Summary: These tutorials cover a broad range of topics covering key concepts in the use of Autodesk 3ds Max Design in the AEC community. Presented by Jamie Gwilliam of Autodesk.
3ds Max Design Quick Tutorials
Part 1 - Introduction & User Interface
A brief and high-level introduction to the User Interface (UI) within 3ds Max Design 2009. Focusing on the locations of the tools and icons which will form part of your daily routine. Covering layers, move, rotate and the command panel.
Part 2a - Massing Concepts
Exploring how the modifier stack in 3ds Max Design 2009 can aid us when making concept models when the main focus is on massing/form over detail. At this early stage of the design process we need to ensure the creative flow is not hindered, and 3ds Max Design is often the perfect choice at this point. We explore some of the many powerful tools, including, FFD, Edit Spline, Twist, Taper, and Edit Poly. We finish by adding a ProMaterial, and export out to AutoCAD.
Part 2b - Massing Advanced
Following on from the previous tutorial, we look at how to use ProBoolean to add/subtract 3d shapes from a form. We also examine the benefits this tool offers us when amending at a later date. From here, we explore 3ds Max Design’s viewport lighting and shadows using DirectX enhancements, finishing with adding an interactive daylight system in the viewports background to aid pre-render placement.
Part 3a - FBX Workflow
In this tutorial we take a look at a workflow for creating an interior rendering using Mental Ray. Many of the ideas behind this process can be applied to any form of visualisation. Along the way, we will cover some optimization secrets and try to dispel the myth of complex visualisation. We start off by importing an Autodesk Revit 2009 FBX file, and examine the many benefits FBX brings to 3ds Max Design. Sub-topics covered include, mr Photographic exposure control, Scene States, mr Sky Portals and Rendered Frame Window (or Virtual Frame Buffer) UI improvements.
Part 3b - Daylight Analysis
In this tutorial we look at the basics of the Daylight Analysis Toolset (Exposure) within 3ds Max Design 2009. Exploring necessary principles and options we need to consider when performing these calculations for example Render Effects, Kelvin, EPW files and Light Meters.
Part 4a - Camera Moves
This tutorial highlights how a complex camera move can be accomplished with little effort and time within 3ds Max Design. Tools and procedures used include Trajectories, Keyframing, Animation Layers and Noise Float Controllers.
Part 4b - Proxies
Proxies are one of the most important tools within 3ds Max Design for rendering animations or images with lots of dense data. In this tutorial we convert 3d foliage geometry over to point cloud data then can loaded and unloaded into memory on demand. This extremely simple process, is a "must watch" tutorial if you are involved with rendering large amounts of repeated detail.