Complete Maya Programming

Complete Maya Programming
Author: David Gould
Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann
Total Pages: 532
Release: 2003
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9781558608351

"David Gould is an expert at using, programming, and teaching Maya, and it shows. People who need to program Maya will find this book essential. Even Maya users who don't intend to do extensive programming should read this book for a better understanding of what's going on under the hood. Compact yet thorough, it covers both MEL and the C++ API, and is written to be informative for both novice and expert programmers. Highly recommended!" -Larry Gritz, Exluna/NVIDIA, co-author of Advanced RenderMan: Creating CGI for Motion Pictures "This book should be required reading for all Maya programmers, novice and expert alike. For the novice, it provides a thorough and wonderfully well thought-out hands-on tutorial and introduction to Maya. The book's greatest contribution, however, is that in it David shares his deep understanding of Maya's fundamental concepts and architecture, so that even the expert can learn to more effectively exploit Maya's rich and powerful programming interfaces." -Philip J. Schneider, Disney Feature Animation, co-author of Geometric Tools for Computer Graphics "Having provided a technical review of David Gould's Complete Maya Programming, I must say that this book is the definitive text for scripting and plug-in development for Maya. Never before has there been such a concise and clearly written guide to programming for Maya. Any user smart enough to pick up this book would be better off for it." -Chris Rock, a Technical Director at "a Large Animation Studio in Northern California" "If you ever wanted to open the Maya toolbox, this is your guide. With clear step-by-step instructions, you will soon be able to customize and improve the application, as well as create your own extensions, either through the MEL scripting language or the full C++ API." -Christophe Hery, Industrial Light & Magic Learning Maya, the world's leading 3D animation and effects package, is a challenge, especially for those who want to master Maya's versatile programming features in addition to its built-in tools. Finally, here is a practical, step-by-step guide that shows how to use Maya to its fullest potential, beginning with the basics. Readers of Complete Maya Programming will first gain a thorough understanding of Maya's inner workings, and then learn how to customize and extend Maya with scripts and plugins that take control and productivity to new levels. Users new to programming can apply Maya's easy scripting language MEL (Maya Embedded Language), while more advanced users can work with the C++ API (Application Progamming Interface). Both a fundamental tutorial for Maya beginners and a solid reference for experienced developers, Complete Maya Programming is every user's guide to Maya mastery. FEATURES: *Demonstrates how to use MEL to control Maya, customize its interface, automate procedures, and more *Details how to use the C++ API to modify Maya functionality and develop tools and features to meet any need *Explains when to use MEL, when to use the C++ API, and how to use them together *Provides a multitude of real-world examples illustrating applications of Maya programming *Ideal for technical directors, developers, or anyone wishing to master Maya *Provides a storehouse of MEL scripts and C++ source code, glossary, and list of resources, available at www.davidgould.com

Introducing Maya 8

Introducing Maya 8
Author: Dariush Derakhshani
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 490
Release: 2007-01-03
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0470108266

If you're just beginning to dive into the world of 3D, this is the book for you." ?Animation Magazine The Academy Award® winning Maya® 3D animation and effects software is the first choice of film and video artists, game developers, and 3D design professionals. Discover how to build, render, and animate your own digital models and scenes, and begin to develop professional-level Maya skills with the latest edition of this popular bestseller. Starting with the basics, the book builds from the ground up, combining straightforward text with practical examples that make it fun and easy to learn Maya's core features while introducing new Maya 8 elements such as improved polygon tools and enhanced rendering with mental ray. Clear-cut, engaging lessons let you experiment using the wealth of files provided on the CD-ROM. You'll also find an abundance of instructional and inspirational Maya creations in the full-color insert. The accompanying CD-ROMs images, movies, and scene files let you view material from the book right on your own computer. Tackle all-new rendering and dynamics tutorials and much more. The CD includes Maya Personal Learning Edition software.

Inside 3ds Max 4

Inside 3ds Max 4
Author: Kim Lee
Publisher: New Riders
Total Pages: 948
Release: 2002
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9780735710948

This latest edition of Inside 3ds max is retooled to focus on the needs of the intermediate to professional user, based on continuing conversations with our target audience. This market is crying out for information that goes beyond the basic to provide guidance on how to make the most use of the program in real-world work situations. Inside 3ds Max 4 explores changes in the program as well as more advanced functionalities and how they can assist the professional user in enhancing efficiency or output. Inside 3ds max 4 is organized into units that mirror and actually step through the workflow of a 3D project. Moreover, where differences exist in the application of techniques between the broadcast/film and game/interactive applications, the authors present careful analysis to assist readers in making the right choices for their technical work. The CD-ROM includes all of the project files necessary to complete the projects as well as any plug-ins referred to in the text.

