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18 Nov
3DS Max, Tutorials

Unlimited Material Editor Slots in 3DS Max

3DS Max has a decent material editor system that supports a wide range of workflows. It allows for a maximum of 24 materials at any given time but can accommodate many more if needed. By using the multi/sub-object material you can easily increase the number of slots in the material editor window to as many as you like. The Problem 3DS Max's material editor has two distinct versions; the Compact Material Editor and the Slate Material...

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Spinner Snaps Banner Image
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16 Nov
3DS Max, Tutorials

3DS Max Spinner Snaps Tutorial

3DS Max features an array of snapping tools to make any workflow easier. The Spinner Snaps tool allows you to control the increments by which object parameters are increased or decreased. I used 3DS Max for years before I discovered this feature but now I use it all the time. Introduction The Spinner Snapping feature in 3DS Max is a serious time saver. It allows users to set fixed increment values by which many numbers of settings...

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different preset filters from camera raw tool
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25 Jun
Photoshop, Tutorials

Using Photoshop’s Camera Raw to Edit 32 Bit HDR Images

High Dynamic Range (HDR) images are a godsend for rendering workflows and have saved my ass more than once. They allow for exposure correction in such a way that doesn't lose the details of an image and can even reveal more details hidden in the shadows. Plugins like ArionFX are great for bringing these images into a post but Photoshop's built-in Camera Raw filter works well too. What is Camera Raw? Camera Raw is the default...

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Photoshop Offset Filter Demonstration
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23 Jun
Photoshop, Tutorials

Creating Seamless Tileable Textures in Photoshop

Seamless textures make life so much easier. They allow for on-the-fly UV Mapping solutions, can be used in a wider range of projects, and eliminate a lot of post-processing work. Creating seamless textures in Photoshop is really easy—but every image calls for its own series of edits and corrections. This tutorial is about laying out a framework that can apply to any texture. Benefits of Tileable/Seamless Textures Textures that tile make life easy. You don't have to stress as...

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3D abstract rendering 3DS Max user preferences rendernode
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26 Apr
3DS Max, Tutorials

Saving Custom UI Settings in 3DS Max

3DS Max comes with a decent system of defining, customizing, and saving user-preferences. Their use of the maxstart.max approach for default startup scene is very effective. When moving from one machine to another, or working with different versions of 3DS Max, this isn't always an option. In these cases, it's possible to save an external preference file and load manually. Saving User Preferences in 3DS Max 3DS Max offers the ability to save various settings related to...

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3DS Max VRay studio lighting setup by Rendernode
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21 Apr
3DS Max, Tutorials, Uncategorized, VRay

Studio Lighting Setup in 3DS Max + Vray

Studio lighting setups come in as many variations as there are working photographers out there. There are three, four, and five-point light setups as well as many variations of each. When it comes to creating a digital studio lighting setup however, some of the rules can be bent—others can be broken. Using 3DS Max + VRay can provide you with powerful results by taking only a few basic concepts into account. Highlights Creating a 3D...

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sub-object uvw map modifier technique rendernode
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20 Apr
3DS Max, Tutorials

Using Multiple UVW Map Modifiers in 3DS Max

UVW mapping is one of the most time-consuming aspects of 3D visualization. Depending on the complexity of your model, you may spend hours unwrapping your model. I like to avoid unwrapping UVWs as much as possible and have found that making sub-object selections and adding multiple UVW Map modifiers can help. The Problem When creating 3D models it's often possible to generate UV mapping coordinates as a by-product of the modeling process. Spheres, cubes, and other basic...

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3DS Max object with sphere scattered on vertexes to show how to add vertex in 3ds max rendernode
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19 Apr
3DS Max, Tutorials

5 Ways to Add a Vertex in 3DS Max

3D modeling software packages come with a dizzying number of tools to help create just about any type of geometry. These tools can create spheres, particle systems, procedural objects, and even animate objects! No matter how powerful these types of tools are, almost every project requires the manual editing of 3D models. Knowing how to add a vertex in 3DS Max can help avoid starting from scratch and even make adding complexity much easier. Below...

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photoshop bump map tutorial
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17 Apr
Photoshop, Tutorials

Creating Bump Maps in Photoshop

Bump maps are used in imaging software, usually 3D rendering software, to simulate texture on a surface. This might be the slight indentations of grain textures on wood or the deep scarring of a war-torn concrete wall. Bump maps are probably the easiest way to add an extra dimension of photorealism and should be part of any 3D artists standard texturing workflow. Highlights Bump maps save time in simulating texture effects on 3D models Bump...

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Rendernode Seat Cushion Modeling Tutorial
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01 Jun
3DS Max, Tutorials

How To Model a Seat Cushion in 3D Studio Max

One of the trickiest types of 3D models to create is one which features elements made of fabric. The texturing can be difficult, but creating realistic geometry for these elements can be tricky as well. For advanced fabrics such as curtains, clothing, or bedding there are dedicated solutions such as Marvelous Designer.For simpler cases such as basic chair seat cushions, it's often easier to keep everything inside of 3D Studio Max rather than juggling multiple...

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