3DS Max
3DS Max Introduction
Build 3D models, apply materials and render scenes in 3DS Max. Suitable for architecture, product design and visualisation work.
Format
Live instructor-led
Hands-on, question-led sessions
Location
London NW10 or online
9 Station Terrace, NW10 5RT
Level
Introduction level
Small groups, hands-on, expert-led
Private / bespoke course
Select a date that suits you or your team.
Content fully customised. We'll quote based on group size, location and any bespoke material you'd like covered.
Book as team training Reserve a date for me 020 8269 4260Invoice payment available · Prices subject to VAT
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for special effects artists, game developers and architects who are new to 3DS Max but have a general understanding of 3D modelling concepts and want to develop practical skills in creating models, materials and rendered scenes for professional projects.
Prerequisites
No prior experience needed.
What you'll learn
Navigating the 3ds Max interface with confidence, enabling you to work efficiently from day one.
How to build 3D objects from primitives and splines, giving you a solid foundation for professional modelling.
Shaping and editing geometry at vertex, edge and face level, empowering you to refine models with precision.
How to apply materials and textures using the Material Editor, helping you produce realistic surfaces and finishes.
Setting up photometric and daylight lighting systems, enabling you to achieve convincing, real-world illumination in any scene.
How to position and control cameras effectively, allowing you to frame compelling shots for product or architectural presentations.
Animating objects, materials and lights using keyframes and the curve editor, helping you deliver polished walkthroughs and fly-rounds to clients.
Rendering finished scenes using the Scanline and Arnold renderers, equipping you to produce high-quality stills and animations ready for professional use.
Course outline
What you’ll cover
Getting Started with 3ds Max
- Exploring the 3ds Max interface: viewports, toolbars, command panels and the ribbon
- Configuring viewports for efficient modelling and navigation
- Using the coordinate system and XYZ axes to understand how objects are positioned in 3D space
- Merging and importing files from external sources, including common 3D formats
Building Your First 3D Objects
- Creating standard primitives: boxes, spheres, cylinders and cones
- Creating extended primitives for more complex starting shapes
- Drawing and extruding splines to generate 3D forms from 2D paths
- Understanding how primitives and splines work as the foundation for more detailed models
Shaping and Editing Objects
- Moving, scaling and rotating objects with precision using the transform tools
- Editing geometry at the sub-object level: vertices, edges and faces
- Using the grid and snap tools to align and position objects accurately
- Understanding copy, instance and reference cloning and when to use each
- Working with mirror, array and align to build repetitive or symmetrical structures
- Using the Boolean tool to combine or subtract geometry
- Using the Connect tool to bridge surfaces between separate objects
- Creating lofted objects by sweeping a shape along a path
Applying Materials and Textures
- Opening and navigating the Material Editor in Slate and Compact modes
- Assigning materials to objects in the viewport
- Adjusting self-illumination and opacity to achieve glass, glow and transparent effects
- Understanding how material properties affect the final rendered output
Setting Up Lights
- Creating and adjusting standard lights: omni, spot and directional
- Working with photometric lights for physically accurate, real-world illumination
- Setting up a daylight system for exterior and architectural scenes
- Understanding how light placement and intensity affect mood and render quality
Adding and Controlling Cameras
- Creating and positioning free cameras for static shots and fly-through animations
- Creating and adjusting target cameras for focused compositions
- Navigating and framing scenes through a camera viewport
- Matching camera settings to real-world focal lengths and field of view
Creating Basic Animations
- Setting and modifying keyframes to define object movement over time
- Adjusting the time span and frame rate for your animation
- Using the curve editor (F-Curves) to smooth and control motion between keyframes
- Creating walkthrough and fly-round animations to present architectural or product scenes
- Animating material properties and light intensity over time
Rendering Your Scene
- Adding background images and environment settings to a scene
- Rendering a still image using the Scanline renderer and Arnold renderer
- Rendering an animation as an image sequence or video file
- Understanding render output settings including resolution, file format and quality
- Comparing renderer options and choosing the right one for your project
Included
- Live expert-led instruction
- Practical exercises and workflow examples
- Live Q and A and troubleshooting with the trainer
- Follow-up support guidance
Frequently asked questions
Is this 3DS Max Introduction course suitable for me?
