Mastering 3D modelling and animation in 3DS Max, helping you create professional visuals for architecture, product design and beyond.
2 day course 10am - 5pm Live Online or Classroom-based
What you will learn
- Navigating the 3ds Max interface with confidence, enabling you to work efficiently from day one.
- How to build 3D objects from primitives and splines, giving you a solid foundation for professional modelling.
- Shaping and editing geometry at vertex, edge and face level, empowering you to refine models with precision.
- How to apply materials and textures using the Material Editor, helping you produce realistic surfaces and finishes.
- Setting up photometric and daylight lighting systems, enabling you to achieve convincing, real-world illumination in any scene.
- How to position and control cameras effectively, allowing you to frame compelling shots for product or architectural presentations.
- Animating objects, materials and lights using keyframes and the curve editor, helping you deliver polished walkthroughs and fly-rounds to clients.
- Rendering finished scenes using the Scanline and Arnold renderers, equipping you to produce high-quality stills and animations ready for professional use.
This 3DS Max Introduction course includes
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Authorised Certificate
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Lifetime support after your course
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Course materials
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Live Instructor-led training
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Refreshments all day
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Latest Mac or PC ready to go
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Authorised Trainers
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Hands-on exercises
Book this course
We offer 3DS Max Introduction as a private course.
You can select a date which suits you or your team.
The course content can be fully customised to your exact learning requirements.
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Course Outline for 3DS Max Introduction
Getting Started with 3ds Max
- Exploring the 3ds Max interface: viewports, toolbars, command panels and the ribbon
- Configuring viewports for efficient modelling and navigation
- Using the coordinate system and XYZ axes to understand how objects are positioned in 3D space
- Merging and importing files from external sources, including common 3D formats
Building Your First 3D Objects
- Creating standard primitives: boxes, spheres, cylinders and cones
- Creating extended primitives for more complex starting shapes
- Drawing and extruding splines to generate 3D forms from 2D paths
- Understanding how primitives and splines work as the foundation for more detailed models
Shaping and Editing Objects
- Moving, scaling and rotating objects with precision using the transform tools
- Editing geometry at the sub-object level: vertices, edges and faces
- Using the grid and snap tools to align and position objects accurately
- Understanding copy, instance and reference cloning and when to use each
- Working with mirror, array and align to build repetitive or symmetrical structures
- Using the Boolean tool to combine or subtract geometry
- Using the Connect tool to bridge surfaces between separate objects
- Creating lofted objects by sweeping a shape along a path
Applying Materials and Textures
- Opening and navigating the Material Editor in Slate and Compact modes
- Assigning materials to objects in the viewport
- Adjusting self-illumination and opacity to achieve glass, glow and transparent effects
- Understanding how material properties affect the final rendered output
Setting Up Lights
- Creating and adjusting standard lights: omni, spot and directional
- Working with photometric lights for physically accurate, real-world illumination
- Setting up a daylight system for exterior and architectural scenes
- Understanding how light placement and intensity affect mood and render quality
Adding and Controlling Cameras
- Creating and positioning free cameras for static shots and fly-through animations
- Creating and adjusting target cameras for focused compositions
- Navigating and framing scenes through a camera viewport
- Matching camera settings to real-world focal lengths and field of view
Creating Basic Animations
- Setting and modifying keyframes to define object movement over time
- Adjusting the time span and frame rate for your animation
- Using the curve editor (F-Curves) to smooth and control motion between keyframes
- Creating walkthrough and fly-round animations to present architectural or product scenes
- Animating material properties and light intensity over time
Rendering Your Scene
- Adding background images and environment settings to a scene
- Rendering a still image using the Scanline renderer and Arnold renderer
- Rendering an animation as an image sequence or video file
- Understanding render output settings including resolution, file format and quality
- Comparing renderer options and choosing the right one for your project
FAQs about the 3DS Max Introduction course
Is this 3DS Max Introduction course suitable for me?
This course is designed for people who are new to 3DS Max or have been using 3DS Max for a while but have never had formal training or who would like to learn best practice in 3DS Max. If you are have any questions about whether the course could meet your needs, please speak to our customer service team, who will be delighted to advise you.
How is the content taught throughout the 3DS Max Introduction course?
Our 3DS Max Introduction course is extremely interactive. You will be using 3DS Max throughout the day, working through examples and live projects under the guidance of our trainer, who will be supporting you through each step.
What is the recommended number of people for the class when I attend the 3DS Max Introduction course?
For private classes in 3DS Max Introduction, we recommend a maximum of 8 to 10 people from the same company in the class. Please ask our customer service team to help you find the right balance of people per class and the number of days training you need.
Should I attend the 3DS Max Introduction course in person or live online?
For in-person courses at our London training centre, you will receive a warm personal welcome, your choice of the latest Mac or PC and morning and afternoon refreshments. If you prefer to attend remotely, rest assured that you will be taught live by the same experts that deliver our in-person courses, covering the same training content, using the same exercises and materials. A second monitor is recommended but not essential.
What support is available after I attend the 3DS Max Introduction course?
We offer ongoing support to our 3DS Max Introduction course attendees through email and by arrangement, phone calls. You are welcome to ask any questions on topics covered during training. Our trainer will always do their best to explain principles and help you with any issues you encounter.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of my 3DS Max Introduction course?
Yes, you'll receive a certificate of completion from Transmedia, demonstrating your knowledge and attendance on our 3DS Max Introduction course. Our certificates note our Authorised Training Centre status.
3DS Max Introduction — Team and Bespoke Training
Booking a private training session allows you to focus on your exact needs on dates that work best for you or your team.
- Sessions can be run online or in person, on your site or at our London training centre.
- We manage training for many of the UK’s largest companies, taking care of all the admin, working with you to ensure the perfect course.
- Our expert trainers will first understand your requirements and then tailor each session to your exact specification.
- We offer a free consultation service to work out every detail of your course.
Prices for bespoke sessions with our expert trainers start at £595 + VAT, depending on the course and number of people.
Costs include all preparation time to customise the course to your exact requirements.
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