A four-color, task-based Autodesk Official Training Guide covering the core features of 3ds Max

Beginning users of this popular 3D animation and effects software will find everything they need for a thorough understanding of the software's key features and functions in this colorful guide. The authors break down the complexities of learning 3D software and get you going right away with interesting, job-related projects. You'll learn the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, lighting, visualization, and visual effects with 3ds Max, exploring the methods and why they are used as they are.

    An Official Training Guide endorsed by Autodesk and ideal for those new to 3D software
    Written by CG professionals, featuring hands-on, real-world projects that offer realistic, job-related professional challenges
    Teaches the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, lighting, visualization, and visual effects, explaining the entire program to help you learn about the entire production pipeline
    Covers everything a beginner needs to know for a solid foundation in 3ds Max, with illustrated tutorials and full-color screen shots
    Companion website features starting and ending files for the exercises and additional learning tutorials available for download

Autodesk 3ds Max Essentials is the ideal beginner's guide to the exciting world of 3D software.

Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover

Learn Autodesk 3ds Max Quickly and Easily

This Autodesk Official Training Guide thoroughly covers the fundamentals of Autodesk 3ds Max 2013 with focused, step-by-step tutorials. Hands-on exercises, such as creating a chest of drawers, a soldier, and the interior of a room, will get you up to speed on modeling, animating, lighting, rendering, and other core topics. Whether you're a beginning animator or updating your skills, this task-based book is the solid grounding you need.

Learn these Autodesk 3ds Max essentials—and more:

    Primitives, polygons, and primary modeling

    Animating objects, simple and complex

    How to merge and reference prebuilt pieces

    The basics of organic and character modeling

    Adding color, glow, and other materials

    Visualizing interiors with lighting and texturing

    Rendering interior scenes effectively

    Understanding mental ray and HDRI

Use Character Studio to create biped animations easily

Learn how to create materials and lighting to render an interior space

This striking Essentials book features:

    Chapter-opening learning objectives

    Step-by-step tutorials

    Four-color screenshots and illustrations

    Essentials and Beyond—summaries and additional suggested exercises

    Downloadable exercise files

About the Author

Randi L. Derakhshani teaches 3D animation at The Art Institute of California and has worked as a digital artist and technical director for games and movie projects with Gizmo Games, RJB Enterprises, and Sony.

Dariush Derakhshani is an award-winning visual effects supervisor, author, and educator. He has worked on movies such as The Fantastic Four and Pan's Labyrinth, the South Park TV series, and numerous commercials and music videos. He teaches 3D animation and is the author of all of Sybex's Introducing Maya books. Dariush and Randi are coauthors of all of Sybex's Introducing 3ds Max books, as well as Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 Essentials.