3ds Max - Read This 1st

[LHammonds]

3ds Max is a 3D modeling tool that is commonly used by professionals as part of a larger work-flow of tools and processes. Modders can download a trial version that will last for a certain number of days but it is primarily a retail product that costs around $3,500.00 and is considered an industry standard. Students with a valid school email address (extension of .edu or .ac.uk) can register at http://students.autodesk.com and download the full version for free. Plugins to import/export NIF models can be found at SourceForge.

 

Here are some tutorials that anyone new to 3ds Max should read:

 

• The tutorials that come with 3ds Max
  

Here are some game-related tutorials related to modding with this tool (might be separated into their own pinned threads one day):

 

• Fallout New Vegas - Getting your models in-game
  
• Oblivion - Game Units (measurement)
  
• Oblivion - 3ds Max / NifSkope: Custom Weapons
  
• Oblivion - 3ds Max: Custom Creatures
  
• Oblivion - 3ds Max: Custom Shield
  
• Oblivion - 3ds Max: Exporting Rigged Models
  
• Oblivion - 3ds Max: Lofting and its efficiency in collision modeling
  
• Oblivion - 3ds Max: Misc Items
  
• Oblivion - 3ds Max: Tileset
  
• Oblivion - 3ds Max: UV Maps
  
• Oblivion - 3ds Max: Vertex Painting
  
• Any - How to Create Bows by Nicoroshi
  
• Any - Modeling A 3D Human Head
  
• Any - Using Bones to Control Your Mesh (video)
  
• Any - Creating a rope texture
  

Here are some locations to find more tutorials related to this tool:

 

• 3ds Max Resources
  
• Tutorial Outpost
  
• Max-Realms.com
  
• Ego Lounge
  

[LHammonds]

Feel free to reply here and let us know of any additional tutorials or tutorial sites that are out there in the wild that we do not know about.

 

Also, feel free to post any requests for tutorials. I will try to keep a compiled collection of requests on the 2nd post. Bare in mind that requests are generally for ANYONE to complete...not specific to an individual.

 

List of requested tutorials (number on the end is how many times it has been requested)

 

• Rigging tutorial for Oblivion
  

[Saaya]

Is there the place for thank you ?

 

THANK YOU !

 

I just begin modding and this is really helpful.

[LHammonds]

You're welcome. It is just a LOT easier to find what you need if everyone goes to the same place, regardless of the game they are modding. Lots of very useful information is missed because it is posted in a game-specific area and whatnot. Hopefully, this will help alleviate the issue a bit.

 

LHammonds

[robertkor]

thanks, this has helped me alot

[jackeycheung]

I Googled a bit, and found these two tutorials, it could be useful to newcomers.

http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/3DS-MAX/1

http://www.cgarena.com/freestuff/tutorials/max/learn3dsmax/

 

Well, I'm poor on writing introductions and tutorials, but to me, the most basic for anyone wanting do this (including 3D & 2D) are some senses on image. To 3D specifically, there would be some basics on geometry, math, "spiritual" ;) feel of the world around, and a bit of mouse-clicking-and-dragging skills :D. But one thing for sure, you'll have some sleepless nights before taking grasp on this. After you've gotten a hold of it, all that's left will be your imagination.

Edited September 13, 2010 by LHammonds
Edited grammar to be a bit easier to read

[niccolo]

--Edit: I didn't see the miscellaneous forum below, sorry. Oops.

 

Original Post:

I've never used 3DSMax, sticking mostly to GMax instead - though I do know GMax is sorta like the slightly duller younger brother to 3DSMax.

 

Maybe a topic on the similarities and differences between these two programs? This might be a good idea, considering 3DS Max costs about as much as a new kidney and GMax is... well, free and thus won't scare off people who want to try modelling. I know Blender is free too, but some people will find GMax easier to get into, 'cause Blender's interface can be a little... intimidating.

[LadyNerevar]

The best max tutorials I've found are the built in ones that come with the program. They are pretty awesome, especially for introductory areas.

 

I'd really like to see a nice rigging tutorial for oblivion :)

Edited September 14, 2010 by LHammonds
Suggestions added.

[theRoadstroker]

3ds Max Rigging Tutorial

 

Here is one good tutorial how to rigg inside 3ds Max - made by Eric Masloski , you can also found other really great tutorials on his site at : Ego Lounge

Edited September 14, 2010 by LHammonds
Tutorial added...thanks

[Ghogiel]

yeah all of the max documentation from autodesk is very good.

 

All of those tuts made by Eric Masloski, are also very good.