Autodesk^® 3ds Max^® 2013 Bible Expanded Edition

Table of Contents

Part I: Getting Started with Autodesk 3ds Max 2013

Quick Start: Falling from a Tightrope

Planning the Production

Setting Up the Scene

Tutorial: Creating the objects

Tutorial: Balancing the biped

Tutorial: Adding a balance pole

Adding a Camera and Light

Tutorial: Adding a camera and light

Tutorial: Rendering a test preview

Animating the Great Fall

Tutorial: Creating animation keys

Tutorial: Linking objects

Tutorial: Animating with MassFX

Tutorial: Rendering the final animation

Summary

Chapter 1: Exploring the Interface

Learning the Interface Elements

Using the Menus

Using the Toolbars

Docking and floating toolbars

Using tooltips and flyouts

Using the Quick Access toolbar

Learning the main toolbar

Using the Modeling Ribbon

Using the Viewports

Using the Command Panel

Working with rollouts

Increasing the Command Panel's width

Tutorial: Rearranging the interface for lefties

Using the Lower Interface Bar Controls

Interacting with the Interface

Gaining quick access with the right-click quad menus

Using Caddy controls

Understanding the button color cues

Using drag-and-drop features

Controlling spinners

Understanding modeless and persistent dialog boxes

Using Workspaces

Getting Help

Using the InfoCenter toolbar

Viewing the Essential Skills Movies

Using the online reference guides

Using the rest of the Help menu

Summary

Chapter 2: Controlling the Viewports

Understanding 3D Space

Learning Axonometric versus Perspective

Learning orthographic and isometric views

Discovering the viewports in 3ds Max

Using the Navigation Gizmos

Working with the ViewCube

Using the SteeringWheels

Tutorial: Navigating the active viewport

Controlling Viewports with a Scroll Wheel Mouse

Using the Viewport Navigation Controls

Zooming a view

Panning a view

Walking through a view

Rotating a view

Maximizing the active viewport

Controlling camera and spotlight views

Setting the navigation controls to match Maya

Changing the Viewport Display

Undoing and saving viewport changes

Disabling and refreshing viewports

Setting the viewport visual style

Viewing stylized scenes

Enhancing the Viewport

Changing the viewport layout

Displaying Safe Frames

Using clipping planes

Tutorial: Viewing the interior of a heart with clipping planes

Locating mesh problems with xView

Displaying Materials, Lighting, and Shadows in the Viewport

Viewing materials in the viewports

Displaying lighting and shadows in the viewports

Working with Viewport Backgrounds

Changing the viewport background

Loading viewport background images

Loading viewport background animations

Tutorial: Loading reference images for modeling

Summary

Chapter 3: Working with Files

Working with 3ds Max Scene Files

Using the Application Button

Using the Welcome Screen

Starting new

Saving files

Archiving files

Opening files

Setting a Project Folder

Merging and replacing objects

Getting out

Importing and Exporting

Importing supported formats

Import preference

Exporting supported formats

Moving files to other Suite packages

Manually moving files to and from Maya

Using the File Utilities

Using the Asset Browser utility

Finding files with the Max File Finder utility

Collecting files with the Resource Collector utility

Accessing File Information

Displaying scene information

Viewing file properties

Viewing files

Summary

Part II: Manipulating Objects

Chapter 4: Creating and Editing Primitive Objects

Selecting System Units

Using Custom and Generic units

Handling mismatched units

Rescaling world units

Creating Primitive Objects

Using the Create menu

Using the Create panel

Naming and renaming objects

Assigning colors

Using the Color Clipboard

Using different creation methods

Using the Keyboard Entry rollout for precise dimensions

Altering object parameters

Recovering from mistakes and deleting objects

Tutorial: Exploring the Platonic solids

Using Modeling Helpers

Using Dummy and Point objects

Measuring coordinate distances

Tutorial: Testing the Pythagorean Theorem

Summary

Chapter 5: Selecting Objects and Using Layers

Selecting Objects

Selection filters

Select buttons

Selecting with the Edit menu

Selecting multiple objects

Using the Paint Selection Region tool

Tutorial: Selecting objects

Using named selection sets

Editing named selection sets

Locking selection sets

Isolating the current selection

Selecting objects in other interfaces

Setting Object Properties

Hiding and Freezing Objects

Using the Display Floater dialog box

Using the Display panel

Tutorial: Hidden toothbrushes

Using Layers

Using the Layer Manager

Using the layer list

Tutorial: Dividing a scene into layers

Using the Scene Explorer

Selecting and filtering objects

Finding objects

Editing in the Scene Explorer

Summary

Chapter 6: Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping

Translating, Rotating, and Scaling Objects

Translating objects

Rotating objects

Scaling objects

Using the transform buttons

Working with the Transformation Tools

Working with the Transform Gizmos

Using the interactive gizmos

Using the Transform Toolbox

Using the Transform Type-In dialog box

Using the Status Bar Type-In fields

Understanding the Transform Managers

Tutorial: Landing a spaceship in port

Using Pivot Points

Positioning pivot points

Aligning pivot points

Using the Working Pivot

Transform adjustments

Using the Reset XForm utility

Tutorial: A bee buzzing about a flower

Using the Align Commands

Aligning objects

Using the Quick Align tool

Aligning normals

Tutorial: Aligning a kissing couple

Aligning to a view

Using Grids

The Home Grid

Creating and activating new grids

Using AutoGrid

Tutorial: Creating a spyglass

Using Snap Options

Tutorial: Creating a 2D outline of an object

Setting snap points

Setting snap options

Using the Snaps toolbar

Tutorial: Creating a lattice for a methane molecule

Summary

Chapter 7: Cloning Objects and Creating Object Arrays

Cloning Objects

Using the Clone command

Using the Shift-clone method

Tutorial: Cloning dinosaurs

Using Quick Clone

Understanding Cloning Options

Working with copies, instances, and references

Tutorial: Creating instanced doughnuts

Tutorial: Working with referenced apples

Mirroring Objects

Using the Mirror command

Tutorial: Mirroring a robot's leg

Cloning over Time

Using the Snapshot command

Tutorial: Creating a path through a maze

Spacing Cloned Objects

Using the Spacing tool

Tutorial: Stacking a row of dominoes

Using the Clone and Align Tool

Aligning source objects to destination objects

Tutorial: Cloning and aligning trees on a beach

Creating Arrays of Objects

Linear arrays

Tutorial: Building a white picket fence

Circular arrays

Tutorial: Building a Ferris wheel

Working with a Ring Array

Tutorial: Using Ring Array to create a carousel

Summary

Chapter 8: Grouping, Linking, and Parenting Objects

Working with Groups

Creating groups

Ungrouping objects

Opening and closing groups

Attaching and detaching objects

Tutorial: Grouping a plane's parts together

Alternatives to grouping

Understanding Parent, Child, and Root Relationships

Building Links between Objects

Linking objects

Unlinking objects

Tutorial: Linking a family of ducks

Displaying Links and Hierarchies

Displaying links in the viewport

Viewing hierarchies

Working with Linked Objects

Locking inheriting transformations

Using the Link Inheritance utility

Selecting hierarchies

Linking to dummies

Tutorial: Circling the globe

Summary

Part III: Modeling 3D Assets

Chapter 9: Introducing Subobjects and Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack

Exploring the Model Types

Parametric objects versus editable objects

Converting to editable objects

Understanding Normals

Viewing normals

Tutorial: Cleaning up imported meshes

Working with Subobjects

Using Soft Selection

Tutorial: Soft selecting a heart shape from a plane

Introducing Modifiers

Exploring the Modifier Stack

Understanding Base Objects

Applying modifiers

Tutorial: Bending a tree

Other Modifier Stack entities

Using the Modifier Stack

Reordering the Stack

Tutorial: Creating a molecular chain

Holding and fetching a scene

Collapsing the Stack

Using the Collapse utility

Using gizmo subobjects

Tutorial: Squeezing a plastic bottle

Applying modifiers to subobject selections

Tutorial: Applying damage to a car

Topology dependency

Summary

Chapter 10: Drawing and Editing 2D Splines and Shapes

Drawing in 2D

Working with shape primitives

Tutorial: Drawing a company logo

Tutorial: Viewing the interior of a heart

Editing Splines

Editable Splines versus the Edit Spline modifier

Making splines renderable

Selecting spline subobjects

Controlling spline geometry

Editing vertices

Editing segments

Editing Spline subobjects

Summary

Chapter 11: Modeling with Polygons

Understanding Poly Objects

Creating Editable Poly Objects

Converting objects

Collapsing to a mesh object

Applying the Edit Poly modifier

Editing Poly Objects

Editable Poly Subobject modes

Subobject selection

Tutorial: Modeling a clown head

Editing geometry

Editing Vertex subobjects

Editing Edge subobjects

Editing Border subobjects

Editing Polygon and Element subobjects

Surface properties

Tutorial: Modeling a tooth

Summary

Chapter 12: Using the Graphite Modeling Tools

Working with the Graphite Modeling Tools

Using the Polygon Modeling panel

Using the Modify Selection panel

Editing geometry

Editing Vertex subobjects

Editing Edge and Border subobjects

Editing Polygon and Element subobjects

Surface properties

Using the Freeform Tools

Using the Paint Deform tools

Using the Selection Tools

Selecting Tops, Open, and Non-Quads

Copying and pasting selections

Selecting by criteria

Using the Object Paint Tools

Selecting an object to paint with

Painting with objects

Painting with multiple objects

Painting on objects

Using the Paint Fill mode

Painting with animated objects

Tutorial: Painting a scar

Summary

Chapter 13: Working with Compound Objects

Understanding Compound Object Types

Morphing Objects

Creating Morph keys

Morph objects versus the Morpher modifier

Tutorial: Morphing a woman's face

Creating a Terrain Object

Coloring elevations

Tutorial: Creating an island with the Terrain compound object

Working with BlobMesh Objects

Setting BlobMesh parameters

Tutorial: Creating icy geometry with BlobMesh

Working with ProBoolean and ProCutter Objects

Using ProBoolean

Tutorial: Creating a keyhole

Using ProCutter

Tutorial: Creating a jigsaw puzzle

Summary

Part IV: Applying Materials and Textures

Chapter 14: Creating and Applying Standard Materials with the Slate Material Editor

