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3ds max is a computer modeling and graaphics package than can be used to create outstanding images and animations. Its toolset and workflow are powerful and unique yet easy to learn and with time and practice to master.
MAX, as the program is referred to, requires you to think your project through before beginning it, in order to exploit the toolset to its fullest potential. When you understand the principles behind how MAX operates and the tools available to you, you will be able to craft your workflow to maximize the potential of the program. MAX is a program with an incredible ammount of depth but it is put together logically; thus the learning process is easier than you might expect.
Although this is 3ds max 4 (the version I will be writing tutorials for), it is the eighth major release of the program. Developed by the Autodesk Multimedia Group, the program initially called 3D Studio was one of the last strong DOS applications. It consisted of five modules: the 3D editor, Shaper, Lofter, Material Editor and Key Framer. Each had its own thinly defined responsibilities and tools, and only one could be active at a time. Rudimentary by todays standards, 3D studio put computer modeling on desktops. Its functionality rivaled that of software used in major production houses (which sometimes cost hundreds of thousands of dollars) and it opeened the industry to the masses. There are four releases of 3D Studio.
With the windows environment quickly becoming the standard, 3D Studio held its ground as a DOS program. Developers felt that the standard Windows, with its own resource requirements and 16-bit programming, could not adequately handle the tasks MAX would require. The Autodesk Multimedia Group was a spun off as a seperate company called Kinetix. Seeing the shift to the windows operating system as inevitable, Kinetix made the jump to the winddows NT environment its 32-bit programming, multitasking capability and multiple processor support were more than able to handle MAX's requirements. The program, now named 3D Studio MAX, had an entirely new interface. Gone were the restrictive modules, they were replaced by an environment in which all the rools were accessible at all times. Although it required most users to change their operating system, it was a major advance in capabilities and workflow and well worth the switch. Eventually, MAX added the capability of running under Windows 95, but this version suffered from a somewhat significant performance and reliability decline. There are three major releases of 3D Stuido MAX
In early 2000, Kinetix purchased Discreet, a Canadian company that produces high-end video editing and compositioning packages, and took the Discreet name as its own. With the companys name change a name change for Kinetix's flagship program 3D Studio Max became 3ds max 4. It is one of the most popular moderling and animation packages available.
The tutorials that will be here will not be close to half of what you can do with 3D Studio Max. Please remember that all tutorial writers are here on their own time providing these tutorials as a free service to you. If you have a question about how to do something in 3d studio max then please first check to see if somebody else has had the same question and had it answered. If you find nothing that helps you out then please feel free to start a topic being very careful to describe in detail what you are wanting and posting any necessary files that could be relevant to helping you.
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Introduction To 3d Studio Max
