Autodesk 3ds Max Features

How To: Use a scene object as a particle Autodesk 3ds Max 2011

In this video tutorial, we learn how to use a scene object as a particle in Autodesk 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 3ds Max 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using the lessons imparted by this free video software tutorial yourself, watch this free video guide.

How To: Put your face into someone else's photo with Photoshop

For years, people who wanted to make fake photos of themselves with celebrities or crushes had to make due with cutting out a picture of their own face and gluing it onto a photo in place of the person they wished to replace. Now there is a more elegant, cleaner way to do it. This video will show you how to replace one head with another in photos using Photoshop. Now you too can shake hands with George W. Bush! At least in a fake photo. And we're not sure why you'd want to anyway.

How To: Model a basic character in 3D Studio MAX

So you finally shelled out for 3D Studio MAX. Congratulations. Now you need to make something with it! This video for beginners will walk you through the basics of modeling a character in 3D Studio MAX. It covers setting up a reference image (the one from the video is here), creating a rough body, connecting body parts, head modeling, and paint deformation. After you watch these three videos you should have all the tools you need to model a basic character in 3D Studio MAX. Now then, on to th...

How To: Assign material ID's and multiple textures in 3ds Max

When you assign a material ID to certain polygons, you will tell 3D Studio Max to use that material only on those polygons that you want. In this 3d Max video tutorial you will learn how to assign material ID's and multiple textures to the same source. Make sure to hit "play tutorial" in the top left corner of the video to start the video. There is no sound, so you'll need to watch the pop-up directions. Assign material ID's and multiple textures in 3ds Max.

How To: Use the Krakatoa plugin in 3D Studio Max

Watch this series of video tutorials to see how the particle rendering system Krakatoa from Frantic Films works. Krakatoa is a high-volume point-based particle rendering, manipulation and management toolkit available as a plug-in for Autodesk 3ds Max running on Windows. Krakatoa enables VFX artists to create dust, smoke, silt, ocean surface foam, plasma and even solid objects, all at unprecedented speeds. Use the Krakatoa plugin in 3D Studio Max.

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 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: 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 bump maps from color maps in 3ds Max 8

This 3ds Max video tutorial goes over how to create bump maps and how to quickly create one using your existing color map as a starting point in Autodesk's 3D Studio Max digital graphic modeling software in conjunction with Adobe Photoshop. It will also cover how to breakup your bump map with high frequency noise at the shader level for those closeup shots.

How To: Create a frosted glass shader in Mental Ray

Learn how to create an icy glass shader using Mental Ray in Autodesk 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 frosted glass shaders, take a look! Create a frosted glass shader in Mental Ray.

How To: Render a video to AVI format using 3ds Max

If you want to demonstrate your 3D model on a turntable or create some other sort of short animation with your models without having to use more specialized software, you can render an AVI video inside 3D Studio MAX. This video will show you how to do this quickly and easily, assuming that you already know how to animate your character. Now, let the world see your beautiful 3D work!

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: 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: Switch from wireframe to solid view in 3ds Max

In this 3ds Max video tutorial you will learn how to switch from wireframe to solid (shaded)view. Wireframe view provides faster rendering time, while solid view gives you a more polished look of what your work will look like when rendered. Make sure to hit "play tutorial" in the top left corner of the video to start the video. There is no sound, so you'll need to watch the pop-up directions. Switch from wireframe to solid view in 3ds Max.

How To: Build a spline tower in 3ds Max

This 3ds Max software tutorial shows you how to build a spline tower. Using modifiers such as Cross Section, Skin, Shell and Spline IK we build a spline based system that uses reference geometry to build parametric relationships in 3D Studio Max. The video is best viewed full screen and you should already be familiar with 3ds Max to really follow along. Build a spline tower in 3ds Max.