This course is designed for people who are new to 3DS Max or have been using 3DS Max for a while but have never had formal training or who would like to learn best practice in 3DS Max. If you are have any questions about whether the course could meet your needs, please speak to our customer service team, who will be delighted to advise you.
How is the content taught throughout the 3DS Max Introduction course?
Our 3DS Max Introduction course is extremely interactive. You will be using 3DS Max throughout the day, working through examples and live projects under the guidance of our trainer, who will be supporting you through each step.
What is the recommended number of people for the class when I attend the 3DS Max Introduction course?
For private classes in 3DS Max Introduction, we recommend a maximum of 8 to 10 people from the same company in the class. Please ask our customer service team to help you find the right balance of people per class and the number of days training you need.
Should I attend the 3DS Max Introduction course in person or live online?
For in-person courses at our London training centre, you will receive a warm personal welcome, your choice of the latest Mac or PC and morning and afternoon refreshments. If you prefer to attend remotely, rest assured that you will be taught live by the same experts that deliver our in-person courses, covering the same training content, using the same exercises and materials. A second monitor is recommended but not essential.
What support is available after I attend the 3DS Max Introduction course?
We offer ongoing support to our 3DS Max Introduction course attendees through email and by arrangement, phone calls. You are welcome to ask any questions on topics covered during training. Our trainer will always do their best to explain principles and help you with any issues you encounter.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of my 3DS Max Introduction course?
Yes, you'll receive a certificate of completion from Transmedia, demonstrating your knowledge and attendance on our 3DS Max Introduction course. Our certificates note our Authorised Training Centre status.
Reviews
Just finished a bespoke course in Photoshop and AI. Learned an awful lot. My trainer was very knowledgeable and was very happy to answer lots of questions that I had throughout. Highly recommend.
Rachel P — June 2026
Gorgeous premises and lovely, knowledgeable team. I really enjoyed my course - the tutor was friendly and professional and happy to answer any questions and tailor the course.
Quadrotech — June 2026
The trainer was excellent. He kept the course interactive and engaging. The small sessions made it easy to get clarifications. The pleasant office is well situated, so easy to find and get to.
UNICEF — June 2026
Fantastic and super valuable training! Our trainer shaped the training fully to our needs, adapted, accelerated and deep diving when needed. I learned so much these past days with tangible examples.
Adobe — June 2026
The training was great, thank you. My trainer was very thorough with everything and I definitely left with new knowledge and skills. And thanks for sending the materials across.
Live Union — June 2026
Our trainer was great. Very knowledgeable and also flexible with adjusting to our very specific questions and scenarios. I learned loads and look forward to using my new Figma skills.
Adobe — June 2026
One of the better training sessions I've had in years. I highly recommend anyone who wants to learn more about Figma, but also any other Adobe Creative Cloud application, to take courses here.
Adobe — June 2026
I wish all training courses were run this well!
RPS Design — June 2026
The course was excellent - exactly to my company's needs. All questions were answered and concepts explained very clearly.
Hannah Griffiths — June 2026
First class - The trainer was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions.
MOD — June 2026
We found the course very useful and wished that we had more time. I was really impressed by our trainer's expertise in software that's being updated very frequently.
Baillie Gifford — May 2026
Very thorough course and enthusiastic trainer who was very helpful and responsive to individual needs.
NVIDIA — May 2026
Excellent training session with a knowledgeable instructor.
Gallagher — May 2026
Great course! Instructor went at a good pace and broke down complex functions into simple steps.
Adam W — May 2026
The trainer's knowledge was very strong and he was able to answer all my questions. Admin staff were very friendly and helpful.
VCCP — May 2026
Very helpful, informative training. Relaxed atmosphere and felt very comfortable asking questions.
The White Company — May 2026
Our trainer was very approachable and knowledgeable.
Bond Pearce — May 2026
Learnt so much - great training! Thank you
John R — May 2026
Probably the best course I have been on. Very thorough and entertaining.
Cancer Research UK — May 2026
10/10. Incredible knowledge, AMAZING hints and tips - Tony is a game changer, made everything so simple to understand but taught us so much that will really change the way we present!
Broadwick Studio — May 2026
Need a bespoke course or group booking?
We train teams at their offices across London and the UK. Call us or email to discuss.