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can composite later. To properly generate shadows on a matte object, turn off
the Opaque Alpha check box and then set the Affect Alpha check box.
MAXScript
MAXScript is the general-purpose scripting language for 3ds Max and related
products. While it works the same for all products, some functions are specific
to each. You can use MAXScript to automate many tasks, including modeling,
animation, material construction, and rendering. You can also use MAXScript
to add custom command-panel rollouts to the user interface.
The interface to MAXScript is on both the
MAXScript menu on page 7280 and
the
Utilities panel on page 7463 .
Mesh
A mesh is a type of geometric model of a three-dimensional object in which
the basic shape is made up of points, or
vertices on page 7965 , connected by
edges on page 7765 . The renderable surface of the mesh object is made up of
faces or polygons on page 7774 that connect the vertices and edges. Examples
of mesh objects in 3ds Max are primitives such as Sphere and Teapot, as well
as Editable Mesh and Editable Polygon objects.
In 3ds Max you can edit a mesh by transforming, adding, and deleting the
various elements, or sub-objects: vertices, edges, faces, and polygons. You can
also apply various changes with
modifiers on page 7852 .
Metaballs
A type of object that joins itself to other objects with a connecting surface.
When one metaball object moves within a certain distance of another, a
connecting surface is formed between the two. Metaballs are ideal for
simulating liquids and thick, viscous substances such as mud, soft foods, or
molten metal.
You can create metaballs with the
BlobMesh compound object on page 674 .
Glossary | 7847