Kelly L. Murdock

Murdock

Hands down, the best book on 3ds Max around

Whether you’re a novice eager to get started or a

full-fledged animator seeking new ways to dazzle,

the new edition of this perennial hot seller is the

perfect 3ds Max book for you. It’s crammed with

the very latest features, professional techniques, and

over 150 step-by-step tutorials that will build skills

and spark your creativity. Don’t miss the colorful

insert, which showcases the work of cutting-edge

3D artists and is sure to inspire you.

[FPO][• Do freeform sculpting with the new Graphite Modeling Tools

• Use the new Material Explorer interface to quick-navigate material hierarchies

• Discover viewport exposure control, ambient occlusion, and soft shadows

• Add multiple sound tracks to your scene with the ProSound features

• Quickly find mesh problems with the xView display options

• Paint directly on models in the new Viewport Canvas mode

Value-packed DVD

Paint models in the viewportAnimate a space scene View models with soft shadows

3d

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What’s on the DVD?You’ll find before-and-after example files for every tutorial in the book, as well as:

• Unique models and textures you can customize for your own designs

• A searchable full-color PDF of the book

System Requirements: See the DVD appendix for details and complete system requirements.

Also in the Book• A 16-page full-color insert

highlighting cutting-edge work from 3ds Max artists

Shelving Category:COMPUTERS / Computer Graphics

Reader Level:Beginning to Advanced

$49.99 USA $59.99 Canada

www.wiley.com/compbooks

Spine: 1.54"

Covers both 3ds Max 2010 and 3ds Max 2010 Design

Cover Image © Keith Thompsonwww.keiththompsonart.com

Start creating today with a Quick Start tutorial

Master the basics through advanced techniques

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3ds Max® 2010

DVD Included!• Examples and content from the book• Models and textures you can customize• Searchable, full-color PDF of the book

Full-color Insert• 16-page full-color insert with

cutting-edge examples

3ds Max® 2010 Bible

Kelly L. Murdock

3ds Max® 2010 Bible

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.10475 Crosspoint BoulevardIndianapolis, IN 46256www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-0-470-47191-3

Manufactured in the United States of America

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 646-8600. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, 201-748-6011, fax 201-748-6008, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: THE PUBLISHER AND THE AUTHOR MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS WORK AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTY MAY BE CREATED OR EXTENDED BY SALES OR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS. THE ADVICE AND STRATEGIES CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERY SITUATION. THIS WORK IS SOLD WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PUBLISHER IS NOT ENGAGED IN RENDERING LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. IF PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, THE SERVICES OF A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL PERSON SHOULD BE SOUGHT. NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR THE AUTHOR SHALL BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES ARISING HEREFROM. THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE IS REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK AS A CITATION AND/OR A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FURTHER INFORMATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE AUTHOR OR THE PUBLISHER ENDORSES THE INFORMATION THE ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE MAY PROVIDE OR RECOMMENDATIONS IT MAY MAKE. FURTHER, READERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT INTERNET WEBSITES LISTED IN THIS WORK MAY HAVE CHANGED OR DISAPPEARED BETWEEN WHEN THIS WORK WAS WRITTEN AND WHEN IT IS READ.

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Trademarks: Wiley, the Wiley logo, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates, in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. 3ds Max is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books.

Certain image(s) and materials contained in this publication were reproduced with the permission of Autodesk, Inc. © 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

When I was young,

I wanted to be King.

The thought of such a title,

Seemed like such a noble thing.

When I started school

I changed my sight,

And class president

Sounded just right.

In high school sports,

The place for me,

Was team captain

For all to see.

The years in college

Held a different goal still

And top of the class

Seemed to fit the bill.

Now, finally I have

The spot I wanted all my life,

Head of my own house

Following the orders of my wife.

To my Uncle Peter, who as a Prins has made me royal indeed, 2009

About the AuthorKelly Murdock has been authoring computer books for many years now and still gets immense enjoy-ment from the completed work. His book credits include various 3D, graphics, multimedia, and Web titles, including nine previous editions of this book, 3ds Max Bible. Other major accomplishments include Google SketchUp Bible, Edgeloop Character Modeling for 3D Professionals Only, Maya 6 and 7 Revealed, LightWave 3D 8 Revealed, The Official Guide to Anime Studio, Poser 6 and 7 Revealed, 3D Game Animation For Dummies, gmax Bible, Adobe Atmosphere Bible, Master VISUALLY HTML and XHTML, JavaScript Visual Blueprint, and co-authoring duties on two editions of the Illustrator Bible (for versions 9 and 10) and four 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, com-pleted several large-scale visualization projects, created 3D models for feature films and games, worked as a freelance 3D artist, and even done some 3D programming. Kelly’s been using 3D Studio since ver-sion 3 for DOS. Kelly has also branched into training others in 3D technologies. He currently works as a production manager for an upcoming game company.

In his spare time, Kelly enjoys playing basketball.

CreditsSenior Acquisitions EditorStephanie McComb

Project EditorMartin V. Minner

Technical EditorChris Murdock

Editorial DirectorRobyn Siesky

Editorial ManagerCricket Krengel

Business ManagerAmy Knies

Senior Marketing ManagerSandy Smith

Vice President and Executive Group PublisherRichard Swadley

Vice President and Executive PublisherBarry Pruett

Project CoordinatorKatie Crocker

Graphics and Production SpecialistsAndrea HornbergerJennifer MayberryChristin SwinfordRonald Terry

Quality Control TechniciansJohn GreenoughSusan Moritz

ProofreadingChristine Sabooni

IndexingBIM Indexing & Proofreading Services

Media Development Project ManagerLaura Moss-Hollister

Media Development Assistant Project ManagerJenny Swisher

Media Development Associate ProducerJosh Frank

Media Development Quality AssuranceShawn Patrick

vi

Preface ..............................................................................................................................................xxxixAcknowledgments ................................................................................................................................xlv

Part I: Getting Started with 3ds Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Quick Start: Landing a Space Vehicle ...................................................................................................... 3Chapter 1: Exploring the Max Interface ................................................................................................ 13Chapter 2: Controlling and Configuring the Viewports ......................................................................... 35Chapter 3: Working with Files, Importing, and Exporting .................................................................... 73Chapter 4: Customizing the Max Interface and Setting Preferences ....................................................... 99

Part II: Working with Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127Chapter 5: Creating and Editing Primitive Objects .............................................................................. 129Chapter 6: Selecting Objects and Setting Object Properties ................................................................. 159Chapter 7: Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping ................................................... 189Chapter 8: Cloning Objects and Creating Object Arrays ..................................................................... 219Chapter 9: Grouping, Linking, and Using Containers ......................................................................... 241

Part III: Modeling Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255Chapter 10: Accessing Subobjects and Using Modeling Helpers .......................................................... 257Chapter 11: Introducing Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack........................................................ 271Chapter 12: Drawing and Editing 2D Splines and Shapes ................................................................... 303Chapter 13: Modeling with Polygons and Using the Graphite Modeling Tools .................................... 347

