Learning 3D Studio VIZ and MAX

Peter Kitson

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Sample Chapter From Learning 3D Studio VIZ and MAX
     Copyright © Stephen Peter



Introduction

T\his tutorial will introduce 3D Studio MAX (MAX) and then explain how to create some simple solids. I am only assuming that you have some understanding of basic computing concepts.

By the end of this tutorial you will be able to create and animate a scene in MAX.

Before you start MAX, create a folder to store your files, if you are working in the computer labs at FBE, create the folder on Drive N:. Start MAX now!


The Interface
Firstly, we'll have a very quick introduction to MAX's interface.Once MAX has started, look at the Command Panel (on the right)...The Create section of the Command Panel is open with the Geometry (sphere) icon / button IN. The buttons for the Standard Primitives are shown in the Object Type "rollout" (a "rollout" is a collection of commands or options, it has a button at the top with a minus "-" on the left if the rollout is open or alternatively a plus "+" if its closed).Click on the Utilities command panel (the hammer) - this totally changes everything below...Click on the Create command panel again, then click on the Cameras icon (it's one of the icons below 'Create'). Once again the bit below is totally changed - though this time there isn't much there!Click on the Geometry icon again, then click on Standard Primitives (a drop-down list will be displayed), choose Extended Primitives. This will change the contents of the Object Type rollout.Go back to the Standard Primitives, then click on the minus "-" on the left of the Object Type button. This should shrink the rollout, hiding its contents. Click on the plus "+" to expand the rollout.This, I'm sure, seems messy and really complicated at present. Don't worry!

Once you start to learn what all the various things are for, it'll start to become simple and straightforward!

You will note that the "work area" is divided into four sections (viewports): Top, Front, Left & Perspective.In the application's bottom-right corner are a number of icons that are (mostly) used to control viewport views. Click on the icon in the bottom-right corner, the Min/Max Toggle . This command causes the application to swap between viewing a single viewport and viewing all the viewports.

To the left of the command panel are the four viewports. In the top-left is the Top (plan) view. To the right is the Front (X-Z) view, under the Front is the Perspective view. Finally, in the bottom-left is the Left (Y-Z) view.

When you draw on any of the three 2D views the object will be 'based' on the "0 height". In other words, if you draw in the top view the X and Y coordinates are visible and the Z coordinate is 0. If you draw in the Front view the X and Z coordinates are visible and the Y coordinate is 0.