M6 ArchViz Masterclass in 3ds max & Corona render

Discover how to use the align tool in 3ds Max to position objects precisely in the modeling workflow, aligning to the floor or to other objects along specific axes.

Enable snap with the S key and switch between 2, 2.5, and 3 for 2D, 3D, and floor-projected snapping to trace AutoCAD walls, align objects, and snap to vertices.

Apply FFD with 2x2 or 3x3 control points to extend curtains, close windows, and sculpt curves by moving control points; ensure model segments exist for deformation.

Use the chamfer modifier in 3ds max to bevel edges, tuning amount and segments (0.005 with five, or 0.01 with ten) for better geometry, lighting, and corona around edges.

Enable shapes in render to make lines, arcs, circles, and rectangles renderable, choose radial or rectangular options, and adjust thickness, segments, and adaptive interpolation for smooth wires and frames.

Master the sweep modifier in 3ds Max, using custom or built-in sections on splines, adjusting length, width, thickness, chamfer radii, rotation, and alignment for rails and frames.

Master the lattice modifier to create a mesh or cage on a surface by converting geometry segments, adjusting radius, and toggling joints, struts, or both, with options like end caps.

Master the edit poly workflow in 3ds max, changing geometry with vertices, edges, bevels, extrusions, and insets, while using layered edit poly modifiers to revert and manage changes.

Three slice methods in edit poly are connect for edges, slice plane for polygons, and pro boolean for irregular shapes, plus quick slice for random patterns.

Create irregular arch openings in 3ds max by converting to editable spline, shaping with bezier and corner vertices, enabling adaptive interpolation, and using pro boolean to cut or recess openings.

Learn the AutoCAD to 3ds Max workflow for interior modeling, clean and export drawings, align units, and build a two-phase space: base model then furniture and accessories.

Verify AutoCAD units with the UN space, ensure working units match the dimensions in meters, and clean the file by keeping only outline walls and furniture for 3ds Max.

Clean architectural plans in AutoCAD by removing text, dimensions, and hatchings, then consolidate into a single layer and export as a single spline to 3ds Max for rendering.

Import AutoCAD files into 3ds Max by setting units to centimeters or meters, selecting import or merge, and importing needed layers; fix line thickness and center at origin before extruding.

Trace walls with 2.5 snap in 2D projection, build and attach splines around doors and windows, close the shapes, then extrude walls to three metres and fine-tune points.

Create the floor and ceiling from a traced spline in 3ds Max using edit poly, then cut window and door openings with slice plane and bridge edges.

Model the skirting by tracing inner walls and using the sweep profile plugin. Choose between a grooved ready material or flow generator for floor tiling.

Adjust the skirting up by 0.01 on the z-axis to align with the floor, then build a main and full ceiling with an indirect light gap and a curtain cove.

Create a main Corona renderer camera from the top view to see the whole space, adjust focal length and clipping, and align targets for accurate scale and perspective.

Explore multiple window creation techniques in 3ds Max: quick planes, editable poly splines and sweeps, importing existing models, and a sliding stacking door generator for detailed, dimensioned windows.

Import and place a door model in 3ds Max, relink missing maps with relink bitmap, convert materials to Corona, and adjust geometry with edit poly for precise alignment.

Refine the base archviz model by adjusting the camera frame and render size, then tune flooring, ceiling, and window geometry using slice planes and sweep profiles.

Import, merge, and position furniture and accessories onto the base archviz model in 3ds max, ensuring floor alignment, contact shadows, and curtain control with FFD for depth.

Import AutoCAD drawings for 3ds Max by verifying centimeter units, cleaning the plan, exploding groups, creating a Plan to max layer, importing with proper layer selection, and positioning at origin.

Trace AutoCAD drawings by snapping to vertices at 2.5, outline walls with doors, windows, arches, close splines, attach segments, extrude floors and ceilings in 3ds Max using edit poly, shell.

Learn to create window and door openings in 3ds Max using edit poly, slice plane, and bridge tools, aligning polygons with 3d snap and 90 degree rotations.

Learn how to place and adjust main reference cameras in 3ds max to guide modeling and proportions, using top view wireframe, focal length adjustments, clipping, and framing for multiple spaces.

Model windows in 3ds Max with Autogrid and snap 3D, set dimensions, create panels and handles, and align openings; copy or instance and adjust with Edit Poly and midpoint snap.

Model wall frames in 3ds Max by drawing rectangles, converting to editable splines, outlining and extruding, and refining with edit poly while snapping vertices for precise gaps around the openings.

Learn to model doorway frames in 3ds max, using autogrid and snap 3d, convert to editable spline, create outlines, extrude, chamfer edges, and align gaps with walls for precise framing.

Learn to model a wall with equal side offsets, design the center wall and fireplace, using edit poly, slice plane with 3d snap, reference rectangles, bridges, and flow generator grooves.

