3D Studio MAX(TM) in Motion: Basics Using Release 3.1 [Paperback]

3D Studio MAX 3.1—Features discussion of the latest items, e.g., addition of tabs and changes to material editor.
Provides students with comprehensive coverage of the most current software.
Accessible and flexible.
Allows even beginning students—who have had only an introduction to CAD—to pick up the text, follow the activities and the labs in a progressive fashion, and turn to the book for answers to possible questions.
Theory AND hands-on practice and activities/labs—Each chapter begins with a section of theory and ends with a lab that compliments and extends the theory presented in that chapter.
Helps students understand WHY they are doing what they are doing. Makes students more likely to learn and to progress to higher functioning.
More than 1000 images and a full-color insert—Provides a vivid picture of each action and part of each process. The insert shows the results of the completed projects and other illustrations.
Helps students visualize abstract concepts and develop a clearer understanding of basic principles.
Graduated lab exercises—At the end of most chapters.
Allows students to explore newly introduced concepts, step-by- step, from the simple to the more complex.
Practical Application chapters—Features independent modules/labs on topics such as rendering, materials, animation, etc.
Gives instructors access to complex projects that both teach concepts and act as assignments.
An accompanying CD-ROM—Features a materials library, bitmap images, scenes (3D models), still renderings, animation.
Provides students with materials and scenes ready for use in the labs. Samples of renderings and animations provide them with examples.
Lights...Camera... Action... boxes—Provides special tips and tricks.
Helps students achieve their animation goals.
Tool icons.
Helps students follow the path to the correct command every time, even in an unknown land.
A tear-out Quick Chart.
Provides students with a quick-reference to all the shortcut keys.
Questions and Assignments—At the end of each chapter.
Provides students with additional opportunities for reflection, practice, and application of newly learned concepts.

3D Studio Max® in Motion is a text that commits to covering all the basics of the 3D Studio MAX program, which produces, with your help, realistic renderings of still images and animations. With a few skills and techniques at your fingertips, you will be impressed with the professional results you can accomplish. If you have half the fun reading the text and completing the labs that we had in writing them, you are in for a wonderful time. And, if what learning theorists say is true and you learn better when you can combine learning with pleasure, then picking up this book is just the first step toward your newfound skill and expertise.

3D Studio Max® in Motion combines a theoretical approach with accompanying hands-on activities to instruct you on the reasons for your actions while you experience the actions. It is our hope that whether you are in a school setting, the business world, or your basement office, you can pick up the text and learn from it in a progressive fashion. It is designed to be a positive learning experience for the individual who knows just the basics about both computers and CAD, and an enriching experience for those who are experts in CAD but wish to add a new dimension.

• Practical Applications chapters in a variety of areas, including architectural, mechanical motion, and graphic arts
• An accompanying CD-ROM with a variety of features, including:
  – A materials library
  – Bitmap images
  – Scenes (3D models)
  – Still renderings
  – Animation
• Questions and Assignments at the end of each chapter
• Lights...Camera...Action boxes introduce special tips and tricks that help you achieve your animation goals
• Tool icons throughout the text help you to follow the path to the correct command every time, even in an unknown land
• More than 1000 images create a vivid picture of each action and part of the process
• A full -color insert shows the results of the completed projects and other illustrations
• A tear-out Quick Chart shows all the shortcut keys
• An instructor's manual includes a test bank of true/false, multiple choice, matching, and fill-in-the-blank questions for each chapter

The text is divided into six parts, plus appendices, that explore all the basics of 3D Studio MAX. They include, in the following order:

• Introduction to Computer Animation
• Exploring 3D Studio MAX
• Preparing for 3D Modeling
• 3D Modeling
• Presentation
• Practical Applications

Each chapter begins with a section of theory and ends with a lab that complements and extends the theory presented in that chapter. The labs progress in complexity while simultaneously decreasing hand-holding instruction.

Stephen Helba, Stephen Helba, Stephen Helba: as he plays, at the very least, the role of three people in the process, we thank him from the bottom of our hearts. Others who deserve much gratitude include Michelle Churma and Lisa Garboski and the entire contributing staff at Prentice Hall.

We also thank reviewers for their helpful comments: Wen M. Andrews, Sargeant Reynolds Community College; Adrian G. Baird, Ricks College; Donald K. Chastian, Black Hills State University; Michael Ehrlinger, Catonsville Community College; Earl M. Faulkner, ITT Technical Institute, Boise; Dennis Jorgensen, Bakersfield College; Kirk Narburgh, Syracuse University; and Jeenson Sheen, Norfolk State University.