Part IV: Materials, Cameras, and Lighting Basics . . . . . . . . . 389Chapter 14: Using the Material Editor and the Material Explorer ........................................................ 391Chapter 15: Creating and Applying Standard Materials ....................................................................... 413Chapter 16: Adding Material Details with Maps .................................................................................. 425Chapter 17: Creating Compound Materials and Using Material Modifiers ........................................... 461Chapter 18: Configuring and Aiming Cameras .................................................................................... 475Chapter 19: Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques .................................................................... 491

Part V: Animation and Rendering Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519Chapter 20: Understanding Animation and Keyframes ....................................................................... 521Chapter 21: Animating with Constraints and Simple Controllers ........................................................ 545Chapter 22: Rendering a Scene ........................................................................................................... 565

Part VI: Advanced Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587Chapter 23: Building Complex Scenes with XRefs and Using Asset Tracking ...................................... 589Chapter 24: Working with the Schematic View ................................................................................... 603Chapter 25: Deforming Surfaces and Using the Mesh Modifiers .......................................................... 621Chapter 26: Working with Compound Objects .................................................................................. 641Chapter 27: Modeling with Patches and NURBS ................................................................................. 679Chapter 28: Adding and Styling Hair and Fur, and Using Cloth ......................................................... 703

vii

Part VII: Advanced Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721Chapter 29: Using Specialized Material Types ..................................................................................... 723Chapter 30: Painting in the Viewport Canvas and Rendering Surface Maps ........................................ 737Chapter 31: Unwrapping UVs and Mapping Textures ......................................................................... 749Chapter 32: Creating Baked Textures and Normal Maps ..................................................................... 773

Part VIII: Advanced Animation Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . 783Chapter 33: Using Animation Modifiers and Complex Controllers...................................................... 785Chapter 34: Animating with the Expression Controller and Wiring Parameters .................................. 813Chapter 35: Working with Function Curves in the Track View ........................................................... 831Chapter 36: Using Animation Layers and the Motion Mixer ................................................................ 869

Part IX: Dynamic Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 885Chapter 37: Creating Particles and Particle Flow ................................................................................. 887Chapter 38: Using Space Warps .......................................................................................................... 917Chapter 39: Simulating Physics-Based Motion with reactor ................................................................. 939Chapter 40: Animating Hair and Cloth ............................................................................................... 961

Part X: Working with Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 969Chapter 41: Understanding Rigging and Working with Bones ............................................................ 971Chapter 42: Working with Inverse Kinematics .................................................................................... 979Chapter 43: Creating and Animating Bipeds and Crowds ................................................................... 997Chapter 44: Skinning Characters ...................................................................................................... 1025

Part XI: Advanced Lighting and Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1043Chapter 45: Working with Advanced Lighting, Light Tracing, and Radiosity .................................... 1045Chapter 46: Using Atmospheric and Render Effects .......................................................................... 1063Chapter 47: Rendering with mental ray ............................................................................................ 1095Chapter 48: Batch and Network Rendering ....................................................................................... 1107Chapter 49: Compositing with Render Elements and the Video Post Interface .................................. 1123

Part XII: MAXScript and Plug-Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1155Chapter 50: Automating with MAXScript .......................................................................................... 1157Chapter 51: Expanding Max with Third-Party Plug-Ins..................................................................... 1195

Appendix A: What’s New with 3ds Max 2010 ................................................................................... 1203Appendix B: What’s on the DVD ....................................................................................................... 1207

Index ................................................................................................................................................ 1211End User License Agreement ............................................................................................................. 1249

ix

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxxix

Acknowledgments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  xlv

Part I: Getting Started with 3ds Max 1

Quick Start: Landing a Space Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Spaceships and Ports—Planning the Production ........................................................................... 3Setting Up the Scene ..................................................................................................................... 4

Tutorial: Gathering models ................................................................................................. 4Tutorial: Adding a ground plane ........................................................................................ 6

Adding Materials and Lights ......................................................................................................... 7Tutorial: Adding materials .................................................................................................. 7Tutorial: Adding a Sun & Sky system ................................................................................. 7Tutorial: Rendering the scene ............................................................................................. 9

Animating the Spaceship ............................................................................................................ 10Tutorial: Animating a spaceship landing ........................................................................... 10

Summary .................................................................................................................................... 11

Chapter 1: Exploring the Max Interface  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Learning the Interface Elements .................................................................................................. 14Using the Menus ......................................................................................................................... 16Using the Toolbars ..................................................................................................................... 17

Docking and floating toolbars........................................................................................... 17Using tooltips and flyouts ................................................................................................. 18Using the Caption Bar ...................................................................................................... 19Learning the main toolbar ................................................................................................ 19Using the Ribbon ............................................................................................................. 22

Using the Viewports ................................................................................................................... 23Using the Command Panel ......................................................................................................... 23

Working with rollouts ...................................................................................................... 24Increasing the Command Panel’s width ............................................................................ 24Tutorial: Rearranging the interface for lefties .................................................................... 26

Using the Lower Interface Bar Controls ...................................................................................... 27Interacting with the Interface ...................................................................................................... 28

Gaining quick access with the right-click quadmenus ...................................................... 28Understanding the button color cues ................................................................................ 29Using drag-and-drop features ........................................................................................... 29Controlling spinners ......................................................................................................... 29Understanding modeless and persistent dialog boxes ....................................................... 30

x

Contents

Getting Help ............................................................................................................................... 30Using the InfoCenter toolbar ............................................................................................ 30Viewing the Essential Skills Movies .................................................................................. 32Using the browser-based reference guides ........................................................................ 32Using the rest of the Help menu ....................................................................................... 33

Summary .................................................................................................................................... 34

Chapter 2: Controlling and Configuring the Viewports  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Understanding 3D Space ............................................................................................................ 35

Learning Axonometric versus Perspective ......................................................................... 36Learning Orthographic and Isometric views ..................................................................... 36Discovering the viewports in Max..................................................................................... 37

Using the Navigation Gizmos ..................................................................................................... 38Working with the ViewCube ............................................................................................ 38Using the SteeringWheels ................................................................................................. 39Tutorial: Navigating the active viewport ........................................................................... 40

Controlling Viewports with a Scroll Wheel ................................................................................. 42Using the Viewport Navigation Controls ..................................................................................... 43

Zooming a view ................................................................................................................ 44Panning a view ................................................................................................................. 44Walking through a view ................................................................................................... 44Rotating a view ................................................................................................................. 45Maximizing the active viewport ........................................................................................ 46Controlling camera and spotlight views ............................................................................ 47

Changing the Viewport Display .................................................................................................. 47Undoing and saving viewport changes ............................................................................. 47Disabling and refreshing viewports ................................................................................... 48Viewing materials in the viewports ................................................................................... 48Displaying lights and shadows in the viewports................................................................ 48Enabling Exposure Control and Ambient Occlusion ......................................................... 50Configuring viewport lighting and shadows ..................................................................... 50Locating mesh problems with xView ................................................................................ 52

