autodesk 3ds max certified user skills - rawledu.com certification/3ds max... · the autodesk ®...

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Image courtesy of Amorpheus C.A.

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Welcome to the Autodesk® 3ds Max® Certified User Digital Skills. This document was designed to help educators and educational institutions teach Autodesk® 3ds Max®software skills. Created using valuable input from respected educators and designers, it sets forth important skill standards for developing a high-quality user certification exam and curriculum resources.

The Autodesk® 3ds Max® Certified User Skills serves to standardize the core competencies for fundamental-level instruction with Autodesk® 3ds Max® for a two-semester class and provides a content framework and reference guide for the Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop.

TIP: Although this document is designed to facilitate teacher-led courses and lessons, it may also be referenced for self-paced learning through the use of the Autodesk® Digital STEAM Workshop and the Autodesk® 3ds Max® Certified User Digital Study Packet.

Using This Document

This easy-to-read document lists industry-specific topics pertaining to a function or feature set of Autodesk 3ds Max software. Topics are organized into three substructures logically sequenced for classroom presentation:

• Topic: A standard functional subject area and/or feature set available in Autodesk 3ds Max software. Example: Sketching and Modeling.

• Subtopic: A subtopic provides more detail on the topics and what the topics support. Example: 2D Sketching with Transforming Objects.

• Content: The content provides more detail about the subtopic and what should be taught and learned. Example: Select, Move, Rotate, Scale.

• Learning Objective: The learning objective exemplifies what the student is expected to understand. Example: Demonstration these specific functions and their hot keys.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

TOPIC SUBTOPIC CONTENT

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Autodesk 3ds Max Certified User Digital Study Packet

The Autodesk 3ds Max Certified User Digital Study Packet is a digital learning resource that provides students with a library of short videos based on the Autodesk 3ds Max Certified User Skills . The study packet covers the basic techniques required to become familiar with the software and get hands-on quickly.

TIP: Teachers can leverage the study packets in conjunction with the Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop or their own curriculum to help their students build their software skill.

Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop

The Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop provides teachers and students with a highly visual story-based curriculum created to promote design innovation and creative problem-solving through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). The curriculum is structured as a framework for learning software through project-based content based on engaging real-world industry projects that build gradually in difficulty, offering students a chance to achieve small successes as they build their technical skills.

TIP: Using the 3ds Max Certified User Skills as benchmarks, teachers can measure a student’s progress as they work through the skills-building projects offered in the Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on the 3ds Max Certified User Skills. Please email us at [email protected].

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Image courtesy of Autodesk Gallery

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Teacher Recommendation Examples of Learning Objective

UI/Scene ManagementDefinitions

Labeling UI Elements i.e. Menu bar, Command panels, etc

Give students a snapshot image of the Default UI with everything named

Coordinate system Discuss the different systems, highlighting their unique features

Orthographic/Perspective Discuss the differences between both views

Viewport Navigation ControlAlt + MMB - Rotate Demonstrate the ability to Rotate

viewports with Alt+MMB

Viewport Display

Smooth + Highlights Discuss the different Displays and their uses. Introduce F3 hotkey

Create a simple 3ds Max scene with different display modes and have students identify these modes within the scene mainly the wireframe, smooth + highlight, edge faces, flat, lit wireframes, facets, bounding box, lighting and shadows etc..

Wireframe Discuss the different Displays and their uses. Introduce F3 hotkey

Hidden Line Discuss the different Displays and their uses

Edged Faces Discuss the different Displays and their use. Introduce F4 hotkey

Viewport Display Preferences

Undo Demonstrate the ability to increase/decrease the amount of Undos and it’s impact on performance

AutoBack Discuss the AutoBack feature and how to change it’s settings

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UI/Scene Management

Selection of ObjectsClick and drag- window/crossing

Discuss and demonstrate the differences between the two selection types

Lock Selection Demonstrate the benifits of Locking a Selection

Selection of ObjectsSelection Filters Demonstrate the ability to filter the

type of Object you wish to select

Named Selection Explore the Select by Name Tool

TransformsAxis Constraints Demonstrate the benifits of

constraining Transforms to a certain Axis

Create a simple scene of a bookshelf and show it in 4 views, 3 othrographic and 1 camera view. Have some of the books/objects outside the shelf and simply ask students to put them back in place while using 4 views. The idea is to understand 3d space as the books/objects may look outside the shelf in the top view but not in the side or front view or even the camera view depending on the viewing angle.