Understanding Material Properties

Colors

Opacity and transparency

Reflection and refraction

Shininess and specular highlights

Other properties

Working with the Slate Material Editor

Using the Slate Material Editor controls

Loading the Material Node View panel

Navigating the Material Node View panel

Selecting and applying materials

Changing the material preview

Selecting objects by material

Setting Slate Material Editor preferences

Removing materials and maps

Using utilities

Using the Fix Ambient utility

Tutorial: Coloring Easter eggs

Using the Standard Material

Using Shading Types

Blinn shader

Phong shader

Anisotropic shader

Multi-Layer shader

Oren-Nayar-Blinn shader

Metal shader

Strauss shader

Translucent shader

Tutorial: Making curtains translucent

Accessing Other Parameters

Extended Parameters rollout

SuperSampling rollout

Maps rollout

mental ray Connection rollout

Tutorial: Coloring a dolphin

Summary

Chapter 15: Adding Material Details with Maps

Understanding Maps

Different map types

Enabling the global viewport rendering setting

Using Real-World maps

Working with Maps

Connecting maps to materials

Using the Maps rollout

Tutorial: Aging objects for realism

Understanding map types

Accessing Map parameters

Creating Textures with External Tools

Creating material textures using Photoshop

Capturing digital images

Scanning images

Tutorial: Creating a fishing net

Summary

Chapter 16: Creating Compound Materials and Using Material Modifiers

Using Compound Materials

Blend

Composite

Double Sided

Multi/Sub-Object

Tutorial: Creating a patchwork quilt

Morpher

Shellac

Top/Bottom

Tutorial: Surfing the waves

Applying Multiple Materials

Using material IDs

Tutorial: Mapping die faces

Using the Clean MultiMaterial utility

Using the Matte/Shadow Material

Matte/Shadow Basic Parameters rollout

Tutorial: Adding 3D objects to a scene

Material Modifiers

Material modifier

MaterialByElement modifier

Tutorial: Creating random marquee lights with the MaterialByElement modifier

Comparing Displacement maps and Displace modifiers

Tutorial: Displacing geometry with a bitmap

Summary

Chapter 17: Unwrapping UVs

Mapping Modifiers

UVW Map modifier

Tutorial: Using the UVW Map modifier to apply decals

UVW Mapping Add and Clear modifiers

UVW XForm modifier

Map Scaler modifier

Camera Map modifier

Using the Unwrap UVW Modifier

Selecting UVW subobjects

Accessing the Edit UVWs interface

Tweaking vertices in the viewport

Using the Quick Planar Map

Saving and loading mapping coordinates

Using the Edit UVWs Interface

Selecting subobjects within the dialog box

Navigating the main view

Using the Quick Transform buttons

Straightening and Relaxing UV clusters

Stitching and welding

Separating into clusters using flattening methods

Arranging and grouping clusters

Accessing the Unwrap Options

Tutorial: Controlling the mapping of a covered wagon

Rendering UV templates

Mapping multiple objects

Tutorial: Creating a mapping for a fighter plane

Summary

Part V: Working with Cameras, Lighting, and Rendering

Chapter 18: Configuring and Aiming Cameras

Learning to Work with Cameras

Creating a camera object

Creating a camera view

Tutorial: Setting up an opponent's view

Controlling a camera

Aiming a camera

Tutorial: Watching a rocket

Aligning cameras

Tutorial: Seeing the dinosaur's good side

Setting Camera Parameters

Lens settings and field of view

Camera type and display options

Environment ranges and clipping planes

Camera Correction modifier

Creating multi-pass camera effects

Using the Depth of Field effect

Tutorial: Applying a Depth of Field effect to a row of windmills

Using the Motion Blur effect

Tutorial: Using a Motion Blur multi-pass camera effect

Summary

Chapter 19: Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques

Understanding the Basics of Lighting

Natural and artificial light

A standard lighting method

Shadows

Getting to Know the Light Types

Default lighting

Ambient light

Standard lights

Photometric lights

Creating and Positioning Light Objects

Transforming lights

Viewing lights and shadows in the viewport

Listing lights

Placing highlights

Tutorial: Lighting the snowman's face

Viewing a Scene from a Light

Light viewport controls

Manipulating Hotspot/Beam and Falloff/Field cones

Tutorial: Lighting a lamp

Altering Light Parameters

General parameters

The Intensity/Color/Attenuation rollout

Spotlight and directional light parameters

Advanced Effects

Shadow parameters

Optimizing lights

Photometric light parameters

Summary

Chapter 20: Rendering a Scene and Enabling Quicksilver

Working with Render Parameters

Initiating a render job

Common parameters

E-mail notifications

Adding pre-render and post-render scripts

Assigning renderers

Default Scanline Renderer

Quicksilver Hardware Renderer

Rendering stylized scenes

Using the Rendered Frame Window

Using the Render Types

Previewing with ActiveShade

Summary

Chapter 21: Using Atmospheric and Render Effects

Adding an Environment Background

Defining the rendered environment

Using Exposure Controls

Automatic, Linear, and Logarithmic Exposure Control

Pseudo Color Exposure Control

Photographic Exposure Control

Tutorial: Using the Logarithmic Exposure Control

Creating Atmospheric Effects

Working with the Atmospheric Apparatus

Adding effects to a scene

Using the Fire Effect

Tutorial: Creating the sun

Tutorial: Creating clouds

Using the Fog Effect

Using the Volume Fog effect

Tutorial: Creating a swamp scene

Using the Volume Light effect

Adding Render Effects

Using Render Effects

Blur render effect

Brightness and Contrast render effect

Color Balance render effect

File Output render effect

Film Grain render effect

Motion Blur render effect

Depth of Field render effect

Summary

Chapter 22: Rendering with mental ray and iray

Enabling mental ray and iray

Working with iray

