Autodesk 3ds Max How-Tos

How To: Tear cloth in 3D Studio Max 2010

See how to take advantage of 3ds Max 2010's in-built tear modeling feature, which provides 3D artists to quickly cut a cloth as if due to a strong stretching force or a reaction to a hard collision with other rigid body meshes. 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, take a look!

How To: Model a natural environment in 3D Studio Max 2010

See how to model a natural landscape within 3ds Max 2010 using the Displace modifier, a few simple primitives and some procedural maps nested in a precise way using the Composite map. 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 making your own 3D landscapes, take a look! Model a natural environment ...

How To: Use the 3D Studio Max 2010 Layer Manager

Meet the 3ds Max 2010 Layer Manager tool (and then wonder what you ever did without it)! 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, take a look!

How To: Create a rock texture with procedurals in 3ds Max 2010

In this 3D Studio Max tutorial, you'll see how to use procedurals to create a rock texture. Specifically, the guide addresses displacement tuning in Mental Ray, specularity properties and using stacked procedurals to create cracks, rust, and bumpy structures over the surface. 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...

How To: Break up and animate meshes in 3D Studio Max 2010

This clip illustrates a few techniques for breaking meshes up into pieces and animating them using 3ds Max's Reactor system. 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, take a look!

How To: Model and render glass surfaces in 3D Studio Max

See how to create realistic glass surfaces within 3D Studio Max 2010 or 2011. 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 your own glass surfaces, take a look! Model and render glass surfaces in 3D Studio Max.

How To: Use Assemblies and Groups in 3D Studio Max 2010

See how to use 3ds Max 2010's built-in grouping features to work on multiple meshes the same way you might work on a single object. 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 taking advantage of the 3ds Max Assembly and Group tools yourself, take a look! Use Assemblies and Groups in 3D Studio Max 2...

How To: Model trim in 3D Studio Max

This clip provides a quick reference on how to create realistic trim quickly using splines and editable polys. 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 realistic trim in your own 3ds Max projects, take a look!

How To: Create a full underwater scene in 3D Studio Max 2010

Interested in making the next Finding Nemo? Learn how to model and render a complete underwater scene using 3ds Max 2010 with this video guide. 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. Specifically, this clip discusses each of the following topics:

How To: Create basic 3D models in 3D Studio Max 2011

Get started creating simple 3D models within 3ds Max 2011. 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 creating your own 3D models in 3ds Max 2011, take a look!

How To: Create and control a pair of eyes in 3ds Max

See how to model a pair of cartoon eyes and then create a way to automatically control their orientation. You'll use two simple sphere primitives and then you'll create a simple standard material for the eye color, just using a Gradient Ramp map. Your basic orientation rig will be obtained using a Look At controller and a standard dummy object. 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'...

How To: Work with materials in 3D Studio Max 2011

This clip offers a primer on how to create and manipulate materials within the 3Ds Max 2011 user interface. 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, take a look!

How To: Use Layers in 3D Studio Max 2010

This clip discusses a very useful way to work and organize your 3D scenes—to wit, the 3ds Max Layer system. 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, take a look!

How To: Use the Grab Viewport screen capture tool in 3ds Max

Want to share a screenshot of a 3D Studio Max project with your art director? With the built-in Grab Viewport tool, it's easy. 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, take a look!

How To: Use the Symmetry Modifier tool in 3ds Max 2010

This quick tutorial offers an overview of the 3D Studio Max Symmetry Modifier tool, a highly efficient means of modeling symmetrical objects. 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 the Symmetry Modifier in your own Max projects, take a look! Use the Symmetry Modifier tool in 3ds Max 2010.

How To: Use surface tools to model a human leg in 3DS Max

Surface tools are a powerful part of 3D Studio Max, allowing the creation of more realistic textures for organic and natural forms. This video demonstrates how to use them as a part of the process of modeling a human leg. The legs may not be as important as the face models, but they are still essential to creating a good-looking figure and are a good tool for practicing the use of surface tools.

How To: Model a guitar using 3DS Max

For beginners, learning the intricacies of modeling 3D art can seem insurmountable. This video for 3D beginners is here to help you through it. Its four parts are a detailed and slow walkthrough for making low poly BC Rich guitar with splines using 3D Studio Max, a popular 3D modeling program.

How To: Change the icon color of your dark UI in 3D Studio Max

Do you find the black and white icons in 3D Studio Max 10 boring and bland? Do you need some color to brighten up the hours and hours you spend modeling in front of the computer? This video will show you how to change the color of the icons and text in the dark UI of 3D Studio Max. It may not make you 3D model look any sharper, but it should help you keep your sanity while you work on it.