Configuring the Viewports .......................................................................................................... 53Setting the viewport rendering method ............................................................................ 53Altering the viewport layout ............................................................................................. 60Using Safe Frames ............................................................................................................ 61Understanding Adaptive Degradation ............................................................................... 63Defining regions ............................................................................................................... 65Viewing statistics .............................................................................................................. 67

Working with Viewport Backgrounds ......................................................................................... 68Loading viewport background images .............................................................................. 69Loading viewport background animations ........................................................................ 70Tutorial: Loading reference images for modeling .............................................................. 70

Summary .................................................................................................................................... 71

Chapter 3: Working with Files, Importing, and Exporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Working with Max Scene Files ................................................................................................... 73

Using the Application Button ........................................................................................... 73Starting new ..................................................................................................................... 74Saving files ....................................................................................................................... 75

xi

Contents

Archiving files .................................................................................................................. 76Opening files .................................................................................................................... 77Setting a Project Folder .................................................................................................... 78Merging and replacing objects .......................................................................................... 78Getting out ....................................................................................................................... 79

Setting File Preferences ............................................................................................................... 79Handling files ................................................................................................................... 80Backing up files ................................................................................................................ 81Tutorial: Setting Up Auto Backup ..................................................................................... 82Maintaining log files ......................................................................................................... 82

Importing and Exporting ............................................................................................................ 82Importing supported formats ........................................................................................... 83Import preference ............................................................................................................. 84Exporting supported formats ............................................................................................ 84Exporting utilities ............................................................................................................. 89

Using the File Utilities ................................................................................................................ 92Using the Asset Browser utility ......................................................................................... 93Finding files with the Max File Finder utility .................................................................... 94Collecting files with the Resource Collector utility ............................................................ 95Using the File Link Manager utility .................................................................................. 95Using i-drop ..................................................................................................................... 95

Accessing File Information .......................................................................................................... 96Displaying scene information ........................................................................................... 96Viewing file properties ...................................................................................................... 96Viewing files ..................................................................................................................... 97

Summary .................................................................................................................................... 98

Chapter 4: Customizing the Max Interface and Setting Preferences . . . . . 99Using the Customize User Interface Window .............................................................................. 99

Customizing keyboard shortcuts ...................................................................................... 99Customizing toolbars ..................................................................................................... 101Tutorial: Creating a custom toolbar ................................................................................ 102Customizing quadmenus ................................................................................................ 103Customizing menus ........................................................................................................ 106Tutorial: Adding a new menu ......................................................................................... 107Customizing colors ......................................................................................................... 107

Customizing Modify and Utility Panel Buttons ......................................................................... 108Working with Custom Interfaces .............................................................................................. 109

Saving and loading a custom interface ............................................................................ 109Locking the interface ...................................................................................................... 111Reverting to the startup interface .................................................................................... 111Switching between default and custom interfaces ........................................................... 112

Configuring Paths ..................................................................................................................... 113Configuring user paths ................................................................................................... 113Configuring system paths ............................................................................................... 114

Selecting System Units .............................................................................................................. 115Using Custom and Generic units .................................................................................... 115Handling mismatched units ............................................................................................ 116Rescaling world units ..................................................................................................... 117

xii

Contents

Setting Preferences .................................................................................................................... 117General preferences ........................................................................................................ 117Files panel preferences ................................................................................................... 120Viewport preferences ...................................................................................................... 120Gamma preferences ........................................................................................................ 125Other preference panels ................................................................................................. 126

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 126

Part II: Working with Objects 127

Chapter 5: Creating and Editing Primitive Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129Creating Primitive Objects ........................................................................................................ 129

Using the Create menu ................................................................................................... 129Using the Create panel ................................................................................................... 130Naming and renaming objects ........................................................................................ 131Assigning colors ............................................................................................................. 132Using the Color Clipboard ............................................................................................. 134Using different creation methods .................................................................................... 135Using the Keyboard Entry rollout for precise dimensions ............................................... 137Altering object parameters .............................................................................................. 137Recovering from mistakes and deleting objects ............................................................... 138Tutorial: Exploring the Platonic solids ............................................................................ 138

Exploring the Primitive Object Types ....................................................................................... 140Starting with the Standard Primitives ............................................................................. 140Extended Primitives ....................................................................................................... 144Modifying object parameters .......................................................................................... 153Tutorial: Filling a treasure chest with gems .................................................................... 153

Using Architecture Primitives ................................................................................................... 155Using AEC Objects ......................................................................................................... 155Tutorial: Adding stairs to a clock tower building ............................................................ 157

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 158

Chapter 6: Selecting Objects and Setting Object Properties  . . . . . . . . . 159Selecting Objects ...................................................................................................................... 159

Selection filters ............................................................................................................... 160Select buttons ................................................................................................................. 161Selecting with the Edit menu .......................................................................................... 162Selecting multiple objects ............................................................................................... 164Using the Paint Selection Region tool ............................................................................. 165Tutorial: Selecting objects ............................................................................................... 166Locking selection sets ..................................................................................................... 167Using named selection sets ............................................................................................. 168Editing named selections ................................................................................................ 169Isolating the current selection ......................................................................................... 169Selecting objects in other interfaces ................................................................................ 170

Setting Object Properties .......................................................................................................... 170Viewing object information ............................................................................................ 170Setting display properties ............................................................................................... 171

xiii

Contents

Setting rendering controls .............................................................................................. 173Enabling Motion Blur ..................................................................................................... 174Using the Advanced Lighting and mental ray panels....................................................... 175Using the User-Defined panel ......................................................................................... 175

Hiding and Freezing Objects .................................................................................................... 175Using the Display Floater dialog box .............................................................................. 176Using the Display panel .................................................................................................. 177Tutorial: Hidden toothbrushes ....................................................................................... 178

Using Layers ............................................................................................................................. 179Using the Layer Manager ................................................................................................ 179Using the layer list .......................................................................................................... 182Tutorial: Dividing a scene into layers .............................................................................. 182

Using the Scene Explorer .......................................................................................................... 183Selecting and filtering objects ......................................................................................... 185Finding objects ............................................................................................................... 185Editing in the Scene Explorer ......................................................................................... 187

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 188

Chapter 7: Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping . . . 189Translating, Rotating, and Scaling Objects ................................................................................ 189

Translating objects ......................................................................................................... 189Rotating objects .............................................................................................................. 190Scaling objects ................................................................................................................ 190Using the transform buttons ........................................................................................... 191Working with the Transform Gizmos ............................................................................. 191Using the Transform Toolbox ......................................................................................... 194Using the Transform Type-In dialog box ........................................................................ 195Using the status bar Type-In fields ................................................................................. 196Understanding the Transform Managers ......................................................................... 196Tutorial: Landing a spaceship in port ............................................................................. 201

Using Pivot Points .................................................................................................................... 202Positioning pivot points .................................................................................................. 203Aligning pivot points ...................................................................................................... 203Using the Working Pivot ................................................................................................ 203Transform adjustments ................................................................................................... 204Using the Reset XForm utility ......................................................................................... 205Tutorial: A bee buzzing about a flower ........................................................................... 205

