Hot Autodesk 3ds Max How-Tos

How To: Use edit poly modifiers to animate in 3ds Max

This 3D software tutorial shows you how to work with editable polys in animate mode in 3ds Max. The idea is to use edit poly modifiers to control and have selections active when working in 3D Studio Max. See how to use modifiers like features in 3ds Max, a parametric modeling software. Learn how to use parameters to store design intent and avoid having to remodel geometry in Max. The tutorial is best viewed full screen. Use edit poly modifiers to animate in 3ds Max.

How To: Unwrap or unfold geometry in 3ds Max

This 3ds Max modeling tutorial covers how to unwrap or unfold geometry. This technique is used more for texture mapping but in this tutorial we the unfolded geometry back to the view port to use for building physical models. This geometry can them be used for laser cutting. One thing to note is that since this technique is for texture mapping it can lack precision but for scaled models it works well. See how to get creative with unwrapping and modeling in 3ds Max in this software tutorial. Un...

How To: Implement mesh relaxation in 3ds Max

This 3D software tutorial shows you how to use the relax modifier in 3ds Max. Learn how to implement mesh relaxation with the relax modifier when modeling in 3D Studio Max. Using mesh relaxation is a fast way to turn cubed or planar surfaces into curved shapes in 3ds Max. Implement mesh relaxation in 3ds Max.

How To: Texture in 3ds Max

The third dimension has finally arrived to internet browsing! Be sure to catch the wave of innovation with this series of tutorials. Initially, we'll be examining the importance of texturing basic 3D objects. Watch as the almost magical effects of texturing in 3ds Max transform a simple cube into a trendy clothes dryer. Polygons are saved, browsing is made speedier, and clients are bound to be happy. Next stop, bring it into Papervision3D! If you wish to learn about using 3D elements on the i...

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 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: 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: 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.