1. How do you create a 3D model and render it
using 3Ds Max?
3ds Max, a product of Autodesk, is popular 3D modeling & rendering software which is
used for developing precise 3D models, generating 3D animation and creating 3D
rendered images efficiently. 3ds Max software has wide ranging usage in 3D Modeling
Services and 3D Rendering Services across AEC industry, entertainment industry, media
and game industry. In this blog I will talk about how 3ds Max software is implemented
for creating design visualization and executing Architectural 3D Rendering process in
AEC industry.
In 3D Modeling Services and 3D Rendering Services, 3ds Max software is mainly used
by architects, 3D rendering artists, interior designers, 3D modelers and product designers
for creating highly effective building or product designs.
To create a 3D model or design by performing Architectural 3D Rendering process, at
first you need to download or install 3Ds Max software (try to install latest version) in

2. your system from Autodesk website. 3ds Max enables you in shaping your ideas
effectively i.e. you can express your entire imagination through photo-realistic rendered
images. So using 3ds Max you can deliver highly accurate 3D Modeling Services as well
as 3D Rendering Services to clients efficiently.
Unit Setup
Once the software installation is completed, you need to do units setup. Mainly three
types of units i.e. Metric, US Standard and Custom are used in 3ds Max. I will
recommend you to do your work by using either Metric or US Standards. Before
importing file into 3ds Max, be sure that the unit of the 2D CAD drawing and unit set up
in 3ds Max are same i.e. if the 2D CAD drawing has been made using feet-inch unit, then
the unit set up in 3ds Max need to be feet-inch.
File import
After setting up units, you require to import files (.DWG files) form AutoCAD into 3Ds
Max.
What Other file types you can import into 3ds max?
Beside .dwg file format, you can also import other types of file formats like .FBX, .3DS,
.DAE, .OBJ, .SKP, etc. into 3Ds Max.
Workflow
To render a 3D model effectively by performing Architectural 3D Rendering process, just
proceed through the following steps –
 Modeling – At first create a 3D model of your designed object which can be anything
like a building, product, furniture, etc. In 3D Modeling services, for creating a 3D
model, at first you have to import the CAD drawing of that object within 3ds Max
and then you have to develop 3D model by following the imported 2D CAD drawing.
 Lighting – Once the 3D model is completed, you have to perform lighting. I have
seen many rendering artists who start lighting the scenes before applying materials
when they execute Architectural 3D Rendering process. Applying material before
lighting sometimes creates problem like users can understand the effect of lighting on
material. In that case either they make adjustment or they render the scene another
time. Don’t you think it’s just waste of time? Architectural 3D Rendering workflow
depends on the scene and types of materials. I will suggest you first set up lighting
and then apply materials in 3D Modeling Services.
 Shading and Texturing – Different types of materials are available within 3ds
Max. You can also download free textures from internet (www.cgtextures.com) or

3. purchase textures. In 3D Modeling Services, you can also create your own texture
either by scanning texture from natural elements like wood, fabrics, etc. or by taking
photographs using your digital cameras. Now if you shoot photo, import it within
Adobe Photoshop and the do some useful modification and give final touches in the
photo. You can create your own library of textures that you can use anytime in any
project.
 3D Rendering – Architectural 3D Rendering is the most important step of the
entire workflow. In this step you have to apply material, texture, lighting effects,
color, etc. properly to the model and make the model photo-realistic.
 Compositing – In this step, some other objects or effects are added to the final
rendered images or videos. In case of still images, you have to use either by using
3Ds Max or by using other photo editing tool like Adobe Photoshop. In case of
videos, you have to use video rendering tools like Adobe Premiere. You can also add
some special effects to your rendered image or video.
The demand of Architectural 3D Rendering and design visualization is very high in the
industry especially AEC industry, entertainment industry and film & media industry. In
3D Rendering Services, 3Ds Max software has a big role in creating high-end design
visualization. This software has brought lots of opportunities for 3D modelers, rendering
artists and other professionals. It’s highly advanced features not only help professionals
in producing high quality design by executing Architectural 3D Modeling process but
also help in increasing efficiency significantly.