Mastering 3D max 4 (with CD ROM)

With release 4, max further establishes itself as today's dominant modeling, animation, and rendering package. And with its fully revised and updated coverage, Mastering 3ds max 4 further establishes itself as the definitive max resource--just the book you need to master all the techniques supported by this powerful product. Inside, you'll learn all about sculpting and texturing your characters, setting them in motion, lighting the scene, and producing the final animation--for movies, games, television, and the Web. You also get in-depth instruction in MAXScript, including detailed explanations of all that's new to this release. Coverage includes:

• Understanding basic 3D concepts
• Modeling in polygons, patches, and NURBS
• Creating detailed models
• Optimizing models for low-poly environments
• Applying textures for real-time and pre-rendered output
• Animating using parametric animation, forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, and character studio
• Fine-tuning animation by editing keys and transitions
• Creating drama with lighting
• Applying post-process effects
• Cutting and cross-fading between shots
• Compositing in Video Post and combustion
• Exporting to Web 3D with Pulse
• Getting started with MAXScript
• Using scripting for scene manipulation
• Using scripting for animation
• Customizing the user interface
• Defining autostart scripts
• Creating your own plug-ins using MAXScript

Part I: Introduction and Theory.

Chapter 1: Image Creation with Computer Graphics.

Chapter 2: Getting Oriented to max.

Chapter 3: Meeting the max Interface.

Part II: Modeling.

Chapter 4: Mesh Modeling.

Chapter 5: Patch Modeling.

Chapter 6: NURBS Modeling.

Part III: Applying Texture Maps and Materials.

Chapter 7: Basic Mapping and Materials.

Chapter 8: Advanced Materials.

Part IV: Animation.

Chapter 9: Beginning to Animate.

Chapter 10: Advancing Your Animation Skills.

Chapter 11: Hierarchical Character Animation.

Part V: Refining the Rendering.

Chapter 12: Coloring with Light.

Chapter 13: Rendering and Environmental Effects.

Chapter 14: Post-Production and Compositing.

Part VI: Mastering MAXScript.

Chapter 15: MAXScript Basics.

Chapter 16: Manipulating Scenes with MAXScript.

Chapter 17: Creating a User Interface.

Chapter 18: Animating with MAXScript.

Chapter 19: Advanced Scripting.

Chapter 20: Plug-in Scripts.

Part VII: Appendices.

Appendix A: Exporting to Web 3D with Pulse Producer and Creator.

Appendix B: Keyboard Shortcuts to Remember.

Index.