Autodesk 3ds Max 2024 Basics Guide

• Takes a beginner-friendly approach that assumes no prior knowledge of Autodesk 3ds Max
• Uses clear, easy-to-follow tutorials
• Detailed lessons progress from basic functions to advanced techniques
• Real-world examples help you apply your skills in a professional setting
• Includes coverage of the newest features and improvements to Autodesk 3ds Max 2024

Discover the world of 3D Modeling and animation with Autodesk 3ds Max 2024 Basics Guide, a comprehensive and user-friendly guide designed for beginners and professionals alike. Authored by renowned 3D artist Kelly L. Murdock, this essential handbook incorporates an array of easy-to-follow tutorials, covering everything from interface navigation to advanced lighting techniques.

Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned professional looking to expand your skills, this guide will help you develop the knowledge and confidence necessary to create stunning 3D models, animations, and renderings. With meticulously organized chapters, each focusing on a specific skill set, you'll be smoothly guided through the entire process, from exploring the interface to simulating physics-based motion and working with hair and cloth.

Autodesk 3ds Max 2024 Basics Guide begins by introducing you to the user interface and scene navigation, then delves into object manipulation, 3D asset modeling, material application, camera and lighting techniques, rendering, animation, character creation, special effects, and dynamic animation systems.

As both a beginner's guide and a reference for experienced users, this invaluable resource offers expert advice from popular author Kelly Murdock. The book begins with a ‘getting started' section for instant immersion, and contains countless tips and timesavers throughout. Learn how to harness the power of Autodesk 3ds Max, one of the most popular 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and compositing softwares used by game developers and graphic designers in the film and television industry. Unlock your creative potential and start creating breathtaking 3D animations with the Autodesk 3ds Max 2024 Basics Guide.

What You'll Learn

• Get started navigating the user interface, Viewports and working with files
• Explore 3D modeling and how to apply materials and textures
• Learn how to reference, select, clone, group, link and transform objects
• Set impressive scenes with backgrounds, cameras and lighting
• Master intelligent techniques for rendering, compositing and animating
• Create characters, add special effects, and finish with dynamic animations such as hair and cloth
• Get comfortable with key tools such as Track View, Arnold, Quicksilver, Space Warps and more
• Discover all the new features and changes in 3ds Max 2024

Table of Contents

     Preface
     Acknowledgments
     Front Matter

     Part I: Getting Started with Autodesk 3ds Max 2024

1.   Exploring the 3ds Max Interface
2.   Controlling and Configuring the Viewports
3.   Working with Files, Importing, and Exporting
    
     Part II: Manipulating Objects

4.   Creating and Editing Primitives and Selecting Objects
5.   Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping
6.   Cloning Objects and Creating Object Arrays
7.   Grouping, Linking and Parenting Objects
8.   Organizing Scenes with Layers, Containers, and XRefs
    
     Part III: Modeling 3D Assets

9.   Accessing Subobjects and Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack
10. Drawing and Editing 2D Splines and Shapes
11. Modeling with Polygons
12. Using the Graphite Modeling Tools and Painting with Objects
13. Working with Compound Objects
14. Using Mesh Modifiers and Deforming Surfaces
    
     Part IV: Applying Materials and Textures

15. Creating and Applying Materials with the Slate Material Editor
16. Adding Material Details with Maps
17. Creating Compound Materials and Using Material Modifiers
    
     Part V: Setting the Scene: Cameras, Lights, and Rendering

18. Configuring Cameras and Environments
19. Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques
20. Rendering a Scene and Working with Arnold
    
     Part VI: Animating Objects and Scenes

21. Understanding Animation and Keyframes
22. Using Animation Layers and Animation Modifiers
23. Animating with Constraints and Simple Controllers
24. Editing Animation Curves in the Track View
    
     Part VII: Working with Characters and Special Effects

25. Understanding Rigging, Kinematics, and Working with Bones and Skin
26. Animating Characters with CAT
27. Using Particles and Space Warps
28. Using Atmospheric, Render, and Lighting Effects
    
     Part VIII: Using Dynamic Animation Systems

29. Simulating Physics-Based Motion with MassFX
30. Working with Hair, Cloth, and Fluids
     Index