Preface

Preface
Every time I enter the computer room (which my wife calls the dungeon), my wife still says that I am off to my “fun and games.” I, as always, still flatly deny this accusation, saying that it is serious work that I am involved in. But later, when I emerge with a twinkle in my eye and excitedly ask her to take a look at my latest rendering, I know that she is right. Working with 3D graphics is pure “fun and games.” My goal in writing this book was to take all my fun years of playing in 3D and boil them down into something that’s worthwhile for you—the reader. This goal was compounded by the fact that all you Max-heads out there are at different levels. Luckily, this book is thick enough to include a little something for everyone. The audience level for the book ranges from beginning to intermediate, with a smattering of advanced topics for the seasoned user. If you’re new to Max, then you’ll want to start at the beginning and move methodically through the book. If you’re relatively comfortable making your way around Max, then review the table of contents for sections that can enhance your fundamental base. If you’re a seasoned pro, then you’ll want to watch for coverage of the features new to Release 7. If you’re so excited to be working with Max that you can’t decide where to start, then head straight for the Quick Start. The Quick Start is a single chapter-long tutorial that takes you through the creation of an entire scene and animation. This Quick Start was included in response to some feedback from readers of the first edition who complained that they didn’t know where to start. For those of you who were too anxious to wade through a mountain of material before you could create something, this Quick Start is for you. Another goal of this book is to make it a complete reference for Max. To achieve this goal, I’ve gone into painstaking detail to cover almost every feature in Max, including coverage of every primitive, material and map type, modifier, and controller. As this book has come together, I’ve tried to write the type of book that I’d like to read. I’ve tried to include a variety of scenes that are infused with creativity. It is my hope that these examples will not only teach you how to use the software, but also provide a creative springboard for you in your own projects. After all, that’s what turns 3D graphics from work into “fun and games.” Who Is Max? Max is coming of age. Now with the number 7 attached to its name, it is starting to show some maturity. I’d say that version numbers are akin to dog years, which would place Max in its late 40s. Before we go any further, I should explain my naming convention. The official name of the product in this release is 3ds max 7 with a lowercase m, but I simply refer to it as Max with a capital M. This reference is a nickname given to a piece of software that has become more
familiar to me than the family pets (whose names are Fuzzy, Curious, Parakeetsta, and Chip or Chirp depending on the day). Note: I have not been successful in training Max to come when I call or to sit on command, but it will on occasion play dead. One way we humans develop our personalities is to incorporate desirable personality traits from those around us. Max’s personality is developing as well—every new release has incorporated a plethora of desirable, new features. Many of these features come from the many additional plug-ins being developed to enhance Max. With Release 7, many features that were available as plug-ins for previous releases have been adopted by Max. Several new features have been magically assimilated into the core product, such as Character Studio. These additions make Max’s personality much more likable, like a human developing a sense of humor. Other personality traits are gained by stretching in new directions. Max and its developers have accomplished this feat as well. Many of the new features are completely new, not only to Max, but also to the industry. As Max grows up, it will continue to mature by adopting new features and inventing others. I just hope Max doesn’t experience a mid-life crisis in the next version.