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3DS
Max tip of the year : 2D SplinesYou can import a 2D spline into 3DS from AutoCAD or Illustrator. From AutoCAD use DXFOUT / Binary for the smallest file on disk. The imported polylines can be edited as MAX splines. Be aware that CLOSED POLYLINES will be capped as full 3D objects unless you uncheck that option on import.
3DS
Max tip : Dissapearing OBJECTS / FACESIf geometry seems to dissapear when you render a viewport, it may be "inside-out". Try FORCE 2 SIDED in the Render dialogue and if it re-appears, flip the normals of the object(s) which vanished. Alternativly, make the material 2 sided.
3DS Max Output : Video Safe
FrameUse Show Safe Frame on the CAMERA viewport to see the aspect ratio of the final rendered image as set in RENDER dialogue box. The inner lines indicate the border that is "lost" when laying down to video. Keep screen text within the inner box.
3DS Max tip of the week : Stone
MaterialsTo build a realistic stone surface use two contrasting "stone" bitmaps in the Diffuse slot, using the Mix option.
Then use the same bitmap in both the Bump slot and Mask, now in the Diffuse slot.
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