3D Studio Max，常简称为3ds Max或MAX，是Autodesk公司开发的基于PC系统的三维动画渲染和制作软件。其前身是基于DOS操作系统的3D Studio系列软件。在Windows NT出现以前，工业级的CG制作被SGI图形工作站所垄断。3D Studio Max + Windows NT组合的出现一下子降低了CG制作的门槛，首选开始运用在电脑游戏中的动画制作，后更进一步开始参与影视片的特效制作，例如：《X战警II》，《最后的武士》等。
PLURALSIGHT FUNDAMENTALS OF ARNOLD FOR 3DS MAX
Arnold is an unbiased, physically based, ray tracing 3D rendering engine. It is the default complex rendering engine that comes along with 3ds Max 2018, and it is one of the most used engines in major productions like Gravity, Elysium, Pacific Rim, Alice in Wonderland, and many others. It excels itself in achieving reliable, good looking, realistic results rather quickly, which can give the user time to spend improving the actual scene, rather than tweaking its settings. Learning the fundamentals of this engine is the first step into fully understanding how it works, which can be a very useful skill to master. In this course, Fundamentals of Arnold for 3ds Max, you’ll learn all the fundamental concepts behind rendering with Arnold, making it possible for you to achieve reliable, good looking, realistic results rather quickly. First, you’ll explore how to light scenes with Arnold. Next, you’ll discover how to create realistic materials and how to render basic effects. Finally, you’ll get a better understanding of Arnold’s render settings. By the end of this course, you’ll know all the basic concepts within Arnold, and will be able to begin creating complex realistic scenes on your own. Software required: 3ds Max 2018.
