3Ds Max 2020 Essential Training Online Course

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for 3D modeling and animation skills, especially in the fields of gaming, film, and architecture. With the advancement of technology and software, 3Ds Max has become one of the most popular tools among professionals and enthusiasts for creating stunning 3D designs and visual effects. As a result, online learning platforms have emerged, offering various courses on 3Ds Max to cater to the growing market. In this article, we will explore the top-rated online courses for 3Ds Max, analyzing their content, structure, and effectiveness, to help you make an informed decision when choosing a course that suits your needs.

Here’s a look at the Best 3Ds Max Courses and Certifications Online and what they have to offer for you!

3Ds Max 2020 Essential Training Online Course

1. 3ds Max + V-Ray: 3ds Max PRO in 6 hrs by Adam Zollinger (Udemy) (Our Best Pick)

The 3ds Max + V-Ray: 3ds Max PRO in 6 hrs course is an introductory course designed to teach beginners how to create 3D architectural imagery using 3Ds Max and V-Ray. The course is taught by Adam Zollinger, a practicing professional with extensive experience in the arch viz industry. The course has undergone several updates, including new videos for the latest Vray features, an entire revamp of the course to bring it up to speed with the newest software, and the addition of more advanced classes.

The course includes technical support from the instructor, who answers questions every day in the discussion area and responds to private messages. The course covers everything students need to know to create a basic project, using 3ds Max 2011, and includes six hours of video from start to finish. Additional content brings students up to speed with the latest versions of the software and covers more advanced techniques and complex projects.

Knowing how to use 3ds Max and V-Ray together is a valuable skill that can lead to a career in 3D. The course is suitable for those who are currently in a job they do not enjoy, architecture students, SketchUp users, practicing architects, and gamers who want to create their own game assets. The course structure includes an introduction to the course, basics of modeling, working with V-Ray, and enhancing images with Photoshop.

The course benefits beginners by providing a great overview of how to get up and running and showing the workflow necessary to work like a pro. It benefits veteran users by polishing their V-Ray skills and streamlining their workflow. The course content includes an introduction to the course, 3ds Max basics, a professional arch viz workflow, modeling, using V-Ray, lighting, materials, rendering, and adding context details to models.

2. 3ds Max Mastery in 7 Hrs: Project Based Intro for Beginners by Adam Zollinger (Udemy)

The 3ds Max Mastery in 7 Hrs: Project Based Intro for Beginners course, led by Adam Zollinger, aims to equip beginners with a strong knowledge of 3d software and tools by following along with diverse 3d projects. The updated course includes a new bonus project. 3ds Max is a widely-used 3d software in various fields, such as video games, film, medical illustration, architectural illustration, animation, industrial design, and concept art. The course is comprehensive and covers all major concepts of 3d, starting from the absolute beginning.

The project-based course includes techniques useful in different disciplines, and all models and texture maps are available for download. The course offers many additional free resources, high-quality videos presented in full HD with crisp sound, and key-stroke overlays to help students understand clearly. All default settings are used in 3ds Max, making the course easy to follow. After about 7 hours of video and practice projects, students will have a firm grasp of 3d graphics in 3ds Max and be able to create their own projects confidently in modelling, animation, game content creation, or other areas.

Students can access the instructor, who is a practicing 3d professional, through the course forums and receive free updates continually. The course also stays up to date with the latest software releases. The class includes a 30-day money-back guarantee with a full refund for any reason. The course content features an introduction, basic building blocks of 3d graphics, navigation in 3ds Max, modelling, modifier panel, project-based creation of basic still life, lighting, cameras and composition, creating materials, setting up rendering, high-poly desk lamp creation, low-poly game model creation, advanced modelling techniques, basic animation techniques, project completion, an extra project of architectural visualization, and a preview of adding a third-party render engine.

