24 Top 3ds Max Tutorials for Animation, Modeling & Rendering

When you’re diving into 3D work, you’re faced with a sea of software options. Blender, 3ds Max, Maya… the choices can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out in video development, animation, or visualization.

This article will spotlight 3ds Max, a popular choice for detailed rendering in animation, gaming, and architectural visualization. It’s also a powerful tool for creating and editing all sorts of 3D projects.

If you’re eager to learn more about 3ds Max, this guide compiles some of the best tutorials available. Let’s jump in!

1. Realistic Rendering in 3ds Max

This video by sanvfx, who has a strong following on his channel, walks us through realistic rendering using 3ds Max and Corona Renderer. It covers lighting a daytime interior scene, using Corona Sun and Sky, and the Corona Light Mix. It’s a great starting point for beginners in 3D Max.

2. Interior Lighting in Vray 3ds Max

This video focuses on lighting a bedroom interior using Vray and 3ds Max. It demonstrates how to quickly set up the sky and sun, offering a concise 10-minute tutorial.

3. Editing Shapes in 3ds Max

If you’re looking to learn 3ds Max modeling, this tutorial is for you. It showcases how to edit shapes using the Edit Poly modifier tool, providing a strong foundation for modeling in 3ds Max.

4. Animating a Car in 3ds Max

Animators, this 11-minute video breaks down the fundamentals of animating a car in 3ds Max.

5. Rendering a Vehicle in 3ds Max

For architectural visualizations of vehicles, this tutorial is a valuable resource! It teaches you how to create exceptional car rendering and visualization.

6. 3ds Max 2022 Modeling Tutorial

Discover faster modeling methods using the 3ds Max 2022 updates. This video explores time-saving techniques for interior modeling.

7. Creating Plexus Effects with Tyflow in 3ds Max

Learn to create a Plexus-like effect with Tyflow, perfect for adding engaging visual effects.

8. How to Make a Smoke Effect in 3ds Max

This tutorial covers everything you need to know about creating objects from smoke, including different rendering types.

9. Modeling a Chair Using Splines and Editable Polygon in 3ds Max

Using splines ensures precise measurements for your chair, leading to better rendering results. This tutorial will show you the process.

10. Creating Rainfall Effects in 3ds Max

This tutorial teaches you to create realistic rainfall effects, capturing all the nuances of a rain scene.

11. Creating Wet Surfaces in Vray 3ds Max

If you want a comprehensive tutorial on creating wet surfaces, this video is for you. It demonstrates the process using Vray blend material.

12. Arnold Renderer in 3ds Max

This introductory video explores the Arnold render, covering its history and essential details for use in 3ds Max, particularly for lighting.

13. How to Achieve Clean Lighting in 3ds Max

Dealing with noise in lighting can be a challenge. This tutorial showcases lighting tricks for achieving clean and perfect rendering results.

14. Creating a Flying Through Cloud Effect in 3ds Max

This video delves into creating the visual effect of flying through clouds, often seen in superhero movies. It discusses the after-effects and offers resources for free downloads.

15. Creating Carpets, Fur, and Hair with 3ds Max

This tutorial uses the hair and fur modifier to create carpets, hair, pet fur, and more, while exploring dynamics using built-in tools and showing how to use tyflow for more advanced effects.

16. Using 3ds Max and Vray for Interior Lighting (Day and Night)

This video provides a comprehensive guide, showing you how to set up, light, and render both day and night interior scenes.

17. How to Adjust Environment Maps in 3ds Max

This tutorial, created by design strategies, will teach you how to integrate high-resolution images as background images. You can visit other videos on their website that show the video chapter structure.

18. Using Turbosplines Plugins with 3ds Max and Vray

This 10-minute video by Jamie Cardoso explains how you can utilize turbosplines plugins to create complex animations and geometry. It’s designed to be easy to use!

19. How to Use Boolean Operations in 3ds Max

This video covers the basics of using Boolean operations for 3ds Max modeling, covering key components and tools before advancing to more complex methods.

20. 3ds Max Tutorial: Beginner Crash Course

This crash course clarifies how to start your 3ds Max journey, covering interface components, keyboard shortcuts, scene organization, and basic modeling methods.

21. Best 3ds Max VFX Plugins

If you’re seeking to learn more about simulations and effects, this video is tailored for you. It presents a countdown of some of the top plugins, including FumeFx, Rayfire, Realflow and more.

22. How to Make Wet Asphalt in 3ds Max

The Vray engine within 3ds Max is frequently used for creating wet asphalt. This 24-minute tutorial, created by Saeed Mandegar, demonstrates the process, and also references water splash effect in earlier tutorials.

23. Getting to Know Your Scripts in 3ds Max

Nina Shaw highlights essential modeling scripts used across the web, showcasing main features and benefits of each.

24. Why You Need to Learn 3ds Max?

This video sheds light on why 3ds Max is worth learning, particularly for students. It discusses five main reasons why you should consider using it. Architectural students, in particular, should check this video out to know their options.

Conclusion

3ds Max is a leading rendering software, great for animation, game design, and creating visualizations. Its expansive set of modeling tools are its main advantage, It’s user-friendly, offers great efficiency when creating complex animations, however, keep in mind that it is a paid tool.