3DS MAX CLASS IN NYC - 3DS MAX FUNDAMENTALS - 3DS MAX ADVANCED

Autodesk 3DS MAX classes - supported by Official Certification Courseware approved by Autodesk. 32 hrs/level.

3DS MAX Fundamentals

The Autodesk 3ds Max Fundamentals (32 hours) training provides a thorough introduction to the Autodesk 3ds Max software, that will help new users make the most of this sophisticated application, as well as broaden the horizons of existing, self-taught users.

This training allows students to successfully complete real-world tasks encountered by the primary users of the Autodesk 3ds Max software: professionals in the Architecture, Construction, Interior Design, Engineering and Product Design industries among others.

The 3DS MAX fundamentals' course teaches how to use the essential 3D modeling tools, materials, lighting and rendering, and it will help you understand how to use the interface and the most important settings for beginning 3D modelers. Students will be able to learn with practical, hands-on exercises that will greatly facilitate the learning of this software.

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to setup 3DS MAX, work with the interface, use transform and visualization tools, create 3D models, apply essential materials and lights, and render a 3D scene. This course prepares the student for Advanced 3DS MAX, and provides the essential design tools for 3D professionals.

The extended course features additional practical exercises and expanded training contents that greatly facilitate your understanding of the software.

3DS MAX Advanced

The Autodesk 3ds Max Advanced (32 hours) is a course for more experienced users of the software or students who have completed 3DS MAX Fundamentals and want to achieve professional-level results. You will learn subjects such as advanced-level 3D animation, advanced 3D modeling, sophisticated animation tools, advanced materials and expert-level lighting techniques among others.

The course teaches how to use professional-quality techniques and resources that allow for photo-realistic rendering and high-quality results.
Users will learn expert-level production skills such as 3D model deployment and 3D scene and resource management, with techniques that facilitate creating very advanced environments or renderings with minimal work.

In addition to this, the student will learn how to use the essentials of V-Ray, the most popular, photo-realistic quality rendering software for 3DS MAX.

Additional contents of this training include access to some of the most advanced tools and techniques of 3DS MAX, such as:

- Advanced animation and rendering tools and techniques, including VRay and Arnold renderers,
- Physical cameras and their extended configuration options, IBL lighting, Environmental lights, and more.
- Using 2D modify and 3D surface and polygon modeling tools to customize surface modeling and material application,
- integrating AutoCAD into the workflow for engineering-level, precise results,
- Advanced lighting tools and techniques (such as image-based lighting),
- Inverse and Forward Kinematics (IK and FK) for animation,
- mCloth, MassFX, SpaceWarps,
- Advanced deformers,
- Advanced Architectural photo-realistic visualization for interiors and exteriors,
- And much more!

This training is for the serious student or professional who aspires to use 3DS MAX to achieve photo-realistic renderings in a professional situation.

For an extensive coverage of the fundamental and advanced tools, plus additional practice exercises, and advanced rendering with the new Arnold and VRay rendering engines, take 3DS MAX Fundamentals + Advanced. (V-Ray must be installed separately and is not included with 3DS MAX).

The books available will be the latest version offered by the authorized courseware developer. Course topics are updated in order to teach the latest available version of the program, or any earlier versions upon request.

Topics Covered (Fundamentals):

Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max Interface and Workflow
Assembling Files by importing, linking, or merging
3D Modeling with Primitives and 2D Objects
Using Modifiers to create and modify 3D objects
Materials and Maps
Autodesk 3ds Max Lighting
Lighting and Rendering with Arnold
Rendering and Cameras
Animation for Visualization

Prerequisites:

Experience with 3D modeling is recommended.
A working knowledge of your operating system.

Course Outline:

3DS MAX Fundamentals + Advanced (Imperial)
Complete course: 32 hours/level.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Autodesk 3ds Max............................................... 1-1
1.1    Overview.................................................................................................... 1-2
1.2    Visualization Workflow.......................................................................... 1-4
1.3    The Autodesk 3ds Max Interface......................................................... 1-6
Welcome Screen....................................................................................... 1-6
Interface...................................................................................................... 1-7
1.4    File Commands...................................................................................... 1-28
Create New Scenes................................................................................ 1-28
Open and Save Files.............................................................................. 1-29
Preferences.............................................................................................. 1-30
Setting the Project Folder...................................................................... 1-32
1.5    Configure Paths..................................................................................... 1-33
1.6    Display Drivers...................................................................................... 1-36
1.7    Viewport Display and Labels............................................................. 1-37
General Viewport.................................................................................... 1-37
Point Of View........................................................................................... 1-38
Shading Viewport.................................................................................... 1-39
Per-View Preference.............................................................................. 1-40
Practice 1a Organizing Folders and Working with the Interface....... 1-43
Practice 1b Autodesk 3ds Max Quickstart............................................... 1-54
Chapter Review Questions.......................................................................... 1-62
Command Summary...................................................................................... 1-64