Tutorial: Starting iray

Working with mental ray

Using mental ray Lights and Shadows

Understanding Caustics and Photons

Controlling Indirect Illumination

Using mental ray materials

Summary

Chapter 23: Compositing with Render Elements and the Video Post Interface

Using External Compositing Packages

Compositing with Photoshop

Video editing with Premiere Pro

Video compositing with After Effects

Tutorial: Adding animation effects using After Effects

Using Render Elements

Using State Sets

Recording states

Using templates and nesting states

Rendering states

Tutorial: Presenting several stylized rendered options

Accessing Compositor View

Changing node parameters

Adding new nodes

Exporting to Photoshop

Linking data to After Effects

Completing Post-Production with the Video Post Interface

The Video Post toolbar

The Video Post Queue and Range panes

The Video Post status bar

Working with Sequences

Adding and Editing Events

Adding an image input event

Adding scene events

Adding image filter events

Adding image layer events

Adding external events

Using loop events

Adding an image output event

Working with Ranges

Adding backgrounds and filters using Video Post

Summary

Part VI: Animating Objects and Scenes

Chapter 24: Understanding Animation and Keyframes

Using the Time Controls

Setting frame rate

Setting speed and direction

Using Time Tags

Working with Keys

Auto Key mode

Set Key mode

Tutorial: Rotating a windmill's blades

Copying parameter animation keys

Deleting all object animation keys

Using the Track Bar

Viewing and Editing Key Values

Using the Motion Panel

Setting parameters

Using trajectories

Tutorial: Making an airplane follow a looping path

Using the Follow/Bank utility

Using Ghosting

Animating Objects

Animating cameras

Tutorial: Animating darts hitting a dartboard

Animating lights

Animating materials

Tutorial: Dimming lights

Working with Previews

Creating previews

Viewing previews

Renaming previews

Using the RAM Player

Tutorial: Using the RAM Player to Combine Rendered Images into a Video File

Summary

Chapter 25: Animating with Constraints and Simple Controllers

Restricting Movement with Constraints

Using constraints

Working with the constraints

Understanding Controller Types

Assigning Controllers

Automatically assigned controllers

Assigning controllers with the Animation menu

Assigning controllers in the Motion panel

Assigning controllers in the Track View

Setting default controllers

Examining Some Simple Controllers

Noise controller

Spring controller

Summary

Chapter 26: Using Animation Layers and Animation Modifiers

Using the Animation Layers Toolbar

Working with Animation Layers

Enabling animation layers

Setting animation layers properties

Collapsing animation layers

Tutorial: Using animation layers for a plane takeoff

Saving and Loading Animation Files

Saving general animations

Mapping animated objects

Using the Map Animation dialog box

Retargeting animations

Using the Animation Modifiers

Baking Animation Keys with the Point Cache Modifier

Tutorial: Trees in a hurricane

Morpher modifier

Tutorial: Morphing facial expressions

Summary

Chapter 27: Wiring Parameters

Wiring Parameters

Using the Parameter Wiring dialog box

Manipulator helpers

Tutorial: Controlling a crocodile's bite

Collecting Parameters

Adding Custom Parameters

Summary

Chapter 28: Editing Animation Curves in the Track View

Learning the Track View Interface

The Track View layouts

Track View menus and toolbars

Controller and Key panes

Working with Keys

Selecting keys

Using soft selection

Adding and deleting keys

Moving, sliding, and scaling keys

Using the Region tool

Using the Retime tool

Editing keys

Using the Randomize Keys utility

Using the Euler Filter utility

Displaying keyable icons

Editing Time

Selecting time and the Select Keys by Time utility

Deleting, cutting, copying, and pasting time

Reversing, inserting, and scaling time

Setting ranges

Editing Curves

Inserting new keys and moving keys

Tutorial: Animating a monorail

Drawing curves

Reducing keys

Working with tangents

Tutorial: Animating a flowing river

Applying out-of-range, ease, and multiplier curves

Tutorial: Animating a wind-up teapot

Filtering Tracks and Creating Track Sets

Using the Filters dialog box

Creating a track set

Working with Controllers

Using visibility tracks

Adding note tracks

Using the ProSound Plug-in

Tutorial: Adding sound to an animation

Summary

Part VII: Working with Characters

Chapter 29: Understanding Rigging, Kinematics, and Working with Bones

Understanding Rigging

A typical rigging workflow

Building a Bones System

Assigning an IK Solver

Setting bone parameters

Defining joint constraints

Naming bones

Tutorial: Creating a bones system for an alligator

Using the Bone Tools

Reordering bones

Refining and mirroring bones

Coloring bones

Adjusting fins

Making objects into bones

Forward Kinematics versus Inverse Kinematics

Creating an Inverse Kinematics System

History Independent (HI) IK solver

History Dependent (HD) IK solver

Tutorial: Animating a spyglass with the HD IK solver

IK Limb solver

Tutorial: Animating a spider's leg with the IK Limb solver

Spline IK solver

Tutorial: Building an IK Spline alligator

Summary

Chapter 30: Skinning Characters

Understanding Your Character

The curse and blessing of symmetry

Dealing with details

Animated Skin Modifiers

Understanding the skinning process

Binding to a skeleton

Using the Skin Wrap modifiers

Tutorial: Making a simple squirt bottle walk

Using the Skin Morph modifier

Tutorial: Bulging arm muscles

Using Character Animation Techniques

Summary

Chapter 31: Animating Characters with CAT

Character Creation Workflow

Creating a CAT Rig

Using prebuilt CAT rigs

Modifying prebuilt CAT rigs

Using custom meshes

Tutorial: Editing the head bone

Building a custom CAT rig

