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Widhi Muttaqien, S.Kom, MMSI

In this online course, you will learn the fundamentals of 3D skills using 3ds Max. Including different techniques of 3D modeling, composing materials and textures, and in-depth UV Unwrapping techniques. This course is designed for beginners to intermediate-level users. So if you have never used 3ds Max before, don’t worry, because the lessons at the beginning of this course are designed just for you. The curriculum is carefully crafted so you can master 3ds Max quickly and yet seamlessly.

The curriculum overview

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In this online course, you will learn the fundamentals of 3D skills using 3ds Max. Including different techniques of 3D modeling, composing materials and textures, and in-depth UV Unwrapping techniques. This course is designed for beginners to intermediate-level users. So if you have never used 3ds Max before, don’t worry, because the lessons at the beginning of this course are designed just for you. The curriculum is carefully crafted so you can master 3ds Max quickly and yet seamlessly.

The curriculum overview

You will learn a lot of things in this course. There is just too much to cover in this short description. For more detailed information, you can check the curriculum section. But, just to give you a quick overview of what you will learn. There are a total of 13 chapters in this course outside the introduction chapter.

In the first chapter, you will be introduced to 3ds Max's UI. You will learn different ways to navigate the viewport and utilize the display settings. In the second chapter, you will learn basic object operations such as how to create objects, and how to modify them. You will also learn object selection, object transformation, and so on. In the third chapter, we will focus on scene management. You will learn how to use the "Scene explorer". Then using layers, groups, etc.

Starting from the fourth chapter, we will focus on 3D modeling. In this chapter, you’ll learn polygonal modeling techniques related to each of the sub-object types. We will cover sub-object selection techniques. Then we will also discuss 3D modeling concepts such as "Normal direction" and "Backface culling", etc. At the end of this chapter, we will have a project modeling a table lamp product called "Atollo".

In chapter five, we will focus on precision modeling techniques. We will start with the basics of measurement units. Learn different snapping features, and then learn various tools for aligning objects, and so on. There are 3 projects in this chapter. First, we will model a stool called "Tamtam". Then we model a side table product called "Etna". And on the last project, we will model another side table product called "Lack".

Next, in chapter six, we're going to build a kitchen counter product called "Werk". We'll cover everything from setting up the references. Then modeling the base frame, then the panels, and so on. Until we have a finished model.

In chapter 7, we will focus on spline-based modeling techniques. You will learn the basics such as creating, selecting, and converting spline vertices. Then we move on to learn various techniques of spline editing. After that, you will learn how to turn splines into 3D models. There are a total of 7 projects in this chapter alone. First, you will model a simple S letter logo. Then in the next project model a circular classic ornament. And then model a tileable 3D pattern. Then, you will model a vase product called "Echasse". Then you will create a crown molding object. In the next project, you will model a table lamp product called "Diana". And then finally you will create a roman column.

In chapter 8, we will focus on subdivision modeling techniques which are very useful for creating organic-like objects. And then learn compound-based modeling techniques, which basically combine existing 3D objects to create new ones. There are 3 projects in this chapter. The first project is creating a teacup model. Then the second project is creating a washbasin. In the third project, you will create a stool product called "Alma".

Chapter 9 is a project chapter. In this chapter, we will build a chair product called "Papilio Shell" using subdivision, compound-based modeling techniques, and other related techniques that we have discussed earlier.

Starting from chapter 10, we will shift our focus from 3d modeling to look development. In this chapter you will learn the basics of rendering, and how to use the physical material. We are also going to cover different methods of environment lighting. At the end of this chapter, we will apply what we've learned to add lighting and materials to the chair product that we modeled before in the previous chapter.

In chapter 11, we will focus on texturing and basic UV mapping techniques. You will learn different types of textures, from procedural textures, image textures, PBR textures, Substance textures, etc. At the end of this chapter, you will do another project. You will add material and PBR textures onto the kitchen table product that we have modeled in the earlier chapter.