Chapter 2: Autodesk 3ds Max Configuration................................................. 2-1
2.1    Viewport Navigation............................................................................... 2-2
Viewport Navigation Toolbar................................................................... 2-2
Viewport Navigation Toolbar (Camera Viewport)................................. 2-4
Viewport Navigation Using the ViewCube............................................ 2-4
Viewport Navigation Using the SteeringWheel.................................... 2-5
2.2    Viewport Configuration and Settings................................................ 2-6
Viewport Configuration............................................................................. 2-6
Viewport Setting and Preferences.......................................................... 2-9
Practice 2a Viewport Configuration and Navigation............................. 2-11
2.3    Object Selection Methods................................................................... 2-16
Practice 2b Selection Methods................................................................... 2-20
2.4    Units Setup............................................................................................. 2-26
Practice 2c Working with Units Setup...................................................... 2-28
2.5    Layer and Object Properties.............................................................. 2-29
Layers Toolbar......................................................................................... 2-29
Layer Explorer......................................................................................... 2-30
Layer Properties...................................................................................... 2-32
Object Properties..................................................................................... 2-32
Display Panel........................................................................................... 2-34
Practice 2d Layer and Object Properties................................................. 2-35
Chapter Review Questions.......................................................................... 2-40
Command Summary...................................................................................... 2-42

Chapter 3: Assembling Project Files................................................................ 3-1
3.1    Data Linking and Importing.................................................................. 3-2
Linking vs. Importing................................................................................. 3-2
Editing Linked Data................................................................................... 3-3
Importing..................................................................................................... 3-4
Merging Autodesk 3ds Max Scene Files............................................... 3-4
Civil View.................................................................................................... 3-4
Practice 3a Ground Surfaces using Civil View......................................... 3-7
3.2    Linking Files........................................................................................... 3-13
Linking DWG Files.................................................................................. 3-13
Linking FBX and RVT Files................................................................... 3-13
Manage Links Options............................................................................ 3-14
File Link Settings: DWG Files............................................................... 3-16
File Link Settings: Revit Files (RVT or FBX)....................................... 3-21
Practice 3b Linking an AutoCAD DWG..................................................... 3-23
Practice 3c Linking and Reloading Autodesk Revit File...................... 3-29
3.3    References.............................................................................................. 3-35
External References (XRef).................................................................. 3-35
Data Management and Asset Tracking............................................... 3-35
Practice 3d XRef and Merge Objects......................................................... 3-37
Chapter Review Questions.......................................................................... 3-43
Command Summary...................................................................................... 3-44

Chapter 4: Basic Modeling Techniques........................................................... 4-1
4.1    Model with Primitives............................................................................. 4-2
Practice 4a Modeling with Primitives........................................................... 4-4
4.2    Modifiers and Transforms.................................................................... 4-8
Modifiers..................................................................................................... 4-8
Transform Tools......................................................................................... 4-9
Practice 4b Modeling with Modifiers and Transforms.......................... 4-13
4.3    Sub-Object Mode................................................................................... 4-24
Working in Sub-Object Mode................................................................ 4-24
Geometric Edits through Sub-objects.................................................. 4-25
Geometric Sub-Objects.......................................................................... 4-26
Smoothing................................................................................................ 4-26
Caddy Display for Edit Poly Modifier................................................... 4-27
Practice 4c Modeling with Edit Poly in Sub-Object Mode................... 4-29
4.4    Reference Coordinate Systems and Transform Centers........... 4-34
Reference Coordinate Systems............................................................ 4-34
Transform Centers.................................................................................. 4-36
4.5    Cloning and Grouping......................................................................... 4-37
Cloning..................................................................................................... 4-37
Grouping................................................................................................... 4-38
Practice 4d Modeling with Coordinate Systems.................................... 4-40
Practice 4e Cloning and Grouping............................................................. 4-42
4.6    Polygon Modeling Tools in the Ribbon.......................................... 4-47
Practice 4f (Optional) Poly Modeling Using the Ribbon...................... 4-48
4.7    Statistics in Viewport........................................................................... 4-63
Chapter Review Questions.......................................................................... 4-65
Command Summary...................................................................................... 4-67