3. 3DS Max Tutorial. Learn The Art of Modelling and Animation by Infinite Skills (Udemy)

The 3DS Max Tutorial course by Infinite Skills aims to teach the art of modelling and animation using Autodesk’s 3DS Max software. The course features over 18 hours of training and is designed for beginners with no prior experience using 3ds Max. It covers various aspects of 3DS Max, such as interacting with objects, working with materials and mapping, lighting, cameras, animation, and rendering.

The course begins with a tour of the interface, highlighting the tools and their locations. Students learn to name, move, rotate, and extrude objects, and work with them in their models. They also learn about materials and mapping, lighting, and operating cameras within 3ds Max. The course concludes with a section on animating, rendering, and adding special F/X to models.

Using projects, students apply the techniques learned directly to models they work with during the training course. Upon completion, students will be capable of creating, animating, and rendering their own 3d models. The course includes extensive working files to allow students to work alongside the author as he teaches them to use Autodesk 3ds Max 2013.

The 3DS Max Animation & 3DS Max Modeling Tutorials course is compatible with versions of 3DS Max 2011, 2012, and 2013. However, some of the working files will only be accessible in 3DS Max 2013. The course is divided into 17 sections, including an introduction, interface essentials, working with files, working with objects, creating off-the-shelf geometry, specific modelling techniques, working at the sub-object level, working with modifiers, materials and mapping, lighting, cameras, animation, rendering, special F/X, and a conclusion.

4. Unreal Engine 4: Project Based VR Course for Arch Viz in UE4 by Adam Zollinger (Udemy)

The Unreal Engine 4: Project Based VR Course for Arch Viz in UE4 is a course designed for individuals ready to take their 3D projects to the next level. The course is structured to teach students the process of taking 3D models from static images to fully interactive and navigable scenes. The course is taught by Adam Zollinger, a successful 3D artist, author, and Udemy Instructor, who provides technical support throughout the course to answer any questions that arise. The course offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked and will be updated with more advanced materials.

The course covers two main portions: the original portion, which focuses on real-time rendering capabilities of Unreal Engine, and the second portion, which deals specifically with Virtual Reality via a high-end VR headset. During the first portion of the course, students learn how to prep 3D models using 3DS Max, import their project into Unreal Engine 4, and navigate the basic interface of the software. Students learn how to use lighting, materials, and rendering for real-time, animate in real-time, and export full animations that render in seconds. Additionally, students learn how to export their projects for navigation using basic arrow key navigation + mouse, essentially creating their own custom video game level.

The second portion of the course covers advanced topics, including changing existing real-time projects into fully immersive/interactive Virtual Reality projects, customizing objects using blueprint scripts with no previous knowledge of coding, and creating interaction using blueprints. Other topics include downloading source files, developing a VR project from start to finish, and exporting VR projects for others to view. To get the most out of this portion of the course, students will need a high-end VR headset such as Occulus Rift or HTC Vive.

5. 3D Visualization For Beginners: Interior Scene with 3DS MAX by Widhi Muttaqien, S.Kom, MMSI (Udemy)

The 3D Visualization for Beginners: Interior Scene with 3DS MAX course is taught by Widhi Muttaqien, S.Kom, MMSI and focuses on creating stunning 3D architectural visualizations using 3ds Max and Corona Renderer. The course is aimed at beginners but also includes advanced topics for seasoned 3ds Max users.

Architectural visualization is a skill that is in high demand in the architecture and real estate development business, as architects use them to present their designs and real estate developers use them to make sales. This course teaches how to create beautiful 3D renderings in just four days, making it a valuable time-saving resource for those in the industry.

The course includes lifetime access to professional-quality lesson videos and all project files, including 3ds Max files, texture images, and Photoshop composition files. Udemy also offers a full 100% refund if students are not satisfied with the course, making it a zero-risk investment.

The course covers various topics, including the UI, object operations, scene management, modeling, materials, lighting, and texturing. There are basic and advanced modeling projects, as well as basic materials and lighting projects, texturing and UV mapping, and texturing and rendering projects.

Overall, this course is an excellent resource for those interested in becoming a professional 3D artist or entrepreneur in the 3D visualization industry.