Maxon Cinema 4D 2023: Modeling Essentials

Maxon Cinema 4D 2023: Modeling Essentials
Author: Pradeep Mamgain
Publisher: Neurons Factory
Total Pages: 521
Release:
Genre: Computers
ISBN:

The MAXON Cinema 4D 2023: Modeling Essentials book provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to create 3D models using Cinema 4D 2023. It is an excellent resource for individuals with varying levels of experience, including those transitioning from other software to Cinema 4D. This guide is designed to assist readers in getting started with modeling in Cinema 4D by teaching them essential concepts and techniques related to 3D modeling. By applying these skills, readers can produce hard-surfaced objects for their projects. Furthermore, the book covers the OpenVDB-based Volume Builder and Volume Mesher functions of Cinema 4D, which enable users to develop complex models by utilizing boolean-type operations such as adding and subtracting basic shapes. The objective of this book is to help readers improve their skills as Cinema 4D artists and increase their workflow efficiency by offering a variety of tips, tricks, notes, and cautions throughout. It serves as a valuable teaching resource for anyone interested in learning modeling with Cinema 4D 2023. The language used in the book is straightforward and easily understandable, without any technical jargon. The book includes tutorials that take readers through each step of executing tasks in Cinema 4D 2023. One of the most effective methods for skill improvement is through practice. This book includes practice exercises that are strongly recommended to help readers build confidence and prepare for real-world projects. By completing these exercises, readers can master the powerful features of Cinema 4D and gain the ability to create hard-surface models. By the end of the book, readers will have the necessary skills to work with confidence in Cinema 4D. Content Chapter 1 - Introduction to Cinema 4D 2023 Chapter 2 - Tools Chapter 3 - Spline Modeling Chapter 4 - Polygon Modeling-I Chapter 5 - Polygon Modeling-II Chapter 6 - Edge Flow and Topology Chapter 7 - Volumes For more information visit Neurons Factory website.

Autodesk Maya 2022 Basics Guide

Autodesk Maya 2022 Basics Guide
Author: Kelly Murdock
Publisher: SDC Publications
Total Pages: 648
Release: 2021-07-26
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1630574503

Written by renowned author and 3D artist Kelly L. Murdock, Autodesk Maya 2022 Basics Guide is designed to give new users a solid understanding of the fundamental skills needed to create beautiful 3D models and stunning animations with Autodesk Maya. Using clear and easy to follow instructions this book will guide you through learning all the major features of Maya. The text is complemented by video instruction. Each chapter has a corresponding video tutorial that introduces you to the topics and allows you to watch and learn how functions are performed in a way that a text alone cannot do. Autodesk Maya 2022 Basics Guide makes no assumptions about your previous experience with Autodesk Maya. It begins by helping you get comfortable with the user interface and navigating scenes before moving into modeling, texturing, lighting, animating, rendering and more. Additionally, more advanced features such as character rigging, skinning, animating with dynamics and MEL scripting are also introduced. Each chapter begins by examining the concept behind each task, the goal and the necessary features that are involved. Then you go in-depth with the objective of your task as you study examples and learn the steps necessary to complete it. Working your way through the comprehensive, step-by-step lessons, you'll develop the confidence you need to create incredible renderings and animations using Autodesk Maya. Who this book is for This text was created specifically for users with no prior 3D modeling or animation experience. If you want to work in a creative field or are just curious about how 3D animated movies are made this book is the perfect way to get started. Users who are migrating from another 3D application or upgrading from a previous version of Maya will also benefit greatly from this text. What you'll learn • How to create models using primitives, curves, NURBS, Polygons and more • How to assign materials and textures to make realistic-looking models • How to use Paint Effects to paint on and quickly create complex 3D Models • How to use lights, cameras, and depth of field to render captivating scenes • How to use keyframes, motion paths and the Graph Editor to create animations • How to use character rigging, skinning, and inverse kinematics to animate realistic movements • How to use various deformers to manipulate objects, animations and special effects • How to add influence objects, skin weights and hair to a character for a more realistic look • How to use dynamics to create fire, smoke, lightning, explosions, cloth and ocean effects • How to enable raytracing, motion blur, and fog effects for increased realism • How to render stills and animations using Maya Vector and Mental Ray for different looks • How to use the Command Line and MEL Scripting to work faster About Autodesk Maya Maya is a program, created by Autodesk, used to model, animate, and render 3D scenes. 3D scenes created with Maya have appeared in movies, television, advertisements, games, product visualizations, and on the Web. With Maya, you can create and animate your own 3D scenes and render them as still images or as animation sequences.

