Harnessing 3ds Max 5

Book excerpt: Harness the power of 3ds max 5! Harnessing 3ds max 5 is the perfect tool for learning the world’s most popular 3D graphics program. The authors lead you through the complex world of 3ds max step by step, so you’ll build experience and confidence as you progress through the book. Clear and concise explanations, ample illustrations, and easy-to-follow tutorials make Harnessing 3ds max 5 the ideal choice for users of computer graphics, both inside and outside the classroom.This book gives a practical introduction to 3ds max, and provides many real-world examples of its most powerful features. When you finish this book, you will be able to:• understand concepts of computer graphics and 3D space• navigate effortlessly through the 3ds max interface• use powerful modeling techniques• design natural-looking materials• use lighting to affect the look of your scene• control virtual cameras• animate with forward and inverse kinematics• create special effects with particles, atmospheres, and Render Effects3ds max 5 has many new features to create high-end 3D graphics and animation. This book covers many of these new tools, including:• incredible modeling tools within the Editable Poly object• Set Key interface for greater animation control• better animation editing with the Dope Sheet and Curve Editor• improved character setup with Skin and Bones• photo-realistic Advanced Lighting• Ink ‘n Paint material for quality renderings of cartoons and line drawings