3D Studio MAX? R3 Bible

Book excerpt: Master valuable 3D modeling and animation skills to create spectacular visual effects with 3D Studio MAX R3 Bible. Each chapter in this authoritative guide helps you harness the power of MAX's specialized tools, effects, and utilities: * Familiarize yourself with the new features in R3, understand the interface, and discover how to configure and customize MAX. * Learn how to reference, select, transform, and modify models, cameras, lights, and any other object that can be viewed in a viewport. * Model objects by working on primitives, spline shapes, meshes, patches, NURBS, and a variety of specialized compound objects, including Lofts and Morphs. * Control light and cameras, as well as several lighting special effects and camera utilities. * Use particle systems and space warps to enhance any MAX scene. * Create animated scenes with keyframing, Track View, and Controllers. * Extend the features of MAX with plug-ins. The jam-packed CD-ROM includes exclusive Bible plug-ins, including Brick Object, Gear Object, Rainbow Effect, and more. It also offers sample 3D models and complete tutorial files to help you take full advantage of MAX 3R.