Naming CAT bones

Tutorial: Building a custom CAT rig to match a skin mesh

Animating a CAT Rig

Blending absolute animation layers

Using adjustment animation layers

Creating a walk cycle with a CAT Motion layer

Tutorial: Animating a character walking along a path

Summary

Part VIII: Dynamic Animation

Chapter 32: Creating Particles

Understanding the Various Particle Systems

Creating a Particle System

Using the Spray and Snow Particle Systems

Tutorial: Creating rain showers

Tutorial: Creating a snowstorm

Using the Super Spray Particle System

Super Spray Basic Parameters rollout

Particle Generation rollout

Particle Type rollout

Rotation and Collision rollout

Tutorial: Basketball shooting practice

Object Motion Inheritance rollout

Bubble Motion rollout

Particle Spawn rollout

Load/Save Presets rollout

Using the Blizzard Particle System

Using the PArray Particle System

Splitting an object into fragments

Tutorial: Creating rising steam

Using the PCloud Particle System

Using Particle System Maps

Using the Particle Age map

Using the Particle MBlur map

Tutorial: Creating jet engine flames

Summary

Chapter 33: Using Space Warps

Creating and Binding Space Warps

Creating a Space Warp

Binding a Space Warp to an object

Understanding Space Warp Types

Force Space Warps

Deflector Space Warps

Geometric/Deformable Space Warps

Modifier-Based Space Warps

Combining Particle Systems with Space Warps

Tutorial: Shattering glass

Tutorial: Making water flow down a trough

Summary

Chapter 34: Simulating Physics-Based Motion with MassFX

Understanding Dynamics

Using MassFX

The MassFX process

Establishing the simulation properties

Starting and stopping the simulation

Tutorial: Filling a glass bowl

Setting Object Properties

Setting the object type

Density, mass, friction, and elasticity

Creating presets

Defining collision boundaries

Setting initial motion

Displaying interactions

Tutorial: Knocking over milk cans

Using Constraints and Baking Keys

Tutorial: Opening a door

Capturing the Simulation Motion as Keys

Tutorial: Dropping a plate of donuts

Working with mCloth and Ragdolls

Using mCloth

Tutorial: Hanging a flag on a flagpole

Creating a Ragdoll

Tutorial: Playing dodge ball

Summary

Chapter 35: Working with Hair and Cloth

Understanding Hair

Working with Hair

Growing hair

Setting hair properties

Tutorial: Adding a spline fringe to a quilt

Styling Hair

Using the Style interface

Tutorial: Creating a set of fuzzy dice

Using hair presets

Using hair instances

Rendering Hair

Using Hair Dynamics

Making hair live

Setting properties

Enabling collisions

Enabling forces

Running a simulation

Tutorial: Simulating hair dynamics

Understanding Cloth

Creating Cloth

Using Garment Maker to define cloth

Creating cloth from geometry objects

Tutorial: Clothing a 3D model

Simulating Cloth Dynamics

Defining cloth properties and forces

Creating a cloth simulation

Viewing cloth tension

Tutorial: Draping cloth over a jet

Summary

Part IX: Configuring the Interface

Chapter 36: Configuring the Viewports

Setting Viewport Visual Style and Appearance

Using the Rendering levels

Viewing transparency

Other rendering options

Setting the Field of View

Grabbing a viewport image

Configuring viewport lighting and shadows

Configuring the Viewport Background

Altering the Viewport Layout

Using Safe Frames

Setting Display Performance

Defining Regions

Viewing Statistics

Configuring the ViewCube and SteeringWheels

Summary

Chapter 37: Setting Preferences

Setting General Preferences

Undo Levels and the Reference Coordinate System

Loading Plug-Ins and Sub-Material settings

Scene Selection settings

Spinner, Rollout, and Vertex Normal settings

User Interface Display settings

Layer settings

Real-World Texture Coordinates setting

Setting File Preferences

Handling files

Backing up files

Tutorial: Setting up Auto Backup

Maintaining log files

Configuring Paths

Configuring user paths

Configuring system paths

Setting viewport preferences

Viewport parameter options

Enabling ghosting

Choosing and configuring display drivers

Setting Interaction Mode

Setting Gamma and Look-Up Table (LUT) Preferences

Setting screen gamma

Propagating gamma settings

Setting bitmap gamma

Setting Rendering and Radiosity Preferences

Changing rendering quality

Using Local and Global Advanced Lighting Settings

Setting Animation Preferences

Setting Inverse Kinematics Preferences

Setting Gizmo Preferences

Accessing mental ray Preferences

Setting Global Container Preferences

Setting Help Preferences

Summary

Chapter 38: Customizing the Interface

Using the Customize User Interface Window

Customizing keyboard shortcuts

Defining the mouse actions

Customizing toolbars

Tutorial: Creating a custom toolbar

Customizing quad menus

Customizing menus

Tutorial: Adding a new menu

Customizing colors

Customizing the Ribbon

Making dynamic tools and panels

Saving Ribbon changes

Tutorial: Building a Ribbon panel of primitives

Customizing Modify and Utilities Panel Buttons

Working with Custom Interfaces

Saving and loading a custom interface

Locking the interface

Reverting to the startup interface

Switching between default and custom interfaces

Summary

Part X: Advanced Modeling

Chapter 39: Using Asset Tracking

Setting Up Asset Tracking

Accessing Autodesk Vault

Checking in and checking out

Using the Asset Tracking interface

Logging in

Selecting a working folder

Getting and adding Vault files

Loading older file versions

Changing asset paths

Working with proxies

Tutorial: Editing a Vault asset

Summary

Chapter 40: Building Complex Scenes with Containers and XRefs

Working with Containers

Creating and filling containers

Closing and saving containers

Updating and reloading containers

Setting container rules

Using container proxies

Using the Container Explorer

Referencing External Objects

Using XRef scenes