How To: Model a hand using 3D Studio Max

In the old days, artists used to have their apprentices render all of the parts of some human figures except for the face and hands. Those are the hardest parts, and had to be done by the master. If you aspire to be a 3D modeling master, you have to be able to make good-looking hands. This video tutorial will show you how to model those hands using 3D Studio Max.

How To: Make a detailed nose model in 3D Studio Max

The nose is the most prominent feature of the face, and cannot be obscured by sunglasses or hats like the eyes and hair. This two-part video will show you how to add detail to the nose of a 3D model of a human head using 3D Studio Max. You have to have a face already for this to really matter, but if you are up to the task of modeling a basic face in 3D, this video will help you make it look a lot better.

How To: Model a head in 3D Studio Max

Making a head is hard enough with pen and pencil or with clay. Doing it in a 3D graphics program can seem impossible. This video is here to prove that such is not the case. Its eleven parts feature incredibly detailed instructions for modeling a human head using 3D Studio Max, one of the most popular software suites for 3D modeling. Follow along at your own pace, and you should be making your own head in no time!

How To: Place and manipulate the camera in 3D Studio Max

Learn how to change the position of the camera when working 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, take a look! Place and manipulate the camera in 3D Studio Max.

How To: Link 3D objects in 3ds Max

Hierarchy is one of the object association types in 3ds Max. It is based on a parent-child relationship, which can be created by linking objects. Learn how to create hierarchies by linking a child and parent object together within 3DS Max. Learn how object linking takes place and how to create 3D object relationships. This tutorial shows how to create the relationship by linking objects in 3ds Max. Link 3D objects in 3ds Max.

How To: Use the 3ds Max Material Editor

An introductory video tutorial on the material editor within 3DS Max software. Learn about material selections, shaders and more. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the 3ds Max 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using the Material Editor in your own projects, take a look! Use the 3ds Max Material Editor.

How To: Clone objects in 3ds Max

Want to create a replica of your 3D object? This basic tutorial covers the duplicating of objects into copies and instances in 3ds Max. You will learn the difference between making a reference, a copy and an instance. For detailed information, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started duplicating objects in your own 3ds Max projects, take a look. Clone objects in 3ds Max.

How To: Create selection sets in 3ds Max

Object association in 3ds Max allows you to define certain relationships between two or more objects. Selection sets is one of the object association types. In this video tutorial you will learn how to 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, take a look! Create selection sets in 3ds Max.

How To: Create and use groups in 3ds Max

One of the object association types in 3ds Max is groups. In this video tutorial we will learn how to create the relationship in 3DS Max. The author compares groups to dating, where each individual has higher commitment yet they still retain their own identity. 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, take a look! ...

How To: Create a cloth cape for a superhero in 3ds Max

In this Autodesk 3ds Max video tutorial, you'll learn about a cool plugin that can create cloth-like animations. 3ds Max does have a built-in cloth simulation, but it's rather complicated to work with. The alternative to using the built-in feature is using the plug-in SimCloth 3, a free modifier. It works very easily and creates a smooth flowing cloth effect. This video is specifically working with a cloth cape on a superhero (if you could call it that). But this cloth-like effect could be ap...

How To: Model with the Extrude tool in 3D Studio Max

Need some help figuring out how to use the 3ds Max Extrude tool to generate 3D models? This clip will show you how it's done. 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, watch this free video guide.

How To: Make 3D models when working in 3D Studio Max

Need a refresher on how to model when using 3ds Max? This clip will show you how it's done. 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, watch this free video guide.

How To: Apply bump maps in 3ds Max

Need some help wrapping your head around bump mapping in 3ds Max? This clip will show you how it's done. 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, watch this free video guide.

How To: Set up lights in Autodesk 3D Studio Max

Need some help figuring out how to set up lights when working in Autodesk 3ds Max? This clip will show you how it's done. 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, watch this free video guide.

How To: Use the Slate material editor in 3ds Max 2011

Learn how to take use the Slate material editor in 3ds Max 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the 3ds Max 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using the Slate tool in your own 3ds Max 2011 projects, watch this free video guide.

How To: Use Caddies in Autodesk 3ds Max 2011

Learn how to use Caddies in 3ds Max 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the 3ds Max 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using the Caddies in your own 3ds Max 2011 projects, watch this free video guide.