Using the Align Commands ...................................................................................................... 206Aligning objects .............................................................................................................. 207Using the Quick Align tool ............................................................................................. 207Aligning normals ............................................................................................................ 207Tutorial: Aligning a kissing couple ................................................................................. 208Aligning to a view ........................................................................................................... 209

Using Grids .............................................................................................................................. 210The Home Grid .............................................................................................................. 210Creating and activating new grids ................................................................................... 210Using AutoGrid .............................................................................................................. 211Tutorial: Creating a spyglass ........................................................................................... 211

xiv

Contents

Using Snap Options .................................................................................................................. 212Tutorial: Creating a 2D outline of an object .................................................................... 213Setting snap points ......................................................................................................... 214Setting snap options ....................................................................................................... 215Using the Snaps toolbar .................................................................................................. 216Tutorial: Creating a lattice for a methane molecule ......................................................... 216

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 217

Chapter 8: Cloning Objects and Creating Object Arrays  . . . . . . . . . . . . 219Cloning Objects ........................................................................................................................ 219

Using the Clone command ............................................................................................. 219Using the Shift-clone method ......................................................................................... 220Tutorial: Cloning dinosaurs ............................................................................................ 220Using Quick Clone ......................................................................................................... 221

Understanding Cloning Options ............................................................................................... 222Working with copies, instances, and references .............................................................. 222Tutorial: Creating instanced doughnuts .......................................................................... 222Tutorial: Working with referenced apples ...................................................................... 224

Mirroring Objects ..................................................................................................................... 225Using the Mirror command ............................................................................................ 225Tutorial: Mirroring a robot’s leg...................................................................................... 226

Cloning over Time .................................................................................................................... 227Using the Snapshot command ........................................................................................ 227Tutorial: Creating a path through a maze ....................................................................... 228

Spacing Cloned Objects ............................................................................................................ 229Using the Spacing tool .................................................................................................... 229Tutorial: Stacking a row of dominoes ............................................................................. 231

Using the Clone and Align Tool ................................................................................................ 232Aligning source objects to destination objects................................................................. 232Tutorial: Cloning and aligning trees on a beach .............................................................. 233

Creating Arrays of Objects ........................................................................................................ 234Linear arrays ................................................................................................................... 234Tutorial: Building a white picket fence ........................................................................... 235Circular arrays ................................................................................................................ 235Tutorial: Building a Ferris wheel .................................................................................... 235Working with a ring array .............................................................................................. 237Tutorial: Using Ring Array to create a carousel ............................................................... 238

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 238

Chapter 9: Grouping, Linking, and Using Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241Working with Groups ............................................................................................................... 241

Creating groups .............................................................................................................. 241Ungrouping objects ........................................................................................................ 242Opening and closing groups ........................................................................................... 242Attaching and detaching objects ..................................................................................... 242Tutorial: Grouping a plane’s parts together ..................................................................... 242Building Assemblies ....................................................................................................... 243

Understanding Parent, Child, and Root Relationships ............................................................... 244

xv

Contents

Building Links between Objects ................................................................................................ 245Linking objects ............................................................................................................... 245Unlinking objects ........................................................................................................... 245Tutorial: Linking a family of ducks ................................................................................. 245

Displaying Links and Hierarchies ............................................................................................. 247Displaying links in the viewport ..................................................................................... 247Viewing hierarchies ........................................................................................................ 247

Working with Linked Objects................................................................................................... 248Locking inheriting transformations ................................................................................. 248Using the Link Inheritance utility ................................................................................... 249Selecting hierarchies ....................................................................................................... 249Linking to dummies ....................................................................................................... 249Tutorial: Circling the globe............................................................................................. 249

Working with Containers ......................................................................................................... 251Creating and filling containers ........................................................................................ 251Closing and saving containers ........................................................................................ 253Updating and reloading containers ................................................................................. 253

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 253

Part III: Modeling Basics 255

Chapter 10: Accessing Subobjects and Using Modeling Helpers . . . . . . 257Exploring the Model Types ....................................................................................................... 257

Parametric objects versus editable objects....................................................................... 257Converting to editable objects ........................................................................................ 259

Understanding Normals ............................................................................................................ 260Viewing normals ............................................................................................................ 260Tutorial: Cleaning up imported meshes .......................................................................... 260

Working with Subobjects ......................................................................................................... 262Using Soft Selection ........................................................................................................ 263Tutorial: Soft selecting a heart shape from a plane .......................................................... 264Applying modifiers to subobject selections ..................................................................... 265

Using Modeling Helpers ........................................................................................................... 266Using Dummy and Point objects .................................................................................... 266Measuring coordinate distances ...................................................................................... 267

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 269

Chapter 11: Introducing Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack  . . . . . 271Exploring the Modifier Stack .................................................................................................... 271

Understanding Base Objects ........................................................................................... 271Applying modifiers ......................................................................................................... 272Other Modifier Stack entities .......................................................................................... 272Using the Modifier Stack ................................................................................................ 272Reordering the Stack ...................................................................................................... 275Tutorial: Creating a molecular chain............................................................................... 275Holding and fetching a scene.......................................................................................... 276Collapsing the Stack ....................................................................................................... 277Using the Collapse utility ............................................................................................... 277

xvi

Contents

Using gizmo subobjects .................................................................................................. 278Tutorial: Squeezing a plastic bottle ................................................................................. 278Modifying subobjects ..................................................................................................... 279Topology dependency .................................................................................................... 279

Exploring Modifier Types ......................................................................................................... 280Object-Space versus World-Space modifiers ................................................................... 281Selection modifiers ......................................................................................................... 281Parametric Deformer modifiers ....................................................................................... 282Free Form Deformer modifiers ....................................................................................... 299

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 301

Chapter 12: Drawing and Editing 2D Splines and Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . 303Drawing in 2D .......................................................................................................................... 303

Working with shape primitives ...................................................................................... 304Tutorial: Drawing a company logo ................................................................................. 314Tutorial: Viewing the interior of a heart .......................................................................... 316

Editing Splines ......................................................................................................................... 317Editable Splines versus the Edit Spline modifier ............................................................. 317Making splines renderable .............................................................................................. 318Selecting spline subobjects ............................................................................................. 319Controlling spline geometry ........................................................................................... 321Editing vertices ............................................................................................................... 324Editing segments ............................................................................................................ 330Editing Spline subobjects ............................................................................................... 333

Using Spline Modifiers .............................................................................................................. 338Spline-specific modifiers ................................................................................................ 338Moving splines to 3D ..................................................................................................... 342

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 346

Chapter 13: Modeling with Polygons and Using the Graphite Modeling Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

Understanding Poly Objects ..................................................................................................... 347Creating Editable Poly Objects.................................................................................................. 349

Converting objects ......................................................................................................... 349Collapsing to a mesh object ............................................................................................ 349Applying the Edit Poly modifier ..................................................................................... 349

