3ds max workflow - possibly purchasing

[jasonio]

To be honest, I'm just wondering how people get their work out the door on time. I'm thinking of recommending my architecture firm purchase a 3ds max license.

 

I'm just wondering what workflows people use. It would be nice to know all the options.

 

Currently, I model and render with microstation and i'm wondering if people model in cad then import into max and texture and render?

Or import 2d CAD info and model, texture, render in max. If so, do you have to thin out the cad info before importing?

CAD info (lines, etc.) just display horrendously slow in all 3d packages not CAD, so how do you deal with this?

Lastly, with both workflows, design changes seem to be pretty inconvienient. How do people deal with last minute changes to design or materials and get them into the model?

Thanks in advance.

[notamondayfan]

i take the cad, strip it down to the essentials, then import to max. i set up several layers for different elevations so i can easily turn the cad on and off. then i model, texture and render inside max, and comp in photoshop.

[Arnold Sher]

personally we prefer modelling in cad and importing it into Max. Being doing for years and still enjoy modelling in CAD. I find it faster although for more freeflow shapes max is definetely the package for it...

[F J]

Jasonio,

read here www.cgarchitect.com/vb/17417-microstation.html about the MicroStation > Max workflow..

[jasonio]

Cheers for the info.

 

If modelling in CAD, if there any way to get around reassigning all the materials again? Maxscript?

[F J]

guess upon a project u'll have to take into account that u'r gonna export it into Max.. just do all the material/lighting there.. since u'll be using the render engine there anyways..

[redzuan3828]

My latest workflow is made Cad file to be jpeg then, Adjust size in photoshop. Then trace it back. It was very fast to me.

Not only that I customize my interface + my shortkey. It make me more fast and confident. Last time my friend advise me to use Cad to model but I'm obstinate cause I like to make my own cartoon animation later on as a hobby....

So I'm explore the 3ds Max 8 posiblity, buy all books that have title 3ds max 8, then a year later I'm very happy with my knowledge. Now I can handle Max 75%. I'm Going to learn animation & Maxscript and vray on detail now. For your Information 3ds Max 9 was better cause Proboolean. I'm happy with Proboolean that autodesk insert to max 9 because I can change so many time.

 

Proboolean - Wall

Loft - road

X-ref scene & object - keep file small

lattice

Lithe

TurboSmooth - Site

Symmetry - All symmetry things

edit mesh

group

ungroup

attach group

detach group

 

 

Just use it then Let your creativity talling You what important Tool you always use then You will know what to do.

 

This is my Own opinion:D