Introduction to 3D modelling

 Task 1:

In this demo we learnt about the basic tools which can be easily found, located and used within the program 3DS MAX

First of all we created a box, by selecting the box tool from the right hand side panel, once selected all we had to do was click within the bottom right hand screen (the 3d view) and click and drag the width and length of the box, let go and then adjust to the height we want.

however doing it by hand would most probably set the parameters of the box into decimals and this would be harder for it to be coded into game engines. So we then set to the guidelines of putting everything to the power of 2 i.e:
2,4,8,16,32,64,128,256,512 etc
 16 in 3DS MAX = 1 foot.

 in the middle of the top bar there is a few tools all of which are very useful, there is one that has 4 arrows in all 4 directions, this tool will allow you to move you selected shape any way along axis (if you select the arrows) or diagonally amongst 2 axis at one if you select the triangle within the arrow tools. However this not preferred as it is not as accurate.

You are able to full screen the 3D view mode by selecting the tool at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. From here there are a multiple tools you can use to view around the screen, the easiest way is use your scroller to zoom in and you, and then hold alt to be able to do a 3D view and look all around the canvas.

 We then learnt about layers, and how to use them effectively. First we made several cubes (ability to copy is to hold shift and then go go along an arrow to copy the image)
after this you select the layer tool (found on the top tool bar 7 in from the right)
it will then bring up a pop up box

in order to organize and to put thing into another layer, you must have all the objects you want selected and then make a new layer. This will automatically put the objects into the layer.

 we then went into bending an object, select the object we wish to bend, press F4 to bring up segments. The less segments easier for it to be coded into game engines.

to have the ability to modify, select the blue curve (next to the sun tool) on the top right hand side of the right panel.  On the drop down select bend (cannot curve rectangles without segments so you have to put in segments that will allow you to bend it) from here you can select the axis and direction and toggle to allow you to bend it shape.

 We then set about modifying shapes, this is done, by going onto the square selecting modify butting in segments and then when you have done this you right click your selected shape and a list will appear. From the drop-down you choose the last option ‘convert too’ and then select convert to poly.

it will then present a new action panel on the right hand side of the screen giving different option of what you can do.  Press on the little addition key in the top panel to produce a drop down of what you can edit

Right click the the first of the magnet tools, and it will bring up grid options, from here select the home tab (you want to set the grid to be the same for each one) so you se the first one to 8, and the second to 16 then close. From here it will allow you to have accurate and quick snapping. 

and to finally add textures to your work, you had to press 'M' this will then bring up a list of things you can add  then select Modes tab, select compact material editor. From here it will show you several spheres, select one and then chose map from the drop down - from this you then go onto diffuse colour, press where it says 'none' select choose from bitmap and then follow the directory to where you have saved it (in my case: C Drive - Programmes - autodesk - 3DS MAX 2013 - Maps - ADSKmtl and then choose which texture you want. You then drag the textured sphere onto the object you want ensuring you have the show textured material on (icon within the window; light-bulb against a checker board)