Chapter 12 focuses on the nitty-gritty of UV unwrapping techniques. After learning the tools provided, we will explore different approaches to unwrap 3D objects. From the automatic method, projection method, peel seams method, and so on. In this chapter, we will have 2 projects. The first is creating a low poly barrel. And second is creating a product packaging.

In chapter 13, we will have the last project related to look development, which is creating a chair product called "San Marco". Because each part of the model is different, we will use different UV unwrapping techniques that best suit the model's part. Here is the result of the final project.

The outcome

After completing the course, in sha Allah, you will have a solid foundation on how to use 3ds Max. You'll gain a significant amount of 3D modeling and look development skills. Not to mention you will understand a lot of important concepts around 3D computer graphics. I hope you find this course interesting and beneficial.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to use 3ds max in general
  • Understand many important computer graphics concepts
  • Polygonal-based 3d modeling
  • Spline-based 3d modeling
  • Subdivision 3d modeling
  • 3d modeling with precision
  • Look development fundamentals using the physical material and arnold renderer
  • Different texturing methods including procedural shaders, pbr, and substance
  • Different uv mapping techniques including uv projection and uv unwrapping

Syllabus

INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Conventions and disclaimer
Download the exercise files here
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USER INTERFACE
3ds Max UI
Viewport navigation
Alternative navigation methods
Display settings and startup file
BASIC OBJECT OPERATIONS
Create and modify objects
Object selection
Transformation
Pivot point
Transformation settings
Modifier
Object duplication
SCENE MANAGEMENT
Managing objects
Scene explorer
Layer management
Selection set and group
EDITABLE POLY MODELING
Primitive vs Editable
Editable poly basic operations
Sub-object basic selection
Ring and Loop selection
Selection conversion and preferences
Normal direction and backface culling
Edge modeling techniques
Cut and slice techniques
Surface smooth shading
Capping holes and Edge extrusion
Bridge
Polygon modeling techniques
Project: Oluce Atollo table lamp
PRECISION MODELING
Measurement unit
Project: Tamtam stool
Scale modes
Resetting transformation
Resizing objects precisely
Snapping
Smart Extrude
Project: Etna side table
Aligning objects
Project: Lack side table
PROJECT KITCHEN COUNTER
What we are going to create
Setting up the references
Modeling the base frame
The feet and top surface
The panels and handles
SPLINE MODELING
Introduction to spline
Line creation and spline vertex types
Spline creation exercise
Adding and deleting
Spline modification
Spline Boolean
Cross-insert, Weld, and Trim
Extrude modifier
Project: S letter logo
Project: Circular ornament
Project: Tileable 3D pattern
Lathe modifier
Project: Echasse vase
Bevel profile modifier
Project: Crown molding
Project: Abbyson Diana table lamp
Project: Roman column
SUBDIVISION AND COMPOUND MODELING
Subdivision modeling introduction
Project: Teacup
Using non-quad polygons
Avoiding concave polygons
Project: Washbasin
Introduction to 3D Boolean
Advanced reference image setup
Project Alma 2525 JR stool
Conform introduction
PROJECT PAPILIO SHELL CHAIR
Setting up 3 sided reference
The seat
The legs
The support
LOOK DEVELOPMENT BASICS
Renderer basics
Material basic concepts
Material editor
Material browser categories
Assigning and picking materials
Sample slots
Material library
Multi sub-object material
ActiveShade
Color models
Bit depth and high-range images
Environment lighting