Chapter 5: Modeling From 2D Objects............................................................. 5-1
5.1    3D Modeling from 2D Objects.............................................................. 5-2
Practice 5a Drawing Lines............................................................................ . 5-4
5.2    The Lathe Modifier................................................................................ 5-11
Practice 5b Creating a Candlestick............................................................ 5-12
5.3    2D Booleans........................................................................................... 5-14
Practice 5c 2D Booleans............................................................................... 5-15
5.4    The Extrude Modifier............................................................................ 5-19
5.5    3D Boolean Operations....................................................................... 5-22
Practice 5d Extrude Walls and Create Wall Openings.......................... 5-26
5.6    Using Snaps for Precision.................................................................. 5-34
Practice 5e Creating a Door with Snaps................................................... 5-38
5.7    The Sweep Modifier.............................................................................. 5-44
Sweep Parameters.................................................................................. 5-45
Practice 5f Sweeping the Wall Baseboard............................................... 5-47
Chapter Review Questions.......................................................................... 5-53
Command Summary...................................................................................... 5-55

Chapter 6: Materials............................................................................................... 6-1
6.1    Understanding Materials and Maps................................................... 6-2
Introduction to Materials........................................................................... 6-2
Material Components............................................................................... 6-3
6.2    Material Shaders...................................................................................... 6-6
Shader (Specific) Basic Parameters....................................................... 6-7
6.3    Managing Materials............................................................................... 6-10
Slate Material Editor Interface............................................................... 6-10
Practice 6a Introduction to Materials......................................................... 6-19
6.4    General Materials................................................................................... 6-27
Physical Materials................................................................................... 6-27
Multi/Sub- Object Materials.................................................................... 6-30
Additional General Materials................................................................. 6-31
6.5    Scanline Materials................................................................................. 6-32
6.6    Autodesk Materials............................................................................... 6-34
6.7    Assigning Maps to Materials.............................................................. 6-36
Practice 6b Working with Standard Materials and Maps..................... 6-39
Practice 6c Working with Multi/Sub-Object Materials........................... 6-50
6.8    Opacity, Bump, and Reflection Mapping........................................ 6-60
Opacity Mapping..................................................................................... 6-60
Bump Mapping........................................................................................ 6-61
Reflection Mapping................................................................................. 6-61
Practice 6d Texture Mapping with Physical Material............................ 6-62
6.9    Arnold Materials..................................................................................... 6-69
Practice 6e Working with Arnold Materials.............................................. 6-72
Practice 6f Materials that Create Lighting................................................ 6-78
6.10 The Material Explorer........................................................................... 6-81
6.11 Scene Converter.................................................................................... 6-83
Chapter Review Questions.......................................................................... 6-87
Command Summary...................................................................................... 6-89

Chapter 7: Mapping Coordinates and Scale................................................... 7-1
7.1    Mapping Coordinates............................................................................. 7-2
Mapping Controls in Slate Material Editor............................................. 7-3
MapScaler Modifier................................................................................... 7-4
UVW Map Modifier.................................................................................... 7-5
Practice 7a Applying Mapping Coordinates.............................................. 7-6
Practice 7b Mapping a Large Scale Image................................................. 7-9
7.2    Mapping Scale........................................................................................ 7-13
Explicit Map Scaling............................................................................... 7-13
Continuous Map Scaling........................................................................ 7-14
Practice 7c Assigning Map Scales............................................................. 7-16
7.3    Spline Mapping...................................................................................... 7-22
Practice 7d Spline Mapping......................................................................... 7-23
Chapter Review Questions.......................................................................... 7-29

Chapter 8: Introduction to Lighting................................................................... 8-1
8.1    Local vs. Global Illumination................................................................ 8-2
Default Illumination................................................................................... 8-2
Local Illumination...................................................................................... 8-2
Global Illumination.................................................................................... 8-3
Types of Lights.......................................................................................... 8-4
8.2    Standard Lighting.................................................................................... 8-5
Common Parameters................................................................................ 8-6
8.3    Types of Standard Lights...................................................................... 8-8
Omni Lights................................................................................................ 8-8
Spotlights.................................................................................................... 8-8
Directional Lights.................................................................................... 8-10
Fill Lights.................................................................................................. 8-11
Skylight..................................................................................................... 8-11
Practice 8a Standard Lighting for an Interior Scene............................ 8-12
8.4    Shadow Types....................................................................................... 8-26
Common Shadow Parameters.............................................................. 8-28
Shadow Map Parameters....................................................................... 8-29
Ray Traced Shadows............................................................................. 8-30
Advanced Ray-Traced Shadows.......................................................... 8-30
Practice 8b Working with Shadow Parameters..................................... 8-32
Chapter Review Questions.......................................................................... 8-35
Command Summary...................................................................................... 8-37