6. 3ds Max + V-Ray FULL Photorealistic 3D Rendering Masterclass by Jake Denham BA, MA, Official V-Ray Mentor ⭐, Luxury Visuals (Udemy)

The 3ds Max + V-Ray FULL Photorealistic 3D Rendering Masterclass course is taught by Jake Denham, an Official V-Ray Mentor with a BA and MA in the field. The course is designed to teach beginners and advanced 3D artists how to create professional photorealistic renders, build a 3D portfolio, and launch their career. The course promises to provide ongoing support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The course includes over 9 hours of video lectures, a private online community of artists, and bonus material such as scripts and Photoshop files. The course has been updated to include the latest V-Ray 5 and 3ds Max 2021 updates. Jake also adds new lectures periodically, such as the Introduction to 3ds Max section for those who want to brush up on the basics.

The course is designed for anyone who wants to create photorealistic images for clients, regardless of previous experience. By the end of the course, students will have mastered the 3D rendering workflow, learned how to create photorealistic images, and know the secrets that professionals use to stand out.

The course covers essential tools for modelling, mapping, materials, lighting, and rendering. Students will have 5 images to add to their portfolio, create their own 3D rendering studio scene, write their own 3ds Max scripts, and learn how to use client plans and DWG files. They will also learn how to navigate 3ds Max, create V-Ray materials and UVW mapping, light a 3ds Max scene with HDRI lights, and build a world-class portfolio.

Jake’s qualifications include being an Official V-Ray Mentor, speaking at conferences and universities, and spending 15 years in the field. The course has received great reviews, and Jake promises to be available for questions and feedback.

7. 3ds Max & Vray: Advanced Arch Viz Interior Projects by Adam Zollinger (Udemy)

The 3ds Max & Vray: Advanced Arch Viz Interior Projects course, led by Adam Zollinger, takes students beyond the basic tools of 3ds Max and into the realm of high-end architectural visualization (arch viz) imagery. This course teaches students the professional workflow and tools that are commonly used in the industry to produce photorealistic results in 3D. The course utilizes industry standard tools such as 3ds Max, Vray, Marvelous Designer, and Photoshop.

Throughout the course, students will have access to various project files and will be able to follow along to create a professional arch viz interior by the end. Along the way, students will learn useful tips and tricks, workflow techniques, and advanced software tools that will allow them to develop a custom rendered scene to add to their portfolio.

Upon joining the course, students will gain lifetime access to all course models, textures, and lectures necessary to advance their skills. The course is taught by an experienced professional in the arch viz industry with over 12 years of experience and has an average 4.3 rating on 9 courses with over 36,000 students. The latest software versions are used in the course, and it will be continually updated as software evolves.

In addition, the course will be updated with new content regarding new techniques and additional lectures. The course also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee from Udemy if the class does not meet students’ expectations.

Course content is divided into various sections, including Course Introduction, Advanced Modeling for Architecture in 3ds Max, Intro to Marvelous Designer for Creating Organic 3D Models, Cameras and Composition, Advanced Lighting Using Vray Lights, Advanced Materials, Advanced Rendering, Atmospherics, Advanced Post-Processing, V-Ray Updates for V-Ray 5 and Above, Interior Project II With Latest V-Ray Features, ADDITIONAL PROJECTS, and EXTRA: Where To Go From Here.

8. 3ds Max + Vray: Ultimate Architectural Exteriors Course by Adam Zollinger, Learn Arch Viz (Udemy)

The 3ds Max + Vray: Ultimate Architectural Exteriors Course provides students with the tools, tips, and techniques needed to create stunning, professional exterior renderings using 3ds Max + Vray and other pro tools. The course is suitable for those who have a good knowledge of arch viz in 3ds Max + Vray and are ready to take on more advanced techniques, tools, and workflows.

The course begins with a model provided by the instructor, which students can add interest to with additional detail, advanced materials, dramatic lighting, interesting compositions, etc. The instructor teaches the best tools and explains the principles behind what makes a rendering great. Students can follow along with the instructor or iterate with the model and create whatever kind of composition they would like.

