Max video tutorial to see how to get an object to follow a path with constraints to get procedurally control over your object with those constraints. Perfect for you digital animators/modelers.
How To: Use the curve editor in 3ds Max 8
Get the finest level of control over your animation with the curve editor. Just check out this 3ds Max video tutorial on how to do low level animating.
How To: Align images with UV coordinates in 3ds Max 8
Hey all you 3D digital animators out there, check out this 3ds Max video tutorial on how to precisely align the texture/image on your object using projection UV coordinates.
How To: Animate to sound in 3ds Max 8
Attention: Digital 3D animators and modelers, watch this 3ds Max video tutorial to see how to add sound as reference to your scene for lip synch or animating to key events.
How To: Create a camera in 3ds Max 8
Become a director by creating cameras and moving them through your scene for that perfect shot with the help of this 3ds Max video tutorial. Especially helpful to digital animators and modelers who don't know how to create a scene.
How To: Create global illumination with radiosity in 3ds Max 8
If you're a digital 3D modeler or animator, you should check out this 3ds Max video tutorial to see how to use real world lighting calculations to get soft, beautiful lighting in your scene with radiosity.
How To: Use the dope sheet editor in 3ds Max 8
Every 3D animator or modeler should check out this 3ds Max video tutorial on how to animate and adjust sequences at a higher level with the dope sheet editor.
How To: Wrap an image on your object in 3ds Max 8
All you 3D modelers and digital animators out there, watch this video to see how to take any photo image and wrap it onto the surface of an object in 3ds Max 8.
How To: Use photometric lights in 3ds Max 8
Yes, this 3ds Max video tutorial will show you modelers and digital animators how to add more believability to your lighting with physically accurate lights, as in photometric lights, so enjoy.
How To: Modify an object with EditPoly in 3ds Max 8
This 3ds Max video tutorial will show you how to modify an object at the lowest level, giving complete control over your objects appearance with EditPoly. So, if you don't know what a vertex is you digital modelers/animators, then you're missing something.
How To: Unwrap UV coordinates for ensuing control in 3ds Max 8
Look here at this 3ds Max video tutorial to see how to get the most control over your textures by unwrapping your UV's. Yes, you need help you digital 3D modelers/sculptors/animators. Doesn't everybody?
How To: Effect objects animation with controllers in 3ds Max 8
See how to influence an objects motion animation with controllers in this 3ds Max video tutorial. So if you're a digital 3D modeler/sculptor/animator, then this is the video for you.
How To: Set up and use standard lights in 3ds Max 8
This 3ds Max video tutorial will show you how lighting, like omnilights, mental ray rendered lights, skylights, and many more, can make the difference between amateur and pro. Take some time to learn the standard lights as digital modelers/sculptors/animators.
How To: Add shadows to your scenes in 3ds Max 8
Take a look at this 3ds Max video tutorial on how to add shadows. Shadows show details in your scene and anchor objects in the scene. Learn what options you have as 3D modelers/animators/sculptors.
How To: Spline model with loft and sweep monitor in 3ds Max 8
Check out this 3ds Max video tutorial on how to create complex shapes easily with lofts and sweeps. A great tool for all of you digital 3D modelers/sculptors/animators.
How To: Change surface properties of objects in 3ds Max 8
Check out this 3ds Max video tutorial to see how to beautify your objects with materials, change their shininess, reflectivity, opacity, etc. A valuable tool for any digital 3D modeler/animator/sculptor.
How To: Render your scene in 3ds Max 8
Check out this 3ds Max video tutorial on how to turn those objects into an image or movie you can share with others by rendering your modeled 3D scene. This is helpful to all digital animators/modelers/sculptors.
How To: Give depth to a shape, extrusion, & bevel in 3ds Max 8
This 3ds Max video tutorial will show you how to create procedural objects from your 2D shapes, extrusions, and bevels. This is a must for all you graphic digital animators/modelers.
How To: Use modifiers and the modifiers stack in 3ds Max 8
Check out this 3ds Max video tutorial on how to modify a 3D object. If you plan on being a 3D modeler/animator, then why not take a gander at these educational software videos?
How To: Join or subtract objects with Booleans in 3ds Max 8
Check out this 3ds Max video tutorial on how to create objects quickly by adding, subtracting, and intersecting objects.
How To: Create 2D lines and shapes in 3ds Max 8
Check out this 3ds Max video tutorial on a detailed look at creating shapes and lines. Autodesk's 3D Studio Max is a customizable and scalable 3D modeling and rendering solution for games, film, and television, so don't miss out you digital animators.