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CHAPTER 1 GettinG to Know 3ds Max desiGn 2010
character is walking. This feature makes it easier to use Biped to animate characters with
four feet rather than two.
FBX File Format The FBX file format has been improved and can be used to exchange
files between 3D programs, including 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Mudbox, and
Softimage. You will want to make sure you download and install the newest update for the
FBX software from the Autodesk website.
Updated Recognize Scene-Loading Technology Data from Revit Architecture 2010
files, such as geometry, lighting parameters, camera information, and materials, can now
accurately be imported into 3ds Max using the new Recognize Scene-Loading Technology.
Recognize is also based on the FBX format mentioned earlier.
For more information about new features and improvements in 3ds Max, go to the What’s New
in Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010 section of the Help System. You can also find information on the
Autodesk website or the Autodesk Media and Entertainment forums called “The Area.”
Getting Started
Although many of 3ds Max’s components are typical for a Windows program, quite a few are
unique to 3ds Max; therefore, a solid understanding of them is essential to effectively using the
program. To begin exploring the 3ds Max Design 2010 interface, start the program by doing one
of the following:
Double-click the 3ds Max Design 2010 icon on the Desktop.
•u
Choose Start •u  Programs  Autodesk  Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010  3ds Max
Design 2010.
You’ll see a variety of components in the 3ds Max window (see Figure 1.2)—some that may
be familiar and others that may not.
Figure 1.2
The standard 3ds
Max Design 2010
window
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