3D Animation for the Raw Beginner Using Maya

3D Animation for the Raw Beginner Using Maya
Author: Roger King
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 490
Release: 2014-08-15
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1439852642

Each chapter of 3D Animation for the Raw Beginner Using Maya introduces critical aspects of the 3D animation process and presents clear and concise tutorials that link key concepts to practical Autodesk® Maya® techniques. Providing a principles-based, yet pragmatic, approach to 3D animation, this first-of-its-kind book: Describes the process for creating animated projects in a nonmathematical fashion Explains why—and not just how—to apply Maya techniques in the real world Includes access to a dedicated Web site, http://3dbybuzz.com, featuring useful videos, lessons, and updates 3D Animation for the Raw Beginner Using Maya is an ideal academic textbook as well as a superlative do-it-yourself training manual. When employed as a text, it frees the instructor from the painstaking task of developing step-by-step examples to present Maya’s complex interface and basic capabilities. When used for individual study, aspiring animators revel in the book’s easy-to-follow, hands-on learning style. Make 3D Animation for the Raw Beginner Using Maya your book of choice for understanding the essential theory and practice of 3D animation.

Autodesk Maya 2024 Basics Guide

Autodesk Maya 2024 Basics Guide
Author: Kelly Murdock
Publisher: SDC Publications
Total Pages: 659
Release:
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1630575801

• Designed for users completely new to 3D modeling and animation • Covers the fundamentals of Autodesk Maya using easy to follow steps • Includes video instruction to make learning Maya clear and easy • Introduces you to the Maya interface, modeling, texturing, animating, visual effects and more • Advanced topics such as character rigging, skinning, animating with dynamics and MEL scripting are also introduced • Teaches you how to use Maya to create stunning 3D models, stills and animations like a pro Written by renowned author and 3D artist Kelly L. Murdock, Autodesk Maya 2024 Basics Guide is designed to give new users a solid understanding of the fundamental skills needed to create beautiful 3D models and stunning animations with Autodesk Maya. Using clear and easy to follow instructions this book will guide you through learning all the major features of Maya. The text is complemented by video instruction. Each chapter has a corresponding video tutorial that introduces you to the topics and allows you to watch and learn how functions are performed in a way that a text alone cannot do. Autodesk Maya 2024 Basics Guide makes no assumptions about your previous experience with Autodesk Maya. It begins by helping you get comfortable with the user interface and navigating scenes before moving into modeling, texturing, lighting, animating, rendering and more. Additionally, more advanced features such as character rigging, skinning, animating with dynamics and MEL scripting are also introduced. Each chapter begins by examining the concept behind each task, the goal and the necessary features that are involved. Then you go in-depth with the objective of your task as you study examples and learn the steps necessary to complete it. Working your way through the comprehensive, step-by-step lessons, you'll develop the confidence you need to create incredible renderings and animations using Autodesk Maya. Who this book is for This text was created specifically for users with no prior 3D modeling or animation experience. If you want to work in a creative field or are just curious about how 3D animated movies are made this book is the perfect way to get started. Users who are migrating from another 3D application or upgrading from a previous version of Maya will also benefit greatly from this text.

Autodesk Maya 2023 Basics Guide

Autodesk Maya 2023 Basics Guide
Author: Kelly Murdock
Publisher: SDC Publications
Total Pages: 660
Release:
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1630575275