Rgb=xyz=uvw Discuss how rgb=xyz=uvw corrspond to each other

Transform type- in fields Demonstrate the ability to produce accurate Transforms by typing them in

Align Tool Demonstrate the Align Tool and its benefits

Pivot point Demonstrate and discuss the Pivot Point’s ability to change how Transforms effect the object

Right-click spinner zero Highlight this funtionality as a time saving funtion

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UI/Scene Management

Organization of ObjectsNamed Selection sets Demonstrate the ability to name

selctions and how this can increase productivity

Provide students with an unorganized scene.Ask students to organize the scene while using the select by name and schematic view. Rename the objects. Make use of the layer editor for organizing objects in layers. If time permits then also show how to group objects.

Groups Demonstrate the benifits to Grouping objects together

Layers Hide/Freeze Demonstrate and discuss how these can aid in the organization of a scene

Isolation Mode Demonstrate this Mode and how it can simplify interactions in complex scenes

Project FolderOverview Demonstrate and discuss how this

can organize files for a projectHave students create a project folder for an existing file and explain the importance of this.

Custom UI

Save and Load Demonstrate the ability to Save and Load custom UI settings

Modeling Transforming Objects

Select, Move, Rotate, Scale Demonstrate these different functions and their hotkeys

Creating and Modifying Objects

Basics of Creating and Modifying Objects

Give a tour of the ‘Create’ and ‘Modify’ panels highlighting common properties

Modifier Stack Explain how the Modifier Stack functions

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Modeling

GeometryStandard Primitives Create each Primitive and change

common propertiesExtended Primitives Build a robot while using only

primitive objects. The only thing students are allowed is to transform the objects. No polygonal modeling or sub-object editing. Also make sure students are using all four views, organizing the scene while naming the objects and using layers.

SplinesStandard Splines Create each Spline and change

common propertiesExtended Splines

Surface Modeling

Sub-Object Selection Explain the basics of working in Sub-Object mode

Editable Mesh Surface Demonstrate how to create this Surface and its Sub-Object tools

Editable Poly Surface

Editable Spline Demonstrate how to create this spline and its Sub-Object toolsand its Sub-Object tools

Nurbs Surfaces Demonstrate how to create this Surface and its Sub-Object tools

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ModelingObject Cloning

Copy Explain the unique features of each different method of Cloning

Instance

Reference

Make Unique

Object CloningArray Create an Array and examine key

parametersProvide students with a simple warehouse scene. Make a simple array of boxes to be stacked into the storage.Mirror Create and Mirror a simple Object

Create Shape, turn off Start New Shape, Create 2nd ShapeNesting shapes for compound shape

Show how multiple shapes can be nested inside one another for modeling purposes

Interpolation/Rendering

Demonstrate the interpolation and rendering features for splines

Create some simple objects for e.g. pipes, hoses etc.. while using splines and while using the interpolation and rendering features of splines.

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Modeling2D Sub- Object Editing Vertex tangency types Demonstrate the different tangent

types in the vertex sub--object mode

Segment tangency type Demonstrate the different tangent types in the segment sub--object mode

Create line tool Explain the impotance of the Create Line Tool in splines

Refine Demonstrtaehow refine can be used for spline editing

Make First/Reverse Demonstrate how the make first/reverse can be useful in different scenarios

Shift key for straight line creation

Demonstrate the use of shift while making splines

2D Procedural Modifiers

Extrude Demonstrate the extrude modifier Create a simple logo such as the “3ds Max” logo while using splines. Use background images as modeling aids. Use the extrude modifier to create the logo. Discuss the Extrude parameters in detail.

Bevel Demonstrate the bevel modifier Create a simple logo such as the “3ds Max” logo while using splines. Use background images as modeling aids. Use the bevel modifier to create the logo. Discuss the Bevel parameters in detail.Discuss the difference between Extrude and Bevel.

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Modeling

2D Procedural Modifiers

Bevel Profile Demonstrate the bevel profile modifier

Create a simple logo such as the “3ds Max” logo while using splines. Use background images as modeling aids. Use the bevel profile modifier to create the logo. Discuss the Bevel Profile parameters in detail. Discuss the difference between Extrude, Bevel and Bevel profile.