Editing Poly Objects ................................................................................................................. 350Using the Ribbon ........................................................................................................... 350Editable Poly subobject modes ....................................................................................... 351Subobject selection ......................................................................................................... 352Tutorial: Modeling a clown head .................................................................................... 355Editing geometry ............................................................................................................ 356Editing Vertex subobjects ............................................................................................... 365Editing Edge subobjects ................................................................................................. 369Editing Border subobjects............................................................................................... 371Editing Polygon and Element subobjects ........................................................................ 372Surface properties ........................................................................................................... 376Tutorial: Modeling a tooth .............................................................................................. 379

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Contents

Using the Freeform Tools ......................................................................................................... 381Using the PolyDraw tools ............................................................................................... 381Using the Paint Deform tools .......................................................................................... 384

Using the Selection Tools .......................................................................................................... 385Selecting Tops, Open, and Non-Quads .......................................................................... 385Copying and pasting selections ...................................................................................... 385Selecting by criteria ........................................................................................................ 386

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 388

Part IV: Materials, Cameras, and Lighting Basics 389

Chapter 14: Using the Material Editor and the Material Explorer  . . . . . . 391Understanding Material Properties ............................................................................................ 391

Colors ............................................................................................................................ 391Opacity and transparency ............................................................................................... 392Reflection and refraction ................................................................................................ 393Shininess and specular highlights ................................................................................... 393Other properties ............................................................................................................. 393

Working with the Material Editor ............................................................................................. 394Using the Material Editor controls .................................................................................. 394Using the sample slots .................................................................................................... 397Naming materials ........................................................................................................... 400Getting new materials ..................................................................................................... 400Assigning materials to objects ......................................................................................... 400Picking materials from a scene........................................................................................ 401Selecting objects by material ........................................................................................... 401Previewing materials and rendering maps....................................................................... 401Setting Material Editor options ....................................................................................... 402Resetting materials ......................................................................................................... 403Removing materials and maps ........................................................................................ 404Using the Fix Ambient utility ......................................................................................... 404Tutorial: Coloring Easter eggs......................................................................................... 404

Using the Material/Map Browser ............................................................................................... 405Working with libraries ................................................................................................... 407Tutorial: Loading a custom material library .................................................................... 408

Using the Material/Map Navigator ............................................................................................ 408Using the Material Explorer ...................................................................................................... 409Summary .................................................................................................................................. 412

Chapter 15: Creating and Applying Standard Materials  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413Using the Standard Material ...................................................................................................... 413Using Shading Types ................................................................................................................ 413

Blinn shader ................................................................................................................... 414Phong shader ................................................................................................................. 416Anisotropic shader ......................................................................................................... 416Multi-Layer shader ......................................................................................................... 417Oren-Nayar-Blinn shader ............................................................................................... 418Metal shader ................................................................................................................... 418

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Strauss shader ................................................................................................................ 418Translucent shader ......................................................................................................... 419Tutorial: Making curtains translucent ............................................................................. 419

Accessing Other Parameters ...................................................................................................... 420Extended Parameters rollout .......................................................................................... 420SuperSampling rollout .................................................................................................... 421Maps rollout ................................................................................................................... 422Dynamic Properties rollout ............................................................................................. 422DirectX Manager rollout ................................................................................................. 422mental ray connection rollout......................................................................................... 423Tutorial: Coloring a dolphin ........................................................................................... 423

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 424

Chapter 16: Adding Material Details with Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425Understanding Maps ................................................................................................................ 425

Different map types ........................................................................................................ 425Enabling the Global Viewport Rendering Setting ............................................................ 426Using Real-World maps .................................................................................................. 426

Understanding Material Map Types .......................................................................................... 4262D maps ......................................................................................................................... 4273D maps ......................................................................................................................... 437Compositor maps ........................................................................................................... 444Color Modifier maps ...................................................................................................... 446Miscellaneous maps ........................................................................................................ 448

Using the Maps Rollout ............................................................................................................ 451Tutorial: Aging objects for realism .................................................................................. 453

Using the Map Path Utility ........................................................................................................ 455Using Map Instances ................................................................................................................. 455Creating Textures with External Tools ...................................................................................... 456

Creating material textures using Photoshop .................................................................... 456Capturing digital images ................................................................................................. 458Scanning images ............................................................................................................. 459Tutorial: Creating a fishing net ....................................................................................... 459

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 460

Chapter 17: Creating Compound Materials and Using Material Modifiers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461

Using Compound Materials ...................................................................................................... 461Blend .............................................................................................................................. 462Composite ...................................................................................................................... 463Double Sided .................................................................................................................. 464Multi/Sub-Object ............................................................................................................ 464Tutorial: Creating a patchwork quilt............................................................................... 464Morpher ......................................................................................................................... 466Shell ............................................................................................................................... 467Shellac ............................................................................................................................ 467Top/Bottom .................................................................................................................... 467Tutorial: Surfing the waves ............................................................................................. 467

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Contents

Applying Multiple Materials ...................................................................................................... 468Using material IDs .......................................................................................................... 468Tutorial: Mapping die faces ............................................................................................ 469Using the Clean MultiMaterial utility .............................................................................. 470

Material Modifiers ..................................................................................................................... 470Material modifier ............................................................................................................ 471MaterialByElement modifier ........................................................................................... 471Tutorial: Creating random marquee lights with the MaterialByElement modifier ............ 471Disp Approx and Displace Mesh modifiers ..................................................................... 472Tutorial: Displacing geometry with a bitmap .................................................................. 473

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 474

Chapter 18: Configuring and Aiming Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475Learning to Work with Cameras ............................................................................................... 475

Creating a camera object ................................................................................................ 476Creating a camera view................................................................................................... 476Tutorial: Setting up an opponent’s view ......................................................................... 477Controlling a camera ...................................................................................................... 478Aiming a camera ............................................................................................................. 479Tutorial: Watching a rocket ............................................................................................ 480Aligning cameras ............................................................................................................ 480Tutorial: Seeing the dinosaur’s good side ........................................................................ 481

Setting Camera Parameters ....................................................................................................... 483Lens settings and field of view ........................................................................................ 483Camera type and display options .................................................................................... 484Environment ranges and clipping planes ........................................................................ 484Camera Correction modifier ........................................................................................... 485Creating multi-pass camera effects.................................................................................. 485Using the Depth of Field effect ....................................................................................... 485Tutorial: Applying a Depth of Field effect to a row of windmills ..................................... 487Using the Motion Blur effect ........................................................................................... 488Tutorial: Using a Motion Blur multi-pass camera effect .................................................. 489

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 490

Chapter 19: Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques  . . . . . . . . . . . . 491Understanding the Basics of Lighting ........................................................................................ 491

Natural and artificial light ............................................................................................... 491A standard lighting method ............................................................................................ 492Shadows ......................................................................................................................... 493

Getting to Know the Light Types .............................................................................................. 494Default lighting .............................................................................................................. 494Ambient light ................................................................................................................. 495Standard lights ............................................................................................................... 495Photometric lights .......................................................................................................... 496

Creating and Positioning Light Objects ..................................................................................... 497Transforming lights ........................................................................................................ 497Viewing lights and shadows in the viewport ................................................................... 497Listing lights ................................................................................................................... 498