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 3ds Max Fundamentals: 3D Modeling and Look Development with these activities:
Practice Basic Computer Navigation
Improve your comfort level with basic computer navigation, including using a mouse and keyboard, to ensure a smooth experience when learning 3ds Max.
Browse courses on Basic Computer Skills
Show steps
  • Practice using a mouse and keyboard for basic computer tasks.
  • Familiarize yourself with file management and folder structures.
  • Learn keyboard shortcuts for common operations like copy and paste.
Read 'Mastering 3ds Max'
Use this book as a reference to deepen your understanding of 3ds Max tools and techniques as you progress through the course.
Show steps
  • Read relevant chapters of 'Mastering 3ds Max' alongside the course modules.
  • Experiment with the techniques described in the book within 3ds Max.
  • Use the book as a reference when encountering difficulties with specific tools or workflows.
Model Simple Objects
Practice modeling simple objects like cubes, spheres, and cylinders to reinforce basic modeling skills learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Create a series of simple 3D objects using 3ds Max's primitive shapes.
  • Experiment with different modifiers to alter the shapes of the objects.
  • Practice transforming and manipulating the objects in 3D space.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a 3D Model Portfolio
Showcase your 3D modeling skills by creating a portfolio of your best work from the course, demonstrating your understanding of modeling techniques and look development.
Show steps
  • Select your best 3D models created during the course.
  • Render high-quality images of your models from different angles.
  • Create a website or online portfolio to display your work.
  • Write descriptions of each model, highlighting the techniques used.
Follow Advanced UV Unwrapping Tutorials
Expand your UV unwrapping skills by following advanced tutorials online, focusing on complex shapes and efficient workflows.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on advanced UV unwrapping techniques in 3ds Max.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, applying the techniques to your own models.
  • Experiment with different UV unwrapping methods to find the best approach for each model.
Model and Texture a Room Interior
Apply your 3D modeling and look development skills by creating a detailed room interior, including furniture, textures, and lighting.
Show steps
  • Gather reference images of room interiors for inspiration.
  • Model the basic structure of the room, including walls, floor, and ceiling.
  • Model furniture and other objects to populate the room.
  • Apply textures and materials to the objects in the scene.
  • Add lighting to create a realistic and visually appealing environment.