Using XRef objects

Using Material XRefs

Merging modifiers

Using proxies

Controller XRefs

Configuring XRef paths

Tutorial: Using an XRef proxy

Configuring XRef paths

Using the File Link Manager

Using i-drop

Summary

Chapter 41: Working with Loft Objects

Creating a Loft Object

Using the Get Shape and Get Path buttons

Controlling surface parameters

Changing path parameters

Setting skin parameters

Tutorial: Designing a slip-proof hanger

Deforming Loft objects

The Deformation window interface

Scale Deformation

Twist Deformation

Teeter Deformation

Bevel Deformation

Fit Deformation

Modifying Loft subobjects

Comparing shapes

Editing Loft paths

Tutorial: Creating drapes

Loft objects versus surface tools

Summary

Chapter 42: Modeling with Patches

Introducing Patch Grids

Creating a patch grid

Tutorial: Creating a checkerboard

Editing Patches

Editable Patches versus the Edit Patch modifier

Selecting patch subobjects

Working with patch Geometry

Editing vertices

Editing handles

Editing edges

Editing patch and element subobjects

Tutorial: Creating a maple leaf from patches

Using Modifiers on Patch Objects

Patch Select modifier

Edit Patch modifier

Delete Patch modifier

Using the Surface tools

Summary

Chapter 43: Working with NURBS

Creating NURBS Curves and Surfaces

NURBS curves

NURBS surfaces

Converting objects to NURBS

Editing NURBS

Attach and Import

Display options

Surface and Curve Approximation

The NURBS Creation Toolbox

Using NURBS subobject editing tools

Working with NURBS

Lofting a NURBS Surface

Tutorial: Creating a U Loft NURBS Spoon

Creating a UV Loft Surface

Lathing a NURBS Surface

Tutorial: Lathing a NURBS CV Curve to Create a Vase

Creating a 1-Rail and 2-Rail Sweep Surface

Tutorial: Creating a Flower Stem

Sculpting a Rectangular NURBS Surface

Tutorial: Creating a NURBS leaf

Tutorial: Sculpting a flower petal

Using NURBS Modifiers

Summary

Chapter 44: Working with Solids and Body Objects

Importing CAD Objects

Converting 3ds Max Objects to Body Objects

Working with Body Objects

Editing Body Objects

Applying modifiers to Body Objects

Using Boolean operations with Body Objects

Using the Join Bodies and Body Cutter features

Setting display and rendering properties

Exporting Body Objects

Summary

Chapter 45: Working with More Compound Objects

Adding Details with Compound Objects

Creating Conform Objects

Creating a Scatter Object

Creating a ShapeMerge Object

Cookie Cutter and Merge options

Tutorial: Using the ShapeMerge compound object

Using the Mesher Object

Creating Connect Objects

Filling object holes

Tutorial: Creating a park bench

Union

Intersection

Subtraction

Cut

Tips for working with Booleans

Tutorial: Creating a Lincoln Log set

Summary

Chapter 46: Using the Schematic View

Using the Schematic View Window

The Graph Editors menu options

The Schematic View interface

Working with Schematic View nodes

Working with Hierarchies

Using the Display floater

Connecting nodes

Copying modifiers and materials between nodes

Assigning controllers and wiring parameters

Tutorial: Linking a character with the Schematic View

Setting Schematic View Preferences

Limiting nodes

Working with grids and backgrounds

Display preferences

Tutorial: Adding a background image to the Schematic View

Using List Views

Summary

Part XI: Advanced Materials

Chapter 47: Using the Compact Material Editor

Working with the Compact Material Editor

Using the Material Editor controls

Using the sample slots

Naming materials

Getting new materials

Assigning materials to objects

Picking materials from a scene

Selecting objects by material

Previewing materials and rendering maps

Setting Material Editor options

Resetting materials

Removing materials and maps

Using the Fix Ambient utility

Tutorial: Coloring Easter eggs

Summary

Chapter 48: Working with Material Libraries

Using the Material/Map Browser

Working with libraries

Tutorial: Loading a custom material library

Using the Material Explorer

Summary

Chapter 49: Working with Procedural Substance Textures

Selecting and Applying Substance Textures

Loading Substance textures

Linking Substance maps

Randomizing Substance Textures

Tutorial: Applying Substance Textures to a Scene

Summary

Chapter 50: Painting in the Viewport Canvas

Using the Viewport Canvas

Setting up an object for painting

Using the Canvas brushes

Painting with images

Using paint layers

Painting in 2D

Using the paint options

Tutorial: Face painting

Using Vertex Colors

Assigning vertex colors

Painting vertices with the Vertex Paint modifier

Tutorial: Marking heart tension

The Assign Vertex Color utility

Summary

Chapter 51: Using Peel, Pelt, and Spline Unwrapping

Using Peel and Pelt Mapping

Creating seams

Using the Peel tools

Using Pelt mapping

Tutorial: Using pelt mapping

Using Spline Mapping

Tutorial: Spline mapping a snake

Unfolding a loop strip

Summary

Chapter 52: Creating Baked Textures and Normal Maps

Using Channels

Using the Map Channel Info dialog box

Select by Channel modifier

Rendering to a Texture

General Settings

Selecting objects to bake

Output settings

Baked Material and Automatic Mapping settings

Tutorial: Baking the textures for a dog model

Creating Normal Maps

Using the Projection modifier

Setting Projection Mapping options

Tutorial: Creating a normal map for a Spikey sphere

Tutorial: Creating a normal map for an optimized gator

Summary

Part XII: Advanced Animation and Character Animation

Chapter 53: Using the Motion Mixer

Using the Motion Mixer

Learning the Motion Mixer interface

Adding layer and transition tracks

Editing clips

Editing track weights

Adding Time Warps

Working with Bipeds

Copying mixed animation to a biped

Saving and loading Mix files

Tutorial: Mixing biped animations

Creating Image File Lists

Generating IFL files with the IFL Manager Utility

Tutorial: What's on TV?

