Packed with expert advice, timesaving tips, and more than 150 step--by--step tutorials, this book is a must for anyone who wants to master this complex, expensive software package Offers full coverage of new software features and enhancements and shows users how to master everything from the Particle Flow interface and architectural objects and materials to Shockwave 3D Export and VertexPaint features The companion CD--ROMs include a demo version of the new 3ds max, tutorial files, 3D models, bonus plug--ins, and more 3ds max is used to create approximately eighty percent of the top video games--including Grand Theft Auto 3--and is extensively employed for special effects in movies such as The Matrix Reloaded

Kelly Murdock has been authoring computer books for many years now and still gets immense enjoyment from the completed work. His book credits include various Web, graphics, and multimedia titles, including four previous editions of this book, 3ds max 7 Bible. Other major accomplishments include Master VISUALLY HTML and XHTML, JavaScript Visual Blueprint, gmax Bible, Adobe Atmosphere Bible, Maya 6 Revealed, and co-authoring duties on two editions of the Illustrator Bible (for versions 9 and 10) and the Adobe Creative Suite Bible. With a background in engineering and computer graphics, Kelly has been all over the 3D industry and still finds it fascinating. He's used high-level CAD workstations for product design and analysis, completed several large-scale visualization projects, created 3D models for feature films, worked as a freelance 3D artist, and has even done some 3D programming. Kelly's been using 3D Studio since version 3 for DOS.