Chapter 9: Lighting and Cameras...................................................................... 9-1
9.1    Photometric Light Objects.................................................................... 9-2
Photometric Light Types........................................................................... 9-2
Templates Rollout..................................................................................... 9-3
General Parameters Rollout.................................................................... 9-3
Distribution (Photometric Web) Rollout................................................. 9-4
Shape/Area Shadows Rollout................................................................. 9-6
Intensity/Color/Attenuation Rollout......................................................... 9-8
Practice 9a Working with Photometric Lights........................................ 9-10
9.2    Arnold Lights.......................................................................................... 9-20
Practice 9b Working with Arnold Lights................................................... 9-22
9.3    Cameras................................................................................................... 9-26
Physical Camera..................................................................................... 9-26
Target and Free Camera Parameters.................................................. 9-28
9.4    Background Images............................................................................. 9-32
Aspect Ratio............................................................................................. 9-34
Safe Frames............................................................................................. 9-35
Practice 9c Cameras and Background Images..................................... 9-38
Chapter Review Questions.......................................................................... 9-48
Command Summary...................................................................................... 9-49

Chapter 10: Exposure Control, Daylight, and Rendering......................... 10-1
10.1 Exposure Control.................................................................................. 10-2
Exposure Control Methods.................................................................... 10-2
Logarithmic Exposure Control Parameters......................................... 10-4
Physical Camera Exposure Control..................................................... 10-5
10.2 Daytime Lighting................................................................................... 10-6
Sun Positioner Daylight System........................................................... 10-6
Sunlight and Skylight System................................................................ 10-8
Image Based Lighting.......................................................................... 10-12
Practice 10a Image Based Lighting......................................................... 10-13
Practice 10b Lighting with Sun Positioner.......................................... 10-19
10.3 Rendering Options.............................................................................. 10-24
Common Options.................................................................................. 10-25
Common Tab......................................................................................... 10-27
Renderer Tab......................................................................................... 10-28
10.4 Arnold Renderer.................................................................................. 10-29
Arnold Renderer Tab............................................................................ 10-30
System Tab............................................................................................ 10-32
Archive Tab............................................................................................ 10-32
Diagnostics Tab..................................................................................... 10-33
AOV Settings Tab................................................................................. 10-33
Practice 10c Working with Arnold Renderer....................................... 10-34
10.5 Scanline Renderer.............................................................................. 10-40
Single vs. Double-Sided in Scanline Rendering.............................. 10-43
10.6 ART Renderer...................................................................................... 10-47
Practice 10d Working with Scanline Rendering Options................. 10-49
10.7 State Sets.............................................................................................. 10-57
10.8 The Print Size Wizard......................................................................... 10-61
Practice 10e Using the Print Size Wizard............................................... 10-62
Chapter Review Questions........................................................................ 10-64
Command Summary................................................................................... 10-66

Chapter 11: Animation........................................................................................ 11-1
11.1 Animation and Time Controls............................................................ 11-2
Time Configuration................................................................................. 11-6
Progressive Display and Adaptive Degradation.............................. 11-10
11.2 Walkthrough Animation..................................................................... 11-13
Practice 11a Creating a Turntable Animation..................................... 11-15
Practice 11b Keyframing a Camera Animation................................... 11-24
Practice 11c Creating a Walkthrough Animation............................... 11-31
11.3 Animation Output................................................................................ 11-36
Practice 11d Creating Animation Output.............................................. 11-39
Chapter Review Questions........................................................................ 11-44
Command Summary................................................................................... 11-46

3DS MAX Advanced Contents

Advanced tools, methods and expanded functionality of 3DS MAX
Advanced Materials (such as PBR)
Advanced Lights and lighting methods
VRay for Expert-level rendering + advanced V-Ray materials and lights
Advanced Arnold Rendering
Advanced Modifiers and deformers
Advanced 3D modeling
Photorealistic Rendering with Advanced Rendering settings
External plugins and add-ons to extend functionality of 3DS MAX
Scene management
3D modeling management
Integration with other software and plugins
Additional resources for photo-realistic, high-speed 3D production