Summary

Chapter 54: Working with Legacy Inverse Kinematics Systems

Creating an Inverse Kinematics System

Building and linking a system

Selecting a terminator

Defining joint constraints

Copying, pasting, and mirroring joints

Binding objects

Understanding precedence

Tutorial: Controlling a backhoe

Using the Legacy Inverse Kinematics Methods

Interactive IK

Applied IK

Summary

Chapter 55: Creating and Animating Bipeds

Creating a Biped

Customizing a biped

Using Xtras

Modifying a biped

Setting the Biped display options

Selecting tracks

Moving and rotating the whole biped

Tutorial: Making a biped dive

Bending links

Working with postures and poses

Tutorial: Creating a four-footed biped

Animating a Biped

Using Footstep Mode

Tutorial: Making a biped jump on a box

Converting biped animation clips

Using Freeform Mode

Setting Freeform keys

Using the Keyframing Tools, Layers, and Motion Capture

Loading and saving biped animation clips

Using Motion Flow Mode

Previewing a biped animation

Moving a biped with its footsteps

Summary

Chapter 56: Creating Character Crowds

Creating Crowds

Using Crowd and Delegate helpers

Scattering delegates

Setting delegate parameters

Assigning behaviors

Solving the simulation

Tutorial: Rabbits in the forest

Creating a Crowd of Bipeds

Associating delegates with objects

Associating delegates with objects

Summary

Chapter 57: Working with Muscles in a CAT Rig

Working with Muscles

Using Muscle Strands

Using CATMuscles

Tutorial: Adding muscles to a rig

Summary

Part XIII: Advanced Lighting and Rendering

Chapter 58: Using the Sunlight and Daylight Systems

Using the Sunlight and Daylight Systems

Using the Compass helper

Understanding Azimuth and Altitude

Specifying date and time

Specifying location

Loading Weather Data

Configuring Sunlight and Skylight

Tutorial: Animating a day in 20 seconds

Summary

Chapter 59: Working with Advanced Lighting, Light Tracing, and Radiosity

Selecting Advanced Lighting

How light tracing works

Enabling light tracing

Tutorial: Viewing color bleeding

Using Local Advanced Lighting Settings

Tutorial: Excluding Objects from Light Tracing

Understanding Radiosity

Lighting for radiosity

Tutorial: Lighting a house interior with radiosity

Working with Advanced Lighting Materials

Advanced Lighting Override

Using Lighting Analysis

Building Assemblies

Summary

Chapter 60: Rendering Surface Maps

Rendering Surface Maps

Using Surface Maps

Tutorial: Generating and Applying Surface Maps

Summary

Chapter 61: Printing and Creating Panoramic Images

Getting Printer Help

Creating Panoramic Images

Summary

Chapter 62: Batch and Network Rendering

Batch Rendering Scenes

Using the Batch Render tool

Managing scene states

Creating a stand-alone executable

Understanding Network Rendering

Setting Up a Network Rendering System

Setting up the network

Tutorial: Locating TCP/IP and gathering IP addresses

Tutorial: Installing and configuring TCP/IP

Tutorial: Setting up 3ds Max on the networked computers

Configuring shared directories

Tutorial: Sharing directories

Tutorial: Choosing shared directories

Starting the Network Rendering System

Tutorial: Initializing the network rendering system

Tutorial: Completing your first network rendering job

Job assignment options

Configuring the Network Manager and Servers

The network manager settings

The network servers settings

Logging Errors

Using the Monitor

Jobs

Servers

Summary

Part XIV: Advanced Effects

Chapter 63: Creating Effects with Volume Lights

Using Volume Lights

Volume light parameters

Tutorial: Showing car headlights

Tutorial: Creating laser beams

Using projector maps and raytraced shadows

Tutorial: Projecting a trumpet image on a scene

Tutorial: Creating a stained-glass window

Summary

Chapter 64: Adding Lens Effects

Creating Lens Effects

Global Lens Effects Parameters

Glow

Tutorial: Creating shocking electricity from a plug outlet

Tutorial: Creating neon

Ring

Ray

Star

Streak

Auto Secondary

Manual Secondary

Tutorial: Making an airplane sparkle

Working with Lens Effects Filters

Adding flares

Adding focus

Adding glow

Adding highlights

Tutorial: Making a halo shine

Summary

Chapter 65: Controlling Particles with the Particle Flow Interface

Controlling Particles with Particle Flow

The Particle View window

The Standard Flow

Working with Actions

Tutorial: Creating an avalanche

Using Particle Flow Helpers

Wiring events

Tutorial: Moths chasing a light

Debugging Test Actions

Tutorial: Firing at a fleeing spaceship

Tutorial: Creating a black hole using Particle Flow

Summary

Part XV: Adding Functionality

Chapter 66: Automating with MAXScript

What Is MAXScript?