Lathe (flip normals) Demonstrate the lathe modifier Create a simple wine glass model while using lathe. Explain the difference between the line, point curve and cv curve tools. Explain the importance of pivot points.Show how to snap pivot points. Also make use of background images. Explain the Lathe modifier parameters in detail and show how you can get different output geometry while using the tool.

Lofting

Definition shape+path=3D Object

Explain the concept of shpe + path for lofting

Create a simple toothpaste tube while using loft. Use circles, ellipses and any other shapes. Explain the Loft tool parameters in detail and show deformations in the loft.

Compound object Examine the basic parameters and demonstrate common operations

Pivot point location Demonstate the concept of the importance of pivot points

Multiple shapes on path Demonstrate how multiple shapes can be lofted ona path

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Modeling

Compound ObjectsProBoolean Examine the basic parameters and

demonstrate common operationsWhile using primitive objects have students create interesting shapes such as the inside of a dome, a sink etc… while using ProBooleans

3D Procedural Modeling

Bend Examine the basic parameters and demonstrate common operations

Either use a simple primitive object or use some existing models and demonstrate all the modifiers like bend, taper,twist, ffd, lattice etc…For e.g. create some text like ‘AUTODESK’, use bevel or bevel profile and then apply the bend modifier. Use a simple model of a hose and use the twist, taper and the bend individually and together. Use the ripple and wave modifier to make simple surfaces like a flag or a water surface.Explain how the modifier stack functions.

Taper

Twist

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Modeling

Sub-Object Tools

Attach Demonstrate each operation and any important properties

Build a fire hydrant or a simple hammer or a household object while using, extrude, bevel,bridge, chamfer and some of the edge loop tools. Show Meshsmooth, Turbosmooth and NURMS Subdivision result. Don’t forget to make use of the ‘;’ hotkey.

Bevel

Chamfer

Cut

Detach

Extrude

Provide students with a simple polygonal model with some edges and vertice broken. Use weld and target weld to fix the geometry. Also talk about Show Statistics before and after the welding.

CameraCamera Types

Target Camera Demonstrate each operation and any important properties

Free Camera Demonstrate how to setup background images to assist as reference in modeling objects

Prepare a scene for modeling while showing image planes on actual planes instead of being shown in the viewport. Show the advantage of using alpha channels in the image planes.Also show how making use of layers can help organize the planes better

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CameraCamera Types

Dolly Camera, Target, or Both

Perspective Demonstrate the difference between the 2 types of Cameras

Create an establishing shot for an existing scene to understand camera composition

Roll Camera Create a close up shot for an existing scene to understand camera composition

Camera Viewport ControlsTruck Camera Demonstrate the difference between

the 3 types of DollyCreate a bird’s eye view shot for an existing scene to understand camera composition.

Orbit/Pan Camera Demonstrate the ability to change the Perspective

Make a camera from the perspective view while using ctrl+c and also make multiple cameras and show you can switch between multiple cameras.

Filed-of-view Demonstrate how Align Camera Works

Camera ParametersSafe Frames Demonstrate difference between

Prespective and Orthographic

Demonstrate the effect of changing the FOV

Lighting

Standard Light TypesOmni Light Demonstrate how the Near/Far Clip

Planes control what is rendered in Camera

Target Spotlight Demonstrate why safe frames are an important part of camerasand the final output

Create a simple scene with some text as a logo animating into the camera and demonstrate the safe title and safe action for TV production

Free Spotlight

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Lighting

Standard Light Types

Target Directional Light Explore each type of Light, taking note of each Light’s unique features

Provide students with an interior scene and demonstrate the omni light and relate it to real world scenarios. Discuss all the parameters.

Free Directional Light Provide students with an interior scene or a performance stage and demonstrate the target spotlight and relate it to real world scenarios. Discuss all the parameters.

Light Include/Exclude Tool Outline the similarities and differences of lighting in 3DS Max and the real world

Light Lister Explain the differences between Natural (Outdoor) and Artificial (Indoor) lighting

Managing Lights

Shadow Parameters Show how to exclude objects from recieving light from lights

Provide a detailed scene like an Interior of a room and use different lights to illuminate the scene. Discuss how include/exclude can come in handy in computer graphics to avoid unnecessary washing out of objects.