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Contents

Placing highlights ........................................................................................................... 499Tutorial: Lighting the snowman’s face ............................................................................ 499

Viewing a Scene from a Light .................................................................................................... 500Light viewport controls .................................................................................................. 500Tutorial: Lighting a lamp ................................................................................................ 501

Altering Light Parameters ......................................................................................................... 502General parameters ........................................................................................................ 502The Intensity/Color/Attenuation rollout.......................................................................... 503Spotlight and directional light parameters ...................................................................... 504Advanced Effects ............................................................................................................ 504Shadow parameters ........................................................................................................ 505Optimizing lights ........................................................................................................... 505Manipulating Hotspot and Falloff cones ......................................................................... 506Photometric light parameters.......................................................................................... 506

Using the Sunlight and Daylight Systems .................................................................................. 508Using the Compass helper .............................................................................................. 509Understanding Azimuth and Altitude ............................................................................. 510Specifying date and time ................................................................................................ 510Specifying location ......................................................................................................... 510Tutorial: Animating a day in 20 seconds......................................................................... 510

Using Volume Lights ................................................................................................................ 512Volume light parameters ................................................................................................ 512Tutorial: Showing car headlights .................................................................................... 513Tutorial: Creating laser beams ........................................................................................ 514Using projector maps and raytraced shadows ................................................................. 515Tutorial: Projecting a trumpet image on a scene ............................................................. 516Tutorial: Creating a stained-glass window ...................................................................... 516

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 518

Part V: Animation and Rendering Basics 519

Chapter 20: Understanding Animation and Keyframes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521Using the Time Controls ........................................................................................................... 521

Setting frame rate ........................................................................................................... 522Setting speed and direction ............................................................................................ 523Using Time Tags ............................................................................................................. 524

Working with Keys ................................................................................................................... 524Auto Key mode .............................................................................................................. 524Set Key mode ................................................................................................................. 525Tutorial: Rotating a windmill’s blades ............................................................................. 525Creating keys with the Time Slider ................................................................................. 526Copying parameter animation keys ................................................................................ 527Deleting all object animation keys .................................................................................. 527

Using the Track Bar .................................................................................................................. 527Viewing and Editing Key Values ............................................................................................... 528Using the Motion Panel ............................................................................................................ 529

Setting parameters .......................................................................................................... 529Using trajectories ............................................................................................................ 530

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Contents

Tutorial: Making an airplane follow a looping path ........................................................ 531Using the Follow/Bank utility ......................................................................................... 533

Using Ghosting ......................................................................................................................... 533Animation Preferences .............................................................................................................. 534Animating Objects .................................................................................................................... 536

Animating cameras ......................................................................................................... 536Tutorial: Animating darts hitting a dartboard ................................................................. 536Animating lights ............................................................................................................. 537Animating materials ....................................................................................................... 538Creating Image File Lists ................................................................................................ 538Generating IFL files with the IFL Manager Utility ........................................................... 539Tutorial: What’s on TV? ................................................................................................. 539

Working with Previews ............................................................................................................ 541Creating previews ........................................................................................................... 541Viewing previews ........................................................................................................... 543Renaming previews ........................................................................................................ 543

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 543

Chapter 21: Animating with Constraints and Simple Controllers . . . . . . 545Restricting Movement with Constraints .................................................................................... 545

Using constraints ............................................................................................................ 546Working with the constraints ......................................................................................... 546

Understanding Controller Types ............................................................................................... 556Assigning Controllers ............................................................................................................... 556

Automatically assigned controllers ................................................................................. 556Assigning controllers with the Animation menu ............................................................. 557Assigning controllers in the Motion panel ...................................................................... 558Assigning controllers in the Track View.......................................................................... 558Setting default controllers ............................................................................................... 559

Examining Some Simple Controllers ......................................................................................... 559Noise controller .............................................................................................................. 560Spring controller ............................................................................................................ 561

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 564

Chapter 22: Rendering a Scene  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565Render Parameters .................................................................................................................... 565

Initiating a render job ..................................................................................................... 566Common parameters ...................................................................................................... 567E-mail notifications ........................................................................................................ 571Adding pre-render and post-render scripts ..................................................................... 571Assigning renderers ........................................................................................................ 571Scanline A-Buffer renderer ............................................................................................. 572

Rendering Preferences .............................................................................................................. 574Using the Rendered Frame Window ......................................................................................... 575

Using the Render Types .................................................................................................. 576Previewing with ActiveShade .......................................................................................... 578

Using the RAM Player ............................................................................................................... 578Using Command-Line Rendering .............................................................................................. 581Creating Panoramic Images ...................................................................................................... 582

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Getting Printer Help ................................................................................................................. 582Creating an Environment .......................................................................................................... 583

Defining the rendered environment ................................................................................ 583Summary .................................................................................................................................. 585

Part VI: Advanced Modeling 587

Chapter 23: Building Complex Scenes with XRefs and Using Asset Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 589

Referencing External Objects .................................................................................................... 589Using XRef scenes .......................................................................................................... 590Using XRef objects ......................................................................................................... 593Using material XRefs ...................................................................................................... 596Merging modifiers .......................................................................................................... 596Using proxies ................................................................................................................. 596Controller XRefs ............................................................................................................. 596Configuring XRef paths .................................................................................................. 597

Setting Up Asset Tracking ......................................................................................................... 597Checking in and checking out ........................................................................................ 598Using the Asset Tracking interface .................................................................................. 598Logging in ...................................................................................................................... 598Selecting a working folder .............................................................................................. 599Getting and adding Vault files ........................................................................................ 599Loading older file versions .............................................................................................. 600Changing asset paths ...................................................................................................... 600Working with proxies .................................................................................................... 601

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 601

Chapter 24: Working with the Schematic View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603Using the Schematic View Window .......................................................................................... 603

The Graph Editors menu options ................................................................................... 603The Schematic View interface ......................................................................................... 604Working with Schematic View nodes ............................................................................. 607

Working with Hierarchies ........................................................................................................ 612Using the Display floater ................................................................................................ 612Connecting nodes .......................................................................................................... 613Copying modifiers and materials between nodes ............................................................ 613Assigning controllers and wiring parameters .................................................................. 614Tutorial: Linking a character with the Schematic View ................................................... 614

Setting Schematic View Preferences .......................................................................................... 615Limiting nodes ............................................................................................................... 616Working with grids and backgrounds ............................................................................ 617Display preferences ........................................................................................................ 617Tutorial: Adding a background image to the Schematic View ......................................... 618

Using List Views ....................................................................................................................... 619Summary .................................................................................................................................. 620

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Chapter 25: Deforming Surfaces and Using the Mesh Modifiers  . . . . . . 621The Basics of Deformation Painting .......................................................................................... 621

Painting deformations .................................................................................................... 621Accessing brush presets .................................................................................................. 623

Using the Deformation Brushes ................................................................................................ 624Controlling the deformation direction ............................................................................ 624Limiting the deformation ................................................................................................ 624Committing any changes ................................................................................................ 624Using the Relax and Revert brushes ................................................................................ 624Tutorial: Adding veins to a forearm ................................................................................ 624

