3D Studio MAX R3 f/x and design: Filled with Professional Level Effects From Experts in Film and Video

3D Studio Max R3: f/x & Design does not try to cover everything you need to know about Kinetix's complex and flexible 3-D graphics and animation system. Instead, it focuses on two specific features: materials and modeling. By narrowing the focus of the book, the authors have the breathing room needed to concentrate on these two important facets.

The 140-page section on materials goes into precise detail on creating and using diffuse maps, bump and displacement maps, animated maps, animated maps for effects, and raytraced and anisotropic effects. Realistic materials like glass and metals and effects materials like glowing edges and dissolving surfaces are explored. All of the projects and files used in all chapters are available on the enclosed CD-ROM.

Following "Materials" is 130 pages on modeling. The use of MeshSmooth and other Max modeling and model distortion tools is demonstrated, as is using the Morpher modifier. The section on SurfaceTools is the lion's share of the modeling section, and rightly so. Any Max user should have control of this advanced modeling tool.

3D Studio Max R3: f/x & Design also looks beyond materials and modeling. The book features a well-written section discussing Max's new rendering features, lighting, and material fundamentals, as well as a section covering MaxScript and some plug-ins.

If your Max skills have reached a plateau and you're ready for the next level, f/x & Design might be the book that'll jumpstart those skills into the next realm of 3-D animation and design. --Mike Caputo