The 3D Studio Max application offers an array of powerful modeling tools, but the type of model and the style of tool can often make building intricate objects a real challenge. 3D Studio Max: Building Complex Models attempts to break down the process of complex modeling into digestible chunks using Max's native tools as well as third-party plug-ins.

Divided into nine sections and 25 chapters, Building Complex Models opens with a short set of tutorials on how to use Max's native model-making tools, including using splines, lofting, creating compound objects, and NURBS. Other sections cover some of the more popular commercial plug-ins, an array of shareware/freeware modeling plug-ins, particle system modeling, and using Max with other applications to build or texture models.

There are several notable points about this book. For one, it is not exclusive to 3D Studio Max. It includes chapters and tutorials that cover a range of programs. While this is not a bad thing, you might be disappointed if you are expecting a solid book on modeling in Max; if you use a variety of applications, or if you work in a studio where sharing data across applications is important, this information might be useful.

Also, the vast majority of examples depend on third-party plug-ins. Only the first 85 pages (the five chapters of section A) deal with Max's native toolset. The remaining 350 or so pages explore virtually every commercial or shareware third-party plug-in available. Again, this by itself isn't a bad thing. There are plenty of cool plug-ins available that either make life easier when using Max, or allow you to do things that Max can't normally do by itself. However, Max's native toolset offers a wide array of features, and learning to use them well is vital to becoming proficient with the program. Therefore, it's a little disappointing to find that more examples weren't offered that illustrate the use of the tools that ship with the program.

This is a balanced book, with highs and lows. If you're looking for a book that teaches how to build complex and intricate models using Max, this isn't it. However, if you want to explore the world of available plug-ins, or need to learn how Max can integrate with some other applications, you could do worse by starting that exploration elsewhere. --Mike Caputo


Book Description
Conquering the vast array of tools available in 3D Studio Max is a challenge for even the most experienced user; to master them all at one time is even more difficult. By focusing on one major area at a time however, users can conquer a significant set of tools before moving onto the next. 3D Studio Max: Building Complex Models takes this approach by focusing on major areas of modeling. The in-depth coverage of this key aspect ensures that new and experienced users can successfully conquer all of Max's modeling tools. All internal modeling options and numerous plug-ins are thoroughly covered through a variety of tutorials, including four very detailed projects that integrate an array of skills, tools, and techniques. The book details how to use the additional Materials Creation and Management tools including the Displacement Mapping Channel, the Digimation Texture Lab and MaxMatter plug-ins, just to name a few. Additionally, the widely-used Right Hemisphere’s Deep Paint 3D and Darkling Simulations Simbiont Max are covered in detail. Whether you are a new Max user or a seasoned pro, the modeling techniques you learn here will help boost your skills to a new level, and prepare you to think globally about applying these techniques to new projects and other 3D applications.


About the Author
Shamms Mortier (Bristol, Vermont) has written a number of successful book including The Bryce 3D Handbook, The Poser 4 Handbook, and Creating 3D Comix. He also contributes to a variety of industry magazines and the Graphics Resource Club.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Conquering the vast array of tools available in 3D Studio Max is a challenge for even the most experienced user; to master them all at one time is even more difficult. By focusing on one major area at a time however, users can conquer a significant set of tools before moving onto the next. 3D Studio Max: Building Complex Models takes this approach by focusing on major areas of modeling. The in-depth coverage of this key aspect ensures that new and experienced users can successfully conquer all of Max's modeling tools.

All internal modeling options and numerous plug-ins are thoroughly covered through a variety of tutorials, including four very detailed projects that integrate an array of skills, tools, and techniques. The book details how to use the additional Materials Creation and Management tools including the Displacement Mapping Channel, the Digimation Texture Lab and MaxMatter plug-ins, just to name a few. Additionally, the widely-used Right Hemisphere￯﾿ﾽs Deep Paint 3D and Darkling Simulations Simbiont Max are covered in detail.

Whether you are a new Max user or a seasoned pro, the modeling techniques you learn here will help boost your skills to a new level, and prepare you to think globally about applying these techniques to new projects and other 3D applications.

FEATURES

An exhaustive exploration of Max￯﾿ﾽs internal and plug-in modeling capabilities covering both mechanical and organic object creation. Extensive developer tutorials for Surf-iT, DarkTree Textures, and Animatek￯﾿ﾽs World Builder. A step-by-step tutorial on how to use Deep Paint 3D Texture Weapons in conjunction with Max. Four comprehensive project tutorials: Ship, Urbania, Woodscene, and Monk￯﾿ﾽs Home. These projects are a final test of the skills taught in the book. Detailed coverage of a wide variety of popular plug-ins, freeware, and shareware Shamms Mortier is a graphics designer and artist residing in Vermont. He has written a number of successful books including Creating 3D Comix, The Poser 4 Handbook, and the Bryce 3D Handbook. Shamms is also a regular contributor to the Graphics Resource Club, an online subscription service for 3D designers.

SYNOPSIS

ON THE CD-ROM

A large collection of Digimation Plug-in Demos to try before you buy A working version of Amapi 4.1, which handshakes with Max Cloud and Sky backgrounds for your Max projects Over 50 strange 3DS Models to customize Almost 50 Max project files All of the color images from the gallery 20 unique image files

System Requirement

3D Studio Max 3.0+. Pentium II running at 200 MHz (Pentium III/500MHz (recommended) Windows NT4 with Service Pack 3+ or Windows 98.; 128MB RAM minimum, 256MB RAM recommended; 350MB Hard disk space; CD-ROM drive; Sound card; Pointing device; Parallel port; and Internet Explorer 5.x. Various plug-ins are also used throughout the book.

ACCREDITATION