3ds Max: Rendering for Composites

Learn how to use the extensive range of tools in 3ds Max to render out elements for compositing in After Effects.

Learn how to use the extensive range of tools in 3ds Max to render out elements for compositing. In this course, Joel Bradley shows how to break a project down into manageable pieces with 3ds Max's Render Elements feature and manage the render passes with the State Set tools. He explores this pipeline via three mini projects that take a shot from breakdown to final composite. First, he sets up and renders the elements in 3ds Max. Second, he "pre-composites" and outputs the files using the Compositor Link panel. Finally, Joel jumps into After Effects, where he adds post-production effects such as per-object color corrections, reflections and refractions, atmospheric haze, and motion blur.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know before watching this course
• Using the exercise files
• The 3ds Max project structure
• Gamma handling

1. Introduction to Render Elements

• Render elements explained
• Making a pipeline decision
• The render elements UI
• Output options

2. Introduction to State Sets

• State sets explained
• The State Sets UI
• How state sets Work
• Using state sets for rendering in passes
• Using state sets for render elements flexibility

3. Project

• Breaking down the shot
• Setting element parameters
• Creating a custom matte pass
• Final render settings and outputting

4. Project

• Exploring the State Sets Compositor view
• Installing the Compositor Link files
• Outputting rendered footage to After Effects
• 32-bit files and gamma handling in After Effects

5. Project

• Adjusting the Ambient Occlusion element
• Diffuse color switch
• Tweaking the reflections
• Adding depth of field
• Using Z-depth for atmospherics
• Adding motion blur

Conclusion

• What next?