Sorry your browser is not supported!

modeling is not major skill of mine but I was wondering what bones are used for modeling and UV mapping works in 3ds max. What about scripts in max what is the purpose of those. And in 3ds max there strange things called like toy car and shirt but they dont appear to be normal object. 3ds max also has things that I have yet to know the purpose of is NURBS and particle systems. Finally what is a dummby as far as modeling. Can you answer one or more of these questions It would be quite helpful.
Thank You

no bones i don't think


there not - they are part of reactor(which is physics)


nurbs = non uniform rational b splines are used to give something an organic look but nurbs are very high poly

particle systems - loads of little tiny objects that can be used to recreate snow and rain


as far as a modeller is concerned - dummies don't exist
dummies are used in animation

I have one question for you:
why have you even got max if you don't know what half of it does?

and a tip:
do the tutorials - found under the help menu

Alright first off. My first comment was whats the purpose of bones
and seperate question is what does uv mapping do.(my wording was off_

Secondly, what does each reactor do(You answered to general)

third, Whats the signifigance of a dummy(Once again answered to general)

fourth, to answer your question for me think of It this way does a kid learn to ride a bike before he buys It. Does someone who model know inside out his program. I should think not. I know the basics of 3ds max and thats all I needed to know to buy It.

Q: What is the purpose of Bone?
A: Bones are used for Animation purposes, you will find in the 3D Studio Max Tutorial Help a section dedicated to explaining how to Rig a Model for Animating it. It covers how to create mostly the bones so they work like a Humanoid, however there are also Enveloping tutorials that show you how to assign the Vertices of your Mesh to the Bones.

Q: How does UV Mapping work in 3D Studio Max?
A: Annoyingly this is a difficult question to answer, but it is quite simple once you understand.
The easiest way to Skin your models, is to select the model then in the Modifiers try using the Sphere / Planer / Box Mapping, then UVW Editing. The Editor I believe again is covered or overviewed in the Tutorial help.. Alot of it works similar to the Mesh Editing, only your doing it in a 2D Area rather than 3D.

Q: What are the purpose of MaxScripts?
A: Advanced modellers will often find that while the tools do close to what they want, they wish to have a tool created for a specific task they do often. MaxScript enables you to create specific tools for your needs, as it acts as a Mini-Language for the Max program.. it means just about everything Max can do through C++ Plug-ins is also possible through Scripting.
Not something I've ever personally got the hang of to be honest, reminded me too much of Visual Basic.. made me want to throw up using it

Q: What are NURBS & Particles used for?
A: CGI artwork, they generally have no place in game modelling.
NURBS can be used to smooth out a surface, however the problem with them is you need to practise in order to use them effectively. You'll find they'll only come in useful with static mesh and world mesh, with areas that need the hint of smoothing just to take away a very abrupt edge. This works better than usualy Sub-Division as it doesn't just add faces but actually curves the surfaces.
Useful for Organic work.

Q: What is a Dummy Object used for?
A: Just about anything you don't need to export. You can use it as grab-box for a Rigged Skeleton, or you can use it as a marker for something, etc.. As they're not exported or rendered, they can act as being the scene 'X' Objects, and used for whatever you see fit that a standard object would be pointless for.

Q: What is Reactor used for?
A: Reactor gets it's name from what it does.. it is a Dynamics & Physics System, that allows your objects to react to each other as if they were in a realistic environment of your creation.

Q: Does someone need to know thier modelling package inside out?
A: No, however a firm grasp of the concepts and ideals behind techniques is required to make a sound choice. From your questions, I would actually have to questions your understanding of the application to the level where it would be worth spending the money.

Personally I advice people to use the Free versions prior to purchase, unless they need it for Education purposes.

Thank You this most helpful post I've seen someone make. You went straight to point exactly what I needed not like the first person who posted in this thread. Maybe I should of thought It over making the buy but no regrets I'm Learning alot and from your post I learn more from your post than the gmax tutorials(what I used prior to max. man discreet is great) Thank You
edit: You make tutorials on the subject btw Your website doesnt seem to work at the moment.

my website is down due to a redesign and finally getting myself a proper domain name for it.. so probably be up sometime next week.

i tend not to make tutorials, as i immensely dislike leading someone through something. prefer giving them a puzzle to solve and the information on how to solve it, people tend to learn alot more doing it on thier own.

Fair enough