Career center

Learners who complete 3ds Max Fundamentals: 3D Modeling and Look Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
3D Modeler
A 3D modeler creates three-dimensional models for various applications, including video games, animation, and product design. This course helps build a foundation in 3D modeling using 3ds Max, a widely used industry tool. The course covers polygonal, spline-based, and subdivision modeling techniques which may be useful for creating models for a range of projects. The course also helps one learn the basics of scene management, object manipulation, and precision modeling, crucial skills for a 3D modeler wanting to build accurate and visually appealing models. The hands-on projects, such as modeling furniture and household items, provide practical experience that translates directly to real-world modeling tasks.
Texture Artist
Texture artists create the surface details and visual properties of 3D models. This course can be beneficial for aspiring texture artists because it introduces different texturing methods, including procedural shaders, PBR, and Substance. A texture artist will deepen their knowledge of UV mapping techniques, including UV projection and UV unwrapping, as well as create realistic and visually appealing textures for 3D models. Completing look development projects will allow a texture artist to apply textures to models.
Product Visualizer
Product visualizers create photorealistic renderings of products for marketing and presentation purposes. This course may be helpful for this role, by teaching the fundamentals of 3D modeling and look development using 3ds Max. Product visualizers can benefit from the course's focus on precision modeling, UV unwrapping, and creating materials and textures. The projects involving modeling furniture and other products are particularly relevant. Also, the course's coverage of environment lighting and rendering helps product visualizers create high-quality, visually appealing images.
Game Environment Artist
Game environment artists are responsible for creating the 3D environments in video games. The course will be useful by teaching polygonal modeling, texturing, and UV unwrapping techniques. A focus on scene management and precision modeling allows game environment artists to construct detailed and optimized game worlds. Projects such as creating tileable 3D patterns are useful for building game environments. Taking the time to learn 3ds Max UI will allow one to build the skills to create beautiful and realistic 3D game environments.
Architectural Visualizer
Architectural visualizers create realistic renderings and animations of architectural designs. This course introduces the fundamentals of 3D modeling and look development with 3ds Max. It can be useful for architectural visualizers who want to create detailed and accurate 3D models of buildings and interiors. Precision modeling techniques and spline-based modeling may be useful when modeling architectural elements such as crown molding and columns. This course can also help with texturing and environment lighting, allowing architectural visualizers to create compelling visualizations of architectural projects.
Motion Graphics Artist
Motion graphics artists create animated graphics for various media, including television, film, and web. This course helps by teaching the fundamentals of 3D modeling using 3ds Max, which may be useful for creating 3D elements for motion graphics projects. A motion graphics artist will find that spline-based modeling techniques will be useful for creating logos and animated shapes. The course also provides a foundation in look development and texturing, allowing motion graphics artists to create visually appealing and dynamic animations.
Industrial Designer
Industrial designers design and develop new products, focusing on both aesthetics and functionality. This course may be useful for industrial designers as it focuses on precision modeling and the creation of detailed 3D models of products. The skills acquired, such as using 3ds Max to model furniture and household items, are directly applicable to product design. Learning look development techniques and creating realistic materials and textures can also help industrial designers present their designs in a compelling manner.
Animator
Animators create moving images using computer software or traditional techniques. While this course focuses primarily on modeling and look development, the skills learned can still be valuable for animators, who may benefit from creating and manipulating 3D models within their animations. An animator may find that the course's coverage of object transformation, scene management, and modifier usage can be useful when creating and organizing 3D assets for animation projects.
Virtual Reality Developer
Virtual reality developers create immersive experiences using specialized software and hardware. This course may be useful for VR developers, as the course helps with the creation of 3D models and environments for virtual reality applications. The skills learned in polygonal modeling, texturing, and UV unwrapping can be applied to create optimized assets for VR. Learning 3ds Max UI and object operations will enable VR developers to design and build interactive and engaging virtual environments.
Augmented Reality Developer
Augmented reality developers overlay digital content onto the real world using mobile devices or specialized hardware. This course focusing on 3D modeling and look development with 3ds Max, may be useful for AR developers needing to create 3D models for AR applications. The skills gained in polygonal modeling, texturing, and UV unwrapping may be useful for creating optimized assets for AR. This course may help augmented reality developers to design and implement interactive and visually appealing AR experiences.
Digital Sculptor
Digital sculptors create detailed 3D models using specialized software, often focusing on organic forms and intricate details. While this course covers a range of modeling techniques, the focus on subdivision modeling may be useful for digital sculptors who want to create organic-like objects with 3ds Max. The skills learned in this course, such as using subdivision modifiers and understanding surface smoothing, can be used to create detailed and realistic digital sculptures.
Technical Artist
A technical artist bridges the gap between artists and programmers, developing tools and workflows to improve the art creation pipeline. While this course focuses primarily on 3D modeling and look development, the knowledge of 3ds Max and various modeling techniques covered in this course may be useful for technical artists who work with 3D assets. A technical artist may appreciate the course's coverage of scene management, object manipulation, and modifier usage when developing tools and scripts to streamline art production.
Level Designer
Level designers create the layouts and gameplay spaces for video games. While this course focuses on 3D modeling, level designers can use it to understand how 3D environments are constructed. The knowledge gained in polygonal modeling, scene management, and object manipulation can be valuable for level designers who want to create engaging and visually appealing game levels. Also, level designers may find that the course's coverage of precision modeling helps them to create accurate and functional game spaces.
User Interface Designer
User interface designers create the visual layouts and interactive elements for software and web applications. While this course is focused on 3D modeling, some aspects may be useful for user interface designers. The knowledge gained in object transformation, scene management and basic object creation may be useful when creating basic 3D user interface elements or mockups. Some user interface designers may find it helpful to use the skills learned to create visually appealing user interfaces.
Web Designer
Web designers create the visual appearance and layout of websites. While this course focuses on 3D modeling and is not directly related to web design, some web designers may choose to use 3D elements on their websites. The skills learned in object transformation, scene management, and basic object creation may be useful when creating and integrating simple 3D graphics onto a web page. Some web designers may find it valuable to use the skills learned to enhance the visual appeal of their websites.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in 3ds Max Fundamentals: 3D Modeling and Look Development.
Provides a comprehensive guide to 3ds Max, covering a wide range of topics from basic modeling to advanced rendering techniques. It serves as an excellent reference for users of all skill levels. It is particularly useful for understanding the software's interface and workflow. This book can be used as a reference text during the course.

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