3D Studio MAX 2.5 Learning Shortcuts - Basic Operations and Modeling

Author: Huang Xinyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-09-01
Features: Preface: 3D Studio MAX R2.5 adds or enhances over 1,000 new features compared to R1.0. 3D Studio MAX R2.0 introduced NURBS modeling, and R2.5 further enhanced it with UV lofting, a powerful and practical feature. In terms of combining objects, four very useful object types were added. For model editing, in addition to enhancing the functionality of existing modifiers, numerous practical modifiers were introduced, making modeling and object deformation animation more convenient. In materials, a new shading model was added, making highlight areas more realistic. The new material type and various texture types allow for easier achievement of effects that were previously difficult to achieve, such as reflections of the surrounding environment. The VideoPost function was also significantly enhanced, with the most notable addition being the special effects technology for object glow and lens light. In animation production, in addition to enhancing existing functions, some practical motion controllers were added. It is especially worth emphasizing that the dynamics and motion capture functions. With these two new modules, we can very conveniently create complex animations and scenes, such as the bouncing of a ball rolling down a hill. The new features in particle systems and space deformation are even more prominent. With these added functions, it is convenient to create realistic effects like lava flows during volcanic eruptions.
To address the functional aspects of 3D Studio MAX R2.5, we have written a series of textbooks. This series consists of three books: "3D Studio MAX R2.5 Practical Quick Reference Manual," "3D Studio MAX R2.5 Learning Shortcut (Basic Operations and Modeling)," and "3D Studio MAX R2.5 Learning Shortcut (Materials, Animation, and Particle Systems)." This book is the first volume, "3D Studio MAX R2.5 Learning Shortcut (Basic Operations and Modeling)."
Book Description: This book is the first volume in the 3D Studio MAX R2.5 training series, written according to the training outline requirements of Autodesk and combining the author's years of teaching and training experience. The content covers the installation methods and new features of 3D Studio MAX R2.5, explaining through various application examples how to use selection sets and groups, how to use transformations and transformation coordinate systems, how to use array duplication, how to use the stack, and how to use cameras for basic operation methods. The modeling section uses rich examples to demonstrate the creation of basic geometric bodies, extended geometric bodies, 2D shapes, various lofting methods from 2D to 3D, creating composite objects and doors/windows, and NURBS modeling, covering basic to advanced modeling techniques. The book is easy to understand, rich in examples, and highly practical, making it suitable for use as in universities and 3D Studio MAX training classes, as well as for self-study and reference by computer animation enthusiasts and film production personnel.
Excerpt:
(Chapter 1: 3DS MAX R2.5 Installation and Introduction to New Features, Section 2: 3DS MAX R2.5 New Features and Enhanced Functions/Excerpt)
3DS MAX R2.5 was released in June 1998. The software immediately created a sensation. So, what improvements or enhancements did 3DS MAX R2.5 bring compared to 3DS R1.2, leading to such a strong reaction? Below, we introduce the new features and enhanced characteristics of 3DS MAX R2.5.
1.2.1 New Features in Modeling
- The overall modeling structure allows for cutting, copying, and pasting editing modifiers between objects to create duplicates or linked duplicates, greatly increasing modeling flexibility.
- Duplication can be performed within objects, and editing modifiers can be rearranged.
- All editing modifier stack operations can be undone or redone.
- Objects can be converted to selected editable types (such as editable meshes, splines, NURBS surfaces, or curves) with a single click.
- The active/inactive option can be used to control the effect of editing modifiers in a view, thereby excluding complex operations in interactive views. This exclusion does not affect the final rendering results.
- WorldSpace modifiers can directly specify the effects of space deformation without the need for Gizmo and binding.
- The ReferenceObject option in the editing history stack can convert linked duplicates into reference duplicates.
- MakeUnique can convert the selection sets of linked and reference duplicates into duplicates.
- The 3D array system adds options to set animation effects such as movement, rotation, scaling, and incremental offset.