Setting Painter Options ............................................................................................................. 626Primitive Maintenance Modifiers .............................................................................................. 627

Edit Mesh modifier ......................................................................................................... 627Edit Poly modifier .......................................................................................................... 627

Edit Geometry Modifiers ........................................................................................................... 628Cap Holes modifier ........................................................................................................ 628Delete Mesh modifier ..................................................................................................... 628Extrude modifier ............................................................................................................ 628Face Extrude modifier .................................................................................................... 629Tutorial: Extruding a bullet ............................................................................................ 629ProOptimizer modifier ................................................................................................... 631Tutorial: Creating a low-res hand ................................................................................... 632Quadify Mesh modifier................................................................................................... 633Smooth modifier ............................................................................................................ 634Symmetry modifier ......................................................................................................... 634Tutorial: Creating symmetrical antlers ............................................................................ 635Tessellate modifier .......................................................................................................... 635Vertex Weld modifier ..................................................................................................... 635

Miscellaneous Modifiers ........................................................................................................... 636Edit Normals .................................................................................................................. 636Normal modifier ............................................................................................................. 638STL Check modifier ....................................................................................................... 638

Subdivision Surface Modifiers ................................................................................................... 638MeshSmooth modifier .................................................................................................... 638TurboSmooth modifier ................................................................................................... 638Tutorial: Smoothing a birdbath ...................................................................................... 638HSDS modifier ............................................................................................................... 639

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 640

Chapter 26: Working with Compound Objects  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 641Understanding Compound Object Types .................................................................................. 641Morphing Objects ..................................................................................................................... 642

Creating Morph keys ...................................................................................................... 642Morph objects versus the Morph modifier ...................................................................... 643Tutorial: Morphing a woman’s face ................................................................................ 643

Creating Conform Objects ........................................................................................................ 644Setting a vertex projection direction ............................................................................... 645Tutorial: Placing a facial scar .......................................................................................... 646

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Contents

Creating a ShapeMerge Object .................................................................................................. 647Cookie Cutter and Merge options ................................................................................... 647Tutorial: Using the ShapeMerge compound object ......................................................... 648

Creating a Terrain Object ......................................................................................................... 649Coloring elevations ......................................................................................................... 650Tutorial: Creating an island with the Terrain compound object ...................................... 650

Using the Mesher Object .......................................................................................................... 652Working with BlobMesh Objects .............................................................................................. 652

Setting BlobMesh parameters.......................................................................................... 653Tutorial: Creating icy geometry with BlobMesh .............................................................. 653

Creating a Scatter Object .......................................................................................................... 654Working with Source objects ......................................................................................... 655Working with Distribution objects ................................................................................. 656Setting Transforms ......................................................................................................... 657Speeding updates with a proxy ....................................................................................... 657Loading and saving presets ............................................................................................. 657Tutorial: Covering the island with trees .......................................................................... 657

Creating Connect Objects ......................................................................................................... 658Filling object holes ......................................................................................................... 659Tutorial: Creating a park bench ...................................................................................... 659

Creating a Loft Object ............................................................................................................... 660Using the Get Shape and Get Path buttons ..................................................................... 660Controlling surface parameters ....................................................................................... 661Changing path parameters .............................................................................................. 661Setting skin parameters .................................................................................................. 662Tutorial: Designing a slip-proof hanger .......................................................................... 663Deforming Loft objects ................................................................................................... 663The Deformation window interface ................................................................................ 664Scale Deformation .......................................................................................................... 666Twist Deformation ......................................................................................................... 667Teeter Deformation ........................................................................................................ 667Bevel Deformation .......................................................................................................... 667Fit Deformation .............................................................................................................. 668Modifying Loft subobjects .............................................................................................. 669Comparing shapes .......................................................................................................... 670Editing Loft paths ........................................................................................................... 670Tutorial: Creating drapes ................................................................................................ 671Loft objects versus surface tools...................................................................................... 671

Working with ProBoolean and ProCutter Objects ..................................................................... 672Using ProBoolean ........................................................................................................... 672Tutorial: Creating a keyhole ........................................................................................... 675Using ProCutter ............................................................................................................. 676Tutorial: Creating a jigsaw puzzle ................................................................................... 676

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 677

Chapter 27: Modeling with Patches and NURBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679Introducing Patch Grids ........................................................................................................... 679

Creating a patch grid ...................................................................................................... 680Tutorial: Creating a checkerboard .................................................................................. 680

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Contents

Editing Patches ......................................................................................................................... 681Editable patches versus the Edit Patch modifier .............................................................. 682Selecting patch subobjects .............................................................................................. 682Working with Patch Geometry ....................................................................................... 684Editing vertices ............................................................................................................... 685Editing handles .............................................................................................................. 688Editing edges .................................................................................................................. 689Editing patch and element subobjects ............................................................................ 691Tutorial: Creating a maple leaf from patches .................................................................. 693

Using Modifiers on Patch Objects ............................................................................................. 694Patch Select modifier ...................................................................................................... 695Edit Patch modifier ........................................................................................................ 695Delete Patch modifier ..................................................................................................... 695Using the Surface tools ................................................................................................... 695

Creating NURBS Curves and Surfaces ....................................................................................... 698NURBS curves ................................................................................................................ 699NURBS surfaces .............................................................................................................. 700Converting objects to NURBS ......................................................................................... 701

Editing NURBS ......................................................................................................................... 701Summary .................................................................................................................................. 702

Chapter 28: Adding and Styling Hair and Fur, and Using Cloth  . . . . . . . 703Understanding Hair .................................................................................................................. 703Working with Hair ................................................................................................................... 704

Growing hair .................................................................................................................. 704Setting hair properties .................................................................................................... 705Tutorial: Adding a spline fringe to a quilt ....................................................................... 707

Styling Hair .............................................................................................................................. 709Using the Style interface ................................................................................................. 709Tutorial: Creating a set of fuzzy dice............................................................................... 711Using hair presets ........................................................................................................... 712Using hair instances ....................................................................................................... 713

Rendering Hair ......................................................................................................................... 714Understanding Cloth ................................................................................................................ 715Creating Cloth .......................................................................................................................... 715

Using Garment Maker to define cloth ............................................................................. 715Creating cloth from geometry objects ............................................................................. 717Tutorial: Clothing a 3D model ........................................................................................ 718

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 720

Part VII: Advanced Materials 721

Chapter 29: Using Specialized Material Types  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 723Using the Matte/Shadow Material ............................................................................................. 723

Matte/Shadow Basic Parameters rollout .......................................................................... 724Tutorial: Adding 3D objects to a scene ........................................................................... 724

Using the Ink ’n’ Paint Material ................................................................................................. 725Controlling paint and ink ............................................................................................... 726Tutorial: Cartooning a turtle ........................................................................................... 726

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Contents

Using Architectural Materials .................................................................................................... 727Using the DirectX Shader Material ............................................................................................ 728Using mental ray Materials and Shaders .................................................................................... 729