ToolsShadow Types and Shadow Controls

Demonstrate how the Light Lister is an effective light managment tool

Show a detailed scene with a lot of lights and open the light lister and explain how it’s a great tool for managing lights.

Demonstrate the use of place highlight for positioning the highlight or reflection of the light

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Materials

Material EditorMaterial Editor/Slate Material Editor

Discuss a simple scene for e.g. wine glass/bottle on a table or a fruit bowl casting shadows. Discuss all different shadow types and all the parameters and show the difference between different shadow types.

ShadersBlinn Shader Define material with a real world

exampleShow a simple scene like a cofee table with cups,dishes etc.. and explain the difference between materials and textures

Metal Shader Define map with a real world example Open a scene with a complex material network and demonstrate the node based heirarchy in 3ds Max Slate Material Editor

Explain the basics of Shaders

Shader Basic Parameters Discuss each Shader and their unique properties and appearance

Explain in detail all the shader types with a simple example like a cofee set, fruit bowl etc…

Shader Parameters

Standard MaterialsStandard Material Explain all the features under this

rollout

Double Sided Explain each Material and their unique properties and appearance

Create a simple scene to explain the standard material

Top/Bottom Create a scene which will make use of the raytrace material

Blend Explain the matte shadow material by having a 3d object cast shadows on a background plate while using Matte/Shadow on the bottom plane.

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Materials

Standard Materials

Ink ‘n Paint Material Explain each Material and their unique properties and appearance

Create a simple scene and focus on the double sided and top/bottom material for e.g. a fruit bowl, teapot etc..

Multi/Sub-Object

Blend While using Fruit bowl scene demonstrate the multi/sub object, blend and composite material

Time Configuration

Animation

AnimationAuto Key Explain each Material and their

unique properties and appearance

Set Key Demonstrate the UVW Map Modifier in detail

Use the fruit bowl or the cofee set scene and explain the UVW map modifier in detail while texturing your objetcs

Track Bar / Timeline Explain in detail all option in the time configuration window

Time Slider Demonstrate the Auto Key mode Demonstrate AutoKey with a simple ball starting from the ground, being tossed up and falling back on the ground. Make sure to explain timeslider, track bar/timeline, time configuration configure the 3ds Max UI for animation while using this example.

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AnimationEditing Animation

Trajectories Demonstrate the operation and any important properties

Curve Editor

Dope Sheet Animate a simple ball starting from the ground, being tossed up and ahead while roatating and falling back on the ground. Use the trajectories to modify the motion and add new keys.

Motion Panel>Trajectories Explain the importance of the curve editor with an example

Preview/Render Animation

Make Preview Exaplin the importance of the dope sheet with an example

Animate an objects visibility while using the Dope Sheet.

Motion Panel Show the ram player for a sequence of images

Controllers & ConstraintsNoise Controller Apply parameter animation for a

basic Object-Space Modifier (i.e. Bend Modifier)

Show a simple object and apply a bend modifier and animate the bend modifer. You can also try to animate a simple plane with the ripple and wave modifier while showing the effect of a pebble being tossed on a water surface.

Look At Constraint Demonstrate the controller and all it’s important properties

Path Constraint

Time Output Introduce the Hotkey-Home

Output Size Introduce the Hotke- End

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RenderingCommon Render Setup Dialogs

Assign Renderer Highlight these important settings

Renderer - AntiAliasing Highlight these important settings

Render Highlight these important settings

Render Setup Highlight these important settings

Quick RenderDemonstrate how Active Shade can speed up production

Introduce the Hotkey-F9

Introduce the Hotkey-F10

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Acknowledgements

Production design/layout:Diane Erlich

Editorial services:Jessica Bendy

Additional editorial services:Diane Erlich

Primary authors:Sandeep Kulkarni

Producer:Linda Sellheim

© 2011 Autodesk®. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be edited or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Notices Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experience broaden our understanding, changes in research methods, professional practices, or medical treatment may become necessary.

Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evaluating and using any information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein. In using such information or methods they should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, including parties for whom they have a professional responsibility.

To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the authors, contributors, or editors, assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in the material herein.

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Ronald A. Williams, Ltd. 1703 N. Parham Rd. Suite 120 Richmond, VA 23229 800-752-6968 Toll Free 804-282-8239 804-282-4087 FAX www.rawledu.com [email protected]

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Image courtesy of Neoscape, Inc.

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