Model ceiling panels and flooring with outline and sweep modifiers, using precise offsets and height; apply two materials via multi-subobject corona physical materials, preparing for furniture placement.

During the furniture and accessories phase, import and merge 3D models in 3ds Max. Arrange from top view, align to the floor, and manage instances versus copies for camera framing.

Import the AutoCAD plan into 3ds Max, normalize units to meters, and clean extraneous text and hatching. Trace walls with snap, then extrude to six meters for double-height spaces.

Create the ceiling and flooring from the plan in top view with line snap and extrusion. Adjust splines and apply slice planes for openings, then bridge to finalize curtain walls.

Model stairs in 3ds Max using editable spline and edit poly, extrude and slice techniques, align vertices, add handrails, shells, and Corona materials for realistic interiors.

Learn to create a random floor pattern in 3ds max with corona render by building stair details, shaping grooves with splines, slicing and detaching polygons, and applying multi subobject materials.

Model wall grooves and recesses with edit poly, extrude, and flow generator, using a camera reference and slice planes to shape the wall and door opening.

Explore step-by-step modeling of a main door in 3ds max with corona render, using edit poly, splines, sweep, detach, and material assignments to create a framed door, tiles, and handle.

Import and align the curtain wall in the double-height living area using snap, FFD, and edit poly, then create a glass shell with thickness for proper lighting.

Model a glass handrail on the second floor with autogrid planes or a flow generator to form panels with gaps; apply a 0.04 shell and a refractive glass material.

Design the fireplace from the mood board using autogrid and snaps to form the u-shape wall, apply poly damage for the damaged areas, and assign gray and gold materials.

Model the base wall with damage and pins, extrude edges, and add grooves; apply poly damage and randomize pins, then set reference cameras before adding furniture.

Distribute spotlights according to the lighting plan, choosing flush ceiling placement or recessing fixtures, then model recesses with top-view tubes or boxes and use pro boolean to cut.

Import and place furniture and accessories from websites, using file import merge, align with top view, and prefer instances for efficient render calculations, guided by a reference camera.

Learn conceptual modeling in a double-height space by building a box in 3ds Max, setting metric units, applying Corona material, and configuring camera framing and render settings.

Shows how to create architectural openings in 3ds Max: slice walls, extrude openings, build window frames with sweep and I-beam, and apply shell glass with a refractive material.

Detach walls and ceiling; set pivots to center. Apply ready grooved materials or flow generator, then import and place furniture for framing with lighting in 3ds Max and Corona Render.

Practice exterior modeling on a beachside house with landscape and pool, focusing on grooves, shadow gaps, and contact shadows, then organize drawings into three plans and export to 3ds Max.

Set working units to meters, enable Corona renderer for material editor, convert to Corona physical materials, import ground floor plan, and position at the origin to trace AutoCAD drawings.

Trace the ground floor from AutoCAD with line snap and vertex mode, clean lines, and close spline around walls and openings. Extrude to 3.65 m and assign a gray material.

Model ground-floor columns and a wooden partition in 3ds Max, extruding rectangles to the height, apply materials, and outline glass for the terrace and sliding doors with lines and snaps.

Define door and window openings in 3ds max by slicing walls at 2.2 m, setting the sill height to one metre, and bridging selected polygons, with future detailing of frames.

Create the stairs in 3ds Max by extruding a rectangle and tracing with top view snap 2.5. Use instances, adjust z-height, add a landing and beam, and apply grey material.

Trace walls to create flooring and ceiling for the ground floor, then extrude to form the base; set three hardscape steps at 0.45 and adjust entrance, landscape, and pool levels.

Trace and extrude multiple outdoor levels in 3ds max, creating platforms, steps, and landscape areas around the pool while aligning with AutoCAD plans and applying gray materials.

Trace the landscape border to define the house area, extrude the ground, and apply edit poly with gray material. Shape landscape holes and the pool area.

Model an elevated pool in 3ds max, trace inner part, extrude to form stairs, apply shell and edit poly for thickness, set gravel ground, raise the pool 0.15 in z.

Model the pool stairs by tracing from the top view, extruding polygons with edit poly and extrude modifiers, aligning steps to the main platform, and adding final details like water.

Model outdoor partitions and a TV wall in 3ds max by tracing the top view, extruding rectangles to 3.65 m, snapping in 3D, and applying a gray material.

Import AutoCAD ground and first floor drawings, align and snap, raise the first floor by 3.65m in z, trace and extrude the ceiling, then begin first floor walls.

Trace the first-floor walls from AutoCAD with snap 2.5, outline openings, and extrude to 3.4 with a gray material, focusing on exterior walls and glass areas.

Develop first floor adjustments by modeling the ceiling extension, adding stairs, and creating a glass handrail using 3ds max tools such as edit poly, extrude, snap 3d, and flow generator.

Import and align AutoCAD roof drawings, trace the ceiling outline, and extrude to create the roof opening; model wood louvers and glass handrails with flow generators, refine