Understanding shaders ................................................................................................... 730Accessing mental ray materials and shaders .................................................................... 730Using the Arch & Design materials ................................................................................. 732Using the ProMaterials ................................................................................................... 734Using the Car Paint material ........................................................................................... 734Combining bump and displacement maps ..................................................................... 735Using the Subsurface Scattering materials ....................................................................... 735

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 735

Chapter 30: Painting in the Viewport Canvas and Rendering Surface Maps  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 737

Using the Viewport Canvas ....................................................................................................... 737Setting up an object for painting .................................................................................... 738Using the Paint and Clone brushes ................................................................................. 739Selecting a different brush .............................................................................................. 739Capturing a view ............................................................................................................ 740Tutorial: Face painting ................................................................................................... 741

Using Vertex Colors .................................................................................................................. 742Assigning vertex colors ................................................................................................... 742Painting vertices with the Vertex Paint modifier ............................................................. 742Tutorial: Marking heart tension ...................................................................................... 744The Assign Vertex Color utility ....................................................................................... 745

Rendering Surface Maps ........................................................................................................... 745Rendering UV Templates .......................................................................................................... 747Summary .................................................................................................................................. 748

Chapter 31: Unwrapping UVs and Mapping Textures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 749Mapping Modifiers ................................................................................................................... 749

UVW Map modifier ........................................................................................................ 750Tutorial: Using the UVW Map modifier to apply decals .................................................. 750UVW Mapping Add and Clear modifiers ........................................................................ 752UVW XForm modifier .................................................................................................... 752Map Scaler modifier ....................................................................................................... 753Camera Map modifier ..................................................................................................... 753

Using the Unwrap UVW Modifier ............................................................................................. 753The Edit UVWs interface ................................................................................................ 753Tutorial: Controlling the mapping of a covered wagon ................................................... 759Relaxing vertices ............................................................................................................. 762Using the Quick Planar Map........................................................................................... 763Mapping multiple objects ............................................................................................... 763Tutorial: Creating a mapping for a fighter plane ............................................................. 763Using the Spline mapping .............................................................................................. 765Tutorial: Spline mapping a snake ................................................................................... 766

Using Pelt Mapping .................................................................................................................. 767Selecting seams .............................................................................................................. 768Positioning the projection gizmo .................................................................................... 769

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Contents

Stretching the pelt mapping ........................................................................................... 769Tutorial: Using pelt mapping .......................................................................................... 771

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 772

Chapter 32: Creating Baked Textures and Normal Maps  . . . . . . . . . . . . 773Using Channels ........................................................................................................................ 773

Using the Map Channel Info dialog box ......................................................................... 774Select by Channel modifier ............................................................................................. 775

Rendering to a Texture ............................................................................................................. 775General Settings ............................................................................................................. 776Selecting objects to bake................................................................................................. 776Output settings .............................................................................................................. 777Baked Material and Automatic Mapping settings ............................................................ 778Tutorial: Baking the textures for a dog model ................................................................. 778

Creating Normal Maps .............................................................................................................. 779Using the Projection modifier ......................................................................................... 780Setting Projection Mapping options ................................................................................ 780Tutorial: Creating a normal map for a spikey sphere ...................................................... 781

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 782

Part VIII: Advanced Animation Techniques 783

Chapter 33: Using Animation Modifiers and Complex Controllers . . . . . 785Baking Animation Keys with the Point Cache Modifier ............................................................. 785

Tutorial: Trees in a hurricane ......................................................................................... 786Using the Animation Modifiers ................................................................................................. 787

Morpher modifier ........................................................................................................... 787Tutorial: Morphing facial expressions ............................................................................. 789Using the Flex modifier .................................................................................................. 789Melt modifier ................................................................................................................. 793PatchDeform and SurfDeform modifiers ......................................................................... 793Tutorial: Deforming a car going over a hill ..................................................................... 794PathDeform modifier ...................................................................................................... 795Linked XForm modifier .................................................................................................. 795SplineIK Control modifier .............................................................................................. 796Attribute Holder modifier ............................................................................................... 796

Examining Complex Controllers ............................................................................................... 796Transform controllers ..................................................................................................... 797Position track controllers ................................................................................................ 798Rotation and Scale track controllers................................................................................ 803Parameter controllers ..................................................................................................... 804

Summary .................................................................................................................................. 811

Chapter 34: Animating with the Expression Controller and Wiring Parameters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813

Working with Expressions in Spinners ..................................................................................... 813Understanding the Expression Controller Interface ................................................................... 814

Defining variables ........................................................................................................... 815Building expressions ....................................................................................................... 816

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Contents

Debugging and evaluating expressions ........................................................................... 816Managing expressions .................................................................................................... 817Tutorial: Creating following eyes .................................................................................... 818

Using Expression Controllers .................................................................................................... 819Animating transforms with the Expression controller ..................................................... 819Animating parameters with the Float Expression controller ............................................ 820Tutorial: Inflating a balloon ............................................................................................ 820Animating materials with the Expression controller ........................................................ 820

Wiring Parameters .................................................................................................................... 821Using the Parameter Wiring dialog box .......................................................................... 821Manipulator helpers ....................................................................................................... 823Tutorial: Controlling a crocodile’s bite............................................................................ 823

Collecting Parameters ............................................................................................................... 824Adding Custom Parameters ...................................................................................................... 827Summary .................................................................................................................................. 829

Chapter 35: Working with Function Curves in the Track View . . . . . . . . 831Learning the Track View Interface ............................................................................................ 831

The Track View layouts .................................................................................................. 832Track View menus and toolbars ..................................................................................... 833Controller and Key panes ............................................................................................... 839Lower interface toolbars ................................................................................................. 840

Working with Keys ................................................................................................................... 841Selecting keys ................................................................................................................. 842Using soft selection ........................................................................................................ 842Adding and deleting keys ............................................................................................... 843Moving, sliding, and scaling keys ................................................................................... 843Editing keys ................................................................................................................... 843Using the Randomize Keys utility ................................................................................... 843Using the Euler Filter utility ........................................................................................... 844Displaying keyable icons ................................................................................................ 844

Editing Time ............................................................................................................................. 845Selecting time and the Select Keys by Time utility .......................................................... 846Deleting, cutting, copying, and pasting time ................................................................... 846Reversing, inserting, and scaling time ............................................................................. 846Setting ranges ................................................................................................................. 846

Editing Curves .......................................................................................................................... 846Inserting new keys and moving keys .............................................................................. 847Tutorial: Animating a monorail ...................................................................................... 847Drawing curves .............................................................................................................. 850Reducing keys ................................................................................................................ 850Working with tangents ................................................................................................... 851Tutorial: Animating a flowing river ................................................................................. 852Applying out-of-range, ease, and multiplier curves ......................................................... 853Tutorial: Animating a wind-up teapot ............................................................................ 855

Filtering Tracks and Creating Track Sets................................................................................... 857Using the Filters dialog box ............................................................................................ 857Creating a Track Set ....................................................................................................... 858