MAXScript Tools

The MAXScript menu

The MAXScript Utility rollout

Tutorial: Using the SphereArray script

The MAXScript Listener window

Tutorial: Talking to the MAXScript interpreter

MAXScript Editor windows

The Macro Recorder

Tutorial: Recording a simple script

The MAXScript Debugger

Setting MAXScript Preferences

Types of Scripts

Macro scripts

Scripted utilities

Scripted right-click menus

Scripted mouse tools

Scripted plug-ins

Writing Your Own MAXScripts

Variables and data types

Tutorial: Using variables

Program flow and comments

Expressions

Conditions

Collections and arrays

Loops

Functions

Tutorial: Creating a school of fish

Learning the Visual MAXScript Editor Interface

The Editor interface

The menus and the main toolbar

Toolbar elements

Laying Out a Rollout

Aligning and spacing elements

Tutorial: Building a custom rollout with the Visual MAXScript Editor

Summary

Chapter 67: Expanding the Software with Third-Party Plug-Ins

Working with Plug-Ins

Installing plug-ins

Viewing installed plug-ins

Displaying scene information

Tutorial: Installing and using the AfterBurn plug-in demo

Using the Autodesk Animation Store

Locating Plug-Ins

Summary

Part XVI: Extended Reference

Chapter 68: Importing and Exporting Files

Importing and Exporting Data

Using the OBJ format

Using the FBX format

Exporting to the DWF format

Exporting utilities

Tutorial: Importing vector drawings from Illustrator

Summary

Chapter 69: Understanding Object Properties

Setting Object Properties

Viewing object information

Hiding and freezing objects

Setting Display Properties

Setting rendering controls

Enabling Motion Blur

Using the Advanced Lighting and mental ray panels

Using the User-Defined panel

Summary

Chapter 70: Exploring the Available Primitive Objects

Exploring the Primitive Object Types

Starting with the Standard Primitives

Extended Primitives

Modifying object parameters

Tutorial: Filling a treasure chest with gems

Using Architecture Primitives

Using AEC Objects

Tutorial: Adding stairs to a clock tower building

Summary

Chapter 71: Discovering Additional Modeling and Animation Modifiers

Using Selection Modifiers

Object-Space versus World-Space modifiers

Volume Select modifier

Using Spline Modifiers

Spline-specific modifiers

Moving splines to 3D

Using Edit Geometry Modifiers

Cap Holes modifier

Delete Mesh modifier

Extrude modifier

Face Extrude modifier

Tutorial: Extruding a bullet

ProOptimizer modifier

Tutorial: Creating a low-res hand

Quadify Mesh modifier

Smooth modifier

Symmetry modifier

Tutorial: Creating symmetrical antlers

Tessellate modifier

Vertex Weld modifier

Using Parametric Deformer Modifiers

Affect Region modifier

Bend modifier

Displace modifier

Lattice modifier

Mirror modifier

Noise modifier

Push modifier

Preserve modifier

Relax modifier

Ripple modifier

Shell modifier

Tutorial: Making a character from a sphere

Slice modifier

Skew modifier

Stretch modifier

Spherify modifier

Tutorial: Making a fat crocodile

Squeeze modifier

Twist modifier

Taper modifier

Tutorial: Creating a yo-yo

Substitute modifier

XForm modifier

Wave modifier

Tutorial: Waving a flag

Using Free Form Deformer Modifiers

FFD (Free Form Deformation) modifier

FFD (Box/Cyl) modifiers

Tutorial: Modeling a tire striking a curb

Using Primitive Maintenance Modifiers

Edit Mesh modifier

Edit Poly modifier

Miscellaneous Modifiers

Edit Normals

Normal modifier

STL Check modifier

Subdivision Surface Modifiers

MeshSmooth modifier

TurboSmooth modifier

Tutorial: Smoothing a birdbath

HSDS modifier

The Basics of Deformation Painting

Painting deformations

Accessing brush presets

Using the Deformation Brushes

Controlling the deformation direction

Limiting the deformation

Committing any changes

Using the Relax and Revert brushes

Tutorial: Adding veins to a forearm

Setting Painter Options

Using More Animation Modifiers

Using the Flex modifier

Melt modifier

PatchDeform and SurfDeformmodifiers

Tutorial: Deforming a car going over a hill

PathDeform modifier

LinkedXForm modifier

SplineIK Control modifier

Summary

Chapter 72: Using Specialized Material Types

Using the Ink 'n Paint Material

Controlling paint and ink

Tutorial: Cartooning a turtle

Using Architectural Materials

Using the DirectX and MetaSL Shader Material

DirectX Shader

Accessing mental ray materials and shaders

Combining bump and displacement maps

Summary

Chapter 73: Exploring the Various Map Types

Understanding Map Types

2D maps

3D maps

Compositor maps

Color Modifier maps

Miscellaneous maps

Summary

Chapter 74: Examining the Animation Controllers

Examining Complex Controllers

Transform controllers

Position track controllers

Rotation and Scale track controllers

Parameter controllers

Tutorial: Animating a hazard light

Tutorial: Animating a checkers move

Working with Expressions in Spinners

Understanding the Expression Controller Interface

Defining variables

Building expressions

Debugging and evaluating expressions

Managing expressions

Tutorial: Creating following eyes

Using Expression Controllers

Animating transforms with the Expression controller

Animating parameters with the Float Expression controller

Tutorial: Inflating a balloon

