3DX MAX

Getting Started

• Introduction to the Course
• Learning Objectives and Outcomes
• Installing and Configuring 3ds Max / 3ds Max Design
• Setting System Units and Display Units
• Understanding the User Interface (UI)
• Creating and Assigning a Project Folder
• Creating a Prototype / Working Directory
• Introduction to AI Tools in 3D Design Workflows

Pre-Production and Planning

• Pre-Planning the 3D Production Process
• Developing Storyboards and Sketch Styles
• Examining Sample Storyboards
• Planning Scene Complexity & Level of Detail (LoD)
• Understanding File Output & Render Strategy
• Using AI-Based Concept Art Generators

Modeling

• Basics of Modeling in 3ds Max
• Understanding Shapes & Splines
• Cloning & Transforming Shapes
• Creating and Editing Outline Shapes
• Attaching & Modifying Shapes
• Trimming and Welding Splines
• Understanding Mesh vs. Poly Objects
• Editable Poly: Tools and Techniques
• Saving Incremental Files
• Filtering Vertices for Optimization
• Object Type Conversion
• AI-Assisted Modeling Tools

Materials and Texturing

• Introduction to Materials
• Understanding the Slate Material Editor
• Creating Schematic and Procedural Materials
• Using Arch & Design Materials
• Editing Shaders and Reflectivity
• Assigning Materials and Using Material IDs
• Applying Multi/Sub-Object Materials
• Using Map Patterns and UVW Unwraps
• Simulating Geometry through Materials
• Editing Material Channels
• AI-Powered Texture Generation Tools

Lighting

• Fundamentals of Lighting: Direct & Indirect
• Discovering and Placing Daylight Systems
• Adjusting Sky, Location, and Physical Sun
• Understanding Photometric Lights
• Enabling and Configuring Street Lights
• Using Global Illumination
• AI Lighting Simulation from Real Photos

Cameras

• Importance of Camera Angles in 3D
• Traditional Camera Shot Types
• Effective Camera Distances
• Adjusting Viewer Perspective
• Using Depth of Field (DoF)
• AI-Based Camera Framing Suggestions

Rendering

• Introduction to Rendering Process
• Rendering Still Images: Settings and Resolution
• Using Render Elements
• Understanding Scene States
• Batch Rendering Setup
• AI Denoising and Upscaling Tools
• Cloud Rendering Services with AI

Effects and Dynamics

• Understanding Particle Effects
• Creating Particle Flow Systems
• Understanding 3ds Max Dynamics
• Simulating Rigid Body Dynamics
• Draping with Cloth Modifier
• Using Wind, Gravity & Forces
• AI Animation Assist Tools

Output and Presentation

• Planning the Final Output
• Using Scene States for Render Control
• Batch Rendering in Production Workflow
• Creating Demo Reels
• AI Tools for Post-Processing

LEED Lighting Analysis & Green Design

• Introduction to Lighting Analysis
• Tools like Autodesk Lighting Analysis
• Identifying Modeling and Geometry Issues
• Creating Accurate Ground Planes
• Examining Real-World Lighting References
• AI-Assisted LEED Lighting Optimization

Lighting the Scene

• Setting Up Realistic Lighting
• Creating and Aligning Ground Planes
• Placing and Adjusting Daylight Systems
• AI-Driven Lighting Setup

Scene Materials

• Identifying and Assigning Real-World Materials
• Material Optimization Techniques
• AI-Powered Material Generation

Lighting Analysis for Presentation

• Using Visual Lighting Analysis Tools
• Generating Reports and Graphs
• AI Optimization for Client Presentations

Rendering an Analysis

• Rendering the Final Output with Analysis Overlays
• Creating Final Boards and Exporting as PDF

Future of 3D with AI (Bonus)

• How AI is Transforming 3D Design
• Tools Integrating AI with 3ds Max
• Ethical Use of AI in Creative Work
• Procedural Worldbuilding and AI Co-Creation