The course covers advanced modelling considerations, advanced lighting workflows, advanced material creation, advanced camera settings and composition, advanced V-Ray render settings (V-Ray Next and below), and advanced compositing in Photoshop. Additionally, the instructor will introduce new professional tools, such as Quixel Megascans, Forest Pack PRO/Lite, Substance Designer, Quixel Mixer, Substance Materials, PBR materials, and more.

In 2022, new content was added to the course to update things for the latest versions of 3ds Max and V-Ray and to continue training on some of the latest and greatest tools available. The updated course includes additional projects that focus on teaching the latest V-Ray tools, such as V-Ray Environment Fog, new Photoshop techniques for quick post-processing, how to use V-Ray Cosmos and V-Ray material editor to quickly fill out your scene, mastering your HDRI workflow, making use of the V-Ray light mixer to dial in perfect lighting, lens effects in the latest versions of V-Ray, and more.

The course includes lifetime access, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and access to professional instructors through Q&A and/or Learn Arch Viz Forums.

9. 3ds Max: Model High-Poly Assets For Your Arch Viz Scenes by Adam Zollinger (Udemy)

The 3ds Max: Model High-Poly Assets For Your Arch Viz Scenes course is a comprehensive tutorial designed to teach students how to create high-detail 3D assets using 3ds Max poly modeling, Mudbox sculpting, custom Photoshop textures, and Vray materials. The course instructor is Adam Zollinger, a practicing professional who specializes in architectural visualization. The course includes a Mudbox workflow and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The course has received positive reviews from students who find Adam’s teaching methods easy to follow and understand. The course is also praised for offering added bonuses, such as lessons on Vray and Mudbox, which are not covered in many other similar courses.

The course focuses on the creation of high-poly / high-detail furniture and provides techniques and workflows that are useful for creating photo-real models. The course covers a range of topics, including creating the basic shape of a modern chair, using the shell modifier, symmetry, turbosmooth, and poly-modeling techniques, UVW unwrapping furniture using basic 3ds Max tools, painting a custom map in Photoshop, applying texture maps in 3ds Max using V-Ray materials, and setting up a studio shot for your furniture piece. Bonus techniques covered in the course include using the cut tool to model in wrinkles, using the cloth modifier to achieve natural folds and bends in models, using 3ds Max Graphite modeling tools, and adding fur and fringe to furniture with V-Ray fur.

The course is structured to take students step-by-step through the modeling of a chair, with additional techniques and workflows added as the course progresses. The course also includes bonus content on selling 3D models online. The course is fully refundable for 30 days and offers access to all future lectures as they become available.

10. Architectural Exterior Rendering Masterclass 3ds Max + V-Ray by Jake Denham BA, MA, Official V-Ray Mentor ⭐, Luxury Visuals (Udemy)

The Architectural Exterior Rendering Masterclass 3ds Max + V-Ray course, taught by Jake Denham, an Official V-Ray Mentor, aims to teach beginners and experienced professionals how to create photorealistic 3D renderings using 3ds Max and V-Ray. The course includes over 5 hours of video lectures, a private online community of like-minded artists, and a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. The course promises to help students build confidence, increase work quality, and win clients.

The course is designed for anyone who wants to create professional 3D renders and build an amazing CGI portfolio. The course is taught in an understandable teaching style by an industry expert. The course includes a new section called Introduction to 3ds Max, designed for users who want to brush up on the basics before starting, have been away from 3ds Max for a while, or are completely new.

The course teaches students how to use 3ds Max and V-Ray to create photorealistic 3D renderings. Students will learn how to master 3D rendering and useful techniques used in 3ds Max to create amazing images. The course includes practice lessons, and students will learn essential tools for modelling, mapping, materials, lighting, and rendering.

The course promises to teach students the secrets professionals use to stand out from the crowd and the value of systems and how to use them. Students will understand how professional studios work and master the workflow pros use day to day to make 3D renders. Students will have the skills needed to work in the 3D rendering industry and improve their 3D rendering quality.