[Toasty]

For those of you who don't know what this is, it's a lot like auto CAD (I think, I've never tried auto CAD, but they say they're similar). Anyway, it's basically like Photoshop for 3D images. There is literally no extent to the different shapes you can make. They even have trees already made that you can use. I've already started designing a potato gun (you heard me) with it, and it works great. It even has tutorials on how to work everything.

If you're interested in downloading, go here. There are both 32bit (windows XP) and 64bit (microsoft office and Vista) versions. Don't worry about the form, they only want to survey what it's being used for, and by what kind of companies.

The only problem is, is that it's only a 30-day free trial (not surprised). But at least nothing's restricted.

Basically, if you're really interested in 3D design (it's great for videogames), then this would be a great program to use.

And also, if anyone has tips on how to do stuff in it, feel free to share them.

[Max]

3ds Max is, indeed, a great 3d modeling and animation tool. I just wanted to clarify something you said in the first part of your post.

3ds Max is NOT a CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool, in the sense that it does not allow you to do proper dimensioned engineering models. Real CAD programs include AutoCAD and Inventor by Autodesk, Solidworks, and Pro/E. There are many others, but these are some of the more popular ones.

For robotics, I personally use Autodesk Inventor, which is the 3d brother of AutoCAD (which is traditionally used for 2d blueprints such as those used by architects).

Nevertheless, 3ds Max is an awesome tool, especially if you have an interest in computer animations and 3d modeling. 3ds Max is used by some game studios, though Maya seems to be more popular nowadays. Still, 3d modeling is a fun thing to learn, and a valuable skill to have.

[Toasty]

Thanks. :) Seing as Im interested in programming, more specifically videogames, I think I'll check out Maya as well. Auto CAD would've come in handy for when I was designing a boat though. It turned out all right, but the shape of the bow wasn't quite what I had visioned. :)

[Lemontime]

Downloading now.
Can't wait D:
I'd buy it, but it costs like.. Upwards of thousands of dollars, if I remember correctly.

Quote

Error Processing Autodesk Download Request

We have encountered an error in processing your request for the download.

This download is only available by filling out the download form on the Autodesk website and following the instructions sent to you in the resulting email.

If you reached this page after following those instructions, then some unexpected condition is preventing you from receiving the download.

Please note:

1. If you are using personal firewall software, you may need to temporarily disable the firewall and then re-enable it after the download.
2. You may need to temporarily disable any download manager or download accelerator software in order to access the software download.
3. Left-click on the downloads normally, rather than using any of the right-click options in your browser.
4. Make sure you are using a standard internet browser.
5. If the link that was emailed to you worked before and it does not work now, please fill out the download form on the Autodesk website and follow the instructions.

Freaking brilliant =\
Don't know how to fix it.. D:

Fghwagad. I fixed it.
Downloading NOW ^_^

[Toasty]

There's quite a few things I've been wanting to render in 3D, so I intend to use quite often. But what I have trouble with, is figuring out how to make your own custom 3D shapes (like they do with the grail in one of the tutorials). Even though it is shown in the tutorials, it's barely covered.

[Lemontime]

Just a picture of two little things I made and thought you might be interested in.
It's pretty easy to do stuff like this. But I'd be lost if it weren't for tutorials ^_^

[Lemontime]

Also made this ^_^
http://star.walagata...sibsag/knot.png

[PDM]

I can give people the full version if they want.

[Formina]

We're learning 3DS Max 8 (we're getting Max 9 soon though) in my game design course.

The models in my upcoming game will be created and animated in 3DS max, aswell.

There's some pretty neat stuff here, and the havok engine is always great fun to play with [=

[Toasty]

Isn't that where you can set an object to explode or something? I saw something like that in 9. But seeing as you're learning it in a class, tips would be highly appreciated. I have trouble working the dang thing sometimes. D:

[Formina]

Nup, Havok is the physics engine.. you can give objects physics and watch them interact with each other ^^

Our teacher showed us how to make a ball fly through a brick wall, lol.

You're talking about the space warps, which you bind objects to for funky effects.

What type of tips would you like o.0;

[Toasty]

For starters, I'd like to know how to make a custom 3D object. You know, you draw the outline, then rotate it or something. Like you could draw half of a cup, then rotate it around an axis to make a whole, 3D cup. It was in the tutorial for about 5 seconds. D:

[PDM]

I've got about 3 hours worth of 3DSM8 tutorials on CDs along with the actual program itself. x-X

I've also got an assload of Photoshop tuts that I haven't even looked at yet (WTF I should go find those CDs!)