Animating materials with the Expression controller

Summary

Part XVII: Jumping into Projects

Chapter 75: Quick Start—3ds Max 4 Bible: Animating a Fighter Jet Fly-By

Tutorial: Importing the Jet Model

Tutorial: Applying Materials to the Jet Model

Tutorial: Positioning the Background Environment

Tutorial: Adding a Windmill Model

Tutorial: Working with Cameras and Lights

Animating the Jet

Tutorial: Creating an animation path

Tutorial: Assigning a controller

Tutorial: Adding a Smoke Trail

Rendering the Final Animation

Tutorial: Creating a preview animation

Tutorial: Rendering the final animation

Summary

Chapter 76: Quick Start—3ds Max 5 Bible: Animating a Spaceship Re-Entry

Tutorial: Importing the Spaceship Model

Tutorial: Applying Materials to the Spaceship

Tutorial: Positioning the Background Environment

Tutorial: Grouping the Spaceship Objects

Tutorial: Adding a Moon Prop

Tutorial: Adding a Camera and Positioning Objects

Animating the Spaceship

Tutorial: Creating random vibrating motion

Tutorial: Adding a Glow Atmospheric Effect

Rendering the Final Animation

Tutorial: Creating a preview animation

Tutorial: Rendering the final animation

Summary

Chapter 77: Quick Start—3ds Max 7 Bible: Creating and Animating a Three-Fingered Gaaboot

Modeling the Main Character

Tutorial: Modeling the Gaaboot's body and head

Tutorial: Modeling the Gaaboot's hands and feet

Tutorial: Adding face details

Tutorial: Connecting body parts

Creating the Landscape

Tutorial: Creating a lunar surface

Tutorial: Loading a background image

Adding Materials to Objects in the Scene

Tutorial: Applying materials

Tutorial: Adding eye pupils using vertex colors

Animating a Character

Tutorial: Creating and fitting a biped

Tutorial: Attaching the character skin to a biped

Tutorial: Animating a character's motion

Rendering the Final Animation

Tutorial: Creating a preview animation

Tutorial: Rendering the final animation

Summary

Chapter 78: Quick Start—3ds Max 8 Bible: Creating a Furry Creature

Tutorial: Creating the Rascoon's Body and Extruding Limbs

Tutorial: Adding the Rascoon's Head

Tutorial: Editing the Body

Tutorial: Adding Materials

Tutorial: Adding Fur

Tutorial: Creating a Forest Backdrop

Summary

Chapter 79: Quick Start—3ds Max 9 Bible: Animating a Dancing Cartoon Moose

Planning the Production

Modeling the Character

Tutorial: Loading reference sketches

Tutorial: Creating the moose's leg and foot

Tutorial: Extruding the moose's torso, arms, and hands

Tutorial: Mirroring the body

Tutorial: Adding a head

Tutorial: Editing the body

Tutorial: Adding materials

Tutorial: Creating and fitting a biped

Tutorial: Attaching the character skin to a biped

Tutorial: Animating a character's motion

Summary

Chapter 80: Quick Start—3ds Max 10 Bible: Creating and Flying Through a Greek Temple

Planning the Production

Modeling the Greek Temple

Tutorial: Building a Doric column

Tutorial: Cloning and positioning the Doric columns

Tutorial: Finishing the Greek Temple

Tutorial: Adding Architectural & Design materials

Tutorial: Adding a Sun & Sky system

Tutorial: Rendering the temple

Tutorial: Animating a camera flying through the scene

Summary

Chapter 81: Quick Start—3ds Max 2009 Bible: Firing a Cannonball

Tutorial: Building a Cannon Wheel

Tutorial: Cloning and Positioning the Cannon Wheels

Tutorial: Finishing the Cannon

Tutorial: Adding Materials

Tutorial: Adding a Sun & Sky System

Tutorial: Rendering the Scene

Tutorial: Animating a Cannon Firing

Tutorial: Adding Particles

Summary

Chapter 82: Quick Start—3ds Max 2010 Bible: Landing a Space Vehicle

Setting Up the Scene

Tutorial: Gathering models

Tutorial: Adding a ground plane

Adding Materials and Lights

Tutorial: Adding materials

Tutorial: Adding a Sun & Sky system

Tutorial: Rendering the scene

Tutorial: Animating a Spaceship Landing

Summary

Chapter 83: Quick Start—3ds Max 2011 Bible: Animating a Walking Dinosaur

Setting Up the Scene

Tutorial: Gathering models

Tutorial: Adding a ground plane

Adding Materials and Lights

Tutorial: Enabling mental ray and adding materials

Tutorial: Adding a Sun & Sky system

Tutorial: Rendering a preview

Animating the Dinosaur

Tutorial: Adding a preset CAT rig

Tutorial: Creating a walking motion path

Tutorial: Rendering the final animation

Summary

Chapter 84: Quick Start—3ds Max 2012 Bible: Laying Siege to a Castle Wall

Setting Up the Scene

Tutorial: Building a wall

Tutorial: Gathering models

Tutorial: Adding a ground plane

Adding Materials and Lights

Tutorial: Adding materials

Tutorial: Adding a Sun & Sky system

Tutorial: Rendering a preview

Creating a Dynamic Animation with MassFX

Tutorial: Running a simulation

Tutorial: Rendering the final animation

Summary

Appendix A: What's New with Autodesk 3ds Max 2013

State Sets

Compact Track View

Viewport Layouts toolbar

Gradient background

Autodesk DirectConnect support

Maya Navigation mode

gPoly Modeling Format

MassFX improvements

Skin improvements

Workspaces

Nitrous improvements

iray and mental ray improvements

Appendix B: What's on the CD-ROM

Author-created materials

3D models

Appendix C: Installing and Configuring Autodesk 3ds Max 2013

Nitrous

Direct3D

OpenGL

Software

Appendix D: Keyboard Shortcuts