3ds Max 8 Bible [Paperback]

Kelly L. Murdock (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471786187 | ISBN-13: 978-0471786184 | Publication Date: April 10, 2006

If 3ds Max 8 can do it, you can do it too...

Spark your creativity with the world's most popular animation software and the detailed instruction in this power-packed book from an industry expert. If you're new to 3ds Max, jump right in with a Quick Start program that will have you modeling and rendering a complete image your first day. Experienced users, discover exciting new Max 8 features such as a new module for hair and fur, a new cloth system, and much more. This comprehensive book covers every feature, and it's loaded with professional techniques and full color examples to inspire you.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of 3ds Max 8

• Model a detailed creature right away with the Quick Start tutorial
• Add realistic and dynamic hair, fur, and cloth to your models
• Create complex characters with Max's new biped features
• Use the expanded Edit Poly options to work more efficiently with Edge Ring and Edge Loop selections
• Explore Max's new Asset Tracking system including the Autodesk(r) Vault client
• Make texture creation a snap with the new Pelt mapping method and the Render UVW Template feature
• Save, load, and retarget animation files using the supported XML Animation File (XAF) format
• Easily render a series of stills from several angles with the new Batch Render tool

Bonus DVD Included!

Features a wide selection of 3D models and textures just right for your own projects, plus the Max files and examples to more than 150 tutorials. The DVD also includes a full-color electronic version of the book!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

If 3ds Max 8 can do it, you can do it too ...

Spark your creativity with the world's most popular animation software and the detailed instruction in this power-packed book from an industry expert. If you're new to 3ds Max, jump right in with a Quick Start program that will have you modeling and rendering a complete image your first day. Experienced users, discover exciting new Max 8 features such as a new module for hair and fur, a new cloth system, and much more. This comprehensive book covers every feature, and it's loaded with professional techniques and full color examples to inspire you.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of 3ds Max 8

• Model a detailed creature right away with the Quick Start tutorial
• Add realistic and dynamic hair, fur, and cloth to your models
• Create complex characters with Max's new biped features
• Use the expanded Edit Poly options to work more efficiently with Edge Ring and Edge Loop selections
• Explore Max's new Asset Tracking system including the Autodesk® Vault client
• Make texture creation a snap with the new Pelt mapping method and the Render UVW Template feature
• Save, load, and retarget animation files using the supported XML Animation File (XAF) format
• Easily render a series of stills from several angles with the new Batch Render tool

Bonus DVD Included!

Features a wide selection of 3D models and textures just right for your own projects, plus the Max files and examples to more than 150 tutorials. The DVD also includes a full-color electronic version of the book!

About the Author

Kelly L. Murdock has been authoring computer books for many years now and still gets immense enjoyment from the completed work. His book credits include various Web, graphics, and multimedia titles, including five previous editions of this book, 3ds Max 8 Bible.
Other major accomplishments include Master VISUALLY HTML and XHTML, JavaScript Visual Blueprint, gmax Bible, Adobe Atmosphere Bible, Maya 6 and 7 Revealed, LightWave 3D 8 Revealed, Poser 6 Revealed, and co-authoring duties on two editions of the Illustrator Bible (for versions 9 and 10) and two editions of the Adobe Creative Suite Bible.
With a background in engineering and computer graphics, Kelly has been all over the 3D industry and still finds it fascinating. He’s used high-level CAD workstations for product design and analysis, completed several large-scale visualization projects, created 3D models for feature films, worked as a freelance 3D artist, and even done some 3D programming. Kelly’s been using 3D Studio since version 3 for DOS.
In his spare time, Kelly enjoys the outdoors while rock climbing, mountain biking, or skiing. He works at the design company he co-founded with his brother Chris: Logical Paradox Design.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1266 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (April 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471786187
• ISBN-13: 978-0471786184
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,177,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Another example of how NOT to write an instruction manual, February 15, 2007

By 

Dr. T. Evans - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3ds Max 8 Bible (Paperback)

Looking through this book I saw immediately that it suffered from the same problem as it's predecessor: lack of thought to the student's learning path.

It is a problem that is almost universal to computer instructional guides do... lack of any educational theory in its writing. It does not guide the newcomer through the art of learning the software, but rather deals with issues as if one is going through the menu commands. The tutorials consistantly use elements and commands that one will not cover for another hundred por more pages, and the chapters are not designed to "build on the student's knowledge" but rather to give all information about a given cocept right from the beginning. Thus, I am taught how to personalise the user interface and use XREFs (external references) before I am told how to create even the simplest of objects.

I am an experienced 3D analylist, with knowledge of CAD and GIS, so I am not the least experienced of readers on this topic. Even so I found it frequently infuriating to attempt to learn this software using this book.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid value., May 29, 2006

By 

Spinner (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 3ds Max 8 Bible (Paperback)

I find this a well written resource of value to newcomers to the subject. It will have a place beside the computer for years to come. Truly an indepth exposition on the program.
Those seeking artistic inspiration with the software should look elsewhere.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, September 18, 2009

By 

Sanjiv Dhookeeya "sANJIv" (Toronto) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 3ds Max 8 Bible (Paperback)

Very good service!!! But only one thing to remember, please indicate CD is inlcuded!!! Mine in included thks a lot