Whether you are new to 3ds Max or an animation veteran, Introducing 3ds Max 2008 is the perfect primer to get you up and running with the latest version of Autodesk's powerful 3D software. 3ds Max is the power behind dynamic video games like Splinter Cell, Halo, and Gears of War. Let your imagination run wild as you work your way through the complexities of 3D modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects with this easy-to-follow guide. You'll jump right into the pipeline - from preproduction to production to postproduction - with clear-cut explanations, tutorials, and hands-on projects to build your skills. Learn to assign textures effects and UV texture mapping; create walk cycles and simple character animations; explore lighting, rendering, and raytracing concepts; discover rigid body dynamics; and more. From immediately creating your first animation to tackling poly modeling, rendering, and particles, you'll get a solid grounding in 3ds Max 2008.
Chapter 1 Basic Concepts
Chapter 2 Your First 3ds Max Animation
Chapter 3 The 3ds Max Interface
Chapter 4 Modeling in 3ds Max: Part I
Chapter 5 Modeling in 3ds Max: Part II
Chapter 6 Character Poly Modeling
Chapter 7 Materials and Mapping
Chapter 8 Introduction to Animation
Chapter 9 Character Studio and IK Animation
Chapter 10 3ds Max Lighting
Chapter 11 3ds Max Rendering
Chapter 12 Particles and Dynamics