This section is the first of many lessons aimed at beginners who wish to learn 3D concepts. More specifically, this is written for users who wish to learn 3D Studio Max.

This section covers basic 3D concepts. and does not go over any of the 3D Studio Max interface, which will be covered in Chapter 2.

For those of you who are early readers, note that I am writing the chapters as I go so the only thing I have completed so far is Chapter 1.

Objectives

• Learn 3D basics
• Define the third Dimension
• Understand X, Y, and Z axes
• List some of the 3D software available

What is 3D and Why do we User 3D Software?

This may seem like obvious answers to simple questions. But before you can begin building in 3D, you need to understand what it is and what tools are needed in order to create these graphics

Let’s begin by defining the three dimensions:

Zero dimension: A point is an example of a zero-dimensional object. It defines a point in space but has no length, height, or width.

First dimension: A one-dimensional object is a single line. It has length but no height or depth.

Second dimension: A two-dimensional object has any two of the following three dimensions:

• Length
• Height
• Depth

Third dimension: Three-dimensional objects use all three of the dimensions (length, height, and depth) or the X, Y and Z coordinates. 3D applications conform to a standard from of axes called the cartesian coordinate system, first used by Rene Descartes in the mid 1600s. These X, Y and Z axes correspond to dimensions values.

• X: Width
• Y: Height
• Z: Depth

According to the graph, and 3D studio Max, X points left and right, Y is up or down, and Z is at a diagonal representing depth. 3D applications use these axes to transform, rotate and scale according to the specific axis. For example, I can transform or move an object along an X axis which would move it left or right. I can also move my object on the Y axis which would move it up or down. If I move my object on a Z axis the object would appear closer of further away from my view.

The tricky thing with computer generated graphics is that you create 3D data using two-dimensional tools. Your computer screen is a two-dimensional object and your mouse can move in two dimensions; it can report left right and front-back motion but cannot report how far above or below the desk it is. Furthermore, your output will always be two dimensional.

How is this accomplished?

In order to create 3D graphics you need to have 3D software. What I am using is 3D Studio Max, but there is other 3D software applications out there. Some of these include Maya, Softimage XSI, Lightwave, Blender, Cinema 4D and ZBrush to name a few.

Once you obtain the software and have a solid understanding of the key concepts of 3D, the next step you need to take is to learn the interface of the software… which will be covered in the next chapter.