Written by renowned author and 3D artist Kelly L. Murdock, Autodesk Maya 2023 Basics Guide is designed to give new users a solid understanding of the fundamental skills needed to create beautiful 3D models and stunning animations with Autodesk Maya. Using clear and easy to follow instructions this book will guide you through learning all the major features of Maya. The text is complemented by video instruction. Each chapter has a corresponding video tutorial that introduces you to the topics and allows you to watch and learn how functions are performed in a way that a text alone cannot do. Autodesk Maya 2023 Basics Guide makes no assumptions about your previous experience with Autodesk Maya. It begins by helping you get comfortable with the user interface and navigating scenes before moving into modeling, texturing, lighting, animating, rendering and more. Additionally, more advanced features such as character rigging, skinning, animating with dynamics and MEL scripting are also introduced. Each chapter begins by examining the concept behind each task, the goal and the necessary features that are involved. Then you go in-depth with the objective of your task as you study examples and learn the steps necessary to complete it. Working your way through the comprehensive, step-by-step lessons, you'll develop the confidence you need to create incredible renderings and animations using Autodesk Maya. Who this book is for This text was created specifically for users with no prior 3D modeling or animation experience. If you want to work in a creative field or are just curious about how 3D animated movies are made this book is the perfect way to get started. Users who are migrating from another 3D application or upgrading from a previous version of Maya will also benefit greatly from this text. What you'll learn • How to create models using primitives, curves, NURBS, Polygons and more • How to assign materials and textures to make realistic-looking models • How to use Paint Effects to paint on and quickly create complex 3D Models • How to use lights, cameras, and depth of field to render captivating scenes • How to use keyframes, motion paths and the Graph Editor to create animations • How to use character rigging, skinning, and inverse kinematics to animate realistic movements • How to use various deformers to manipulate objects, animations and special effects • How to add influence objects, skin weights and hair to a character for a more realistic look • How to use dynamics to create fire, smoke, lightning, explosions, cloth and ocean effects • How to enable raytracing, motion blur, and fog effects for increased realism • How to render stills and animations using Maya Vector and Mental Ray for different looks • How to use the Command Line and MEL Scripting to work faster About Autodesk Maya Maya is a program, created by Autodesk, used to model, animate, and render 3D scenes. 3D scenes created with Maya have appeared in movies, television, advertisements, games, product visualizations, and on the Web. With Maya, you can create and animate your own 3D scenes and render them as still images or as animation sequences.

Mastering Autodesk Maya 2016

Mastering Autodesk Maya 2016
Author: Todd Palamar
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 864
Release: 2015-08-10
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1119059828

Go from 'beginner' to 'expert' with this professional, tutorial-based guide to Maya 2016 Mastering Autodesk Maya 2016 is your professional hands-on coverage to getting the most out of Maya. If you already know the basics of Maya, this book is your ticket to full coverage of all Maya 2016's latest features, and showcases the tools and methods used in real-world 3D animation and visual effects. From modeling, texturing, animation, and effects to high-level techniques for film, television, games, and more, this book expands your skill set, and helps you prepare for the Autodesk Maya certification exam. Filled with challenging tutorials and real-world scenarios this book provides valuable insight into the entire CG production timeline. Take your Maya skills to the next level with step-by-step instruction and insight from the industry professionals. Learn professional techniques used in real-world visual effects Master Dynamics, Maya Muscle, Stereo Cameras, mental ray, and more Expand your skills with advanced techniques for cloth, fur, and fluids Understand everything you need to know for the Maya certification exam

Autodesk Maya 2020 Character Animation Book

Autodesk Maya 2020 Character Animation Book
Author: Serdar Hakan DÜZGÖREN
Publisher: Serdar Hakan DÜZGÖREN
Total Pages: 413
Release:
Genre: Computers
ISBN:

Character Animation Before you animate the characters and objects in your scene, set up the scene by rigging all your characters and by applying the appropriate constraints and deformers to all the objects you want to animate. Rigging a character, also known as character setup, involves creating skeletons and IK handles for your characters, binding skins to the skeletons, and setting up deformers and constraints. You can also create deformers for your character and animate them to produce effects; for example, the jiggling belly (jiggle deformer), furrowing brow (wire deformer), and flexing biceps (lattice deformer) of a sumo wrestler model. Non-character objects are also very important to bringing your scene to life. You can limit and control the transformations of objects by constraining them to characters or other models in your scene. You can also create deformers for objects to create complex deformation effects. For example, you can apply a squash deformer to the model of a ball and then parent constrain the ball to the hands of a character. With this setup, you can key the weights of the character’s hands and the squash deformer’s attributes to create an animation of the character bouncing the ball from hand to hand while the ball squashes on the ground and stretches as it rises back into the air. In addition to setting up characters and objects for animation, you can set up Maya® Dynamics™ for animation. You can constrain dynamic objects such as particle emitters, fields, and fluids to objects or characters in your scene. For more information, see nDynamics Simulation Framework and Fluid Effects.