Preface Acknowledgments Front Matter Part I: Getting Started with Autodesk 3ds Max 2025 1. Exploring the 3ds Max Interface 2. Controlling and Configuring the Viewports 3. Working with Files, Importing, and Exporting Part II: Manipulating Objects 4. Creating and Editing Primitives and Selecting Objects 5. Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping 6. Cloning Objects and Creating Object Arrays 7. Grouping, Linking and Parenting Objects 8. Organizing Scenes with Layers, Containers, and XRefs Part III: Modeling 3D Assets 9. Accessing Subobjects and Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack 10. Drawing and Editing 2D Splines and Shapes 11. Modeling with Polygons 12. Using the Graphite Modeling Tools and Painting with Objects 13. Working with Compound Objects 14. Using Mesh Modifiers and Deforming Surfaces Part IV: Applying Materials and Textures 15. Creating and Applying Materials with the Slate Material Editor 16. Adding Material Details with Maps 17. Creating Compound Materials and Using Material Modifiers Part V: Setting the Scene: Cameras, Lights, and Rendering 18. Configuring Cameras and Environments 19. Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques 20. Rendering a Scene and Working with Arnold Part VI: Animating Objects and Scenes 21. Understanding Animation and Keyframes 22. Using Animation Layers and Animation Modifiers 23. Animating with Constraints and Simple Controllers 24. Editing Animation Curves in the Track View Part VII: Working with Characters and Special Effects 25. Understanding Rigging, Kinematics, and Working with Bones and Skin 26. Animating Characters with CAT 27. Using Particles and Space Warps 28. Using Atmospheric, Render, and Lighting Effects Part VIII: Using Dynamic Animation Systems 29. Simulating Physics-Based Motion with MassFX 30. Working with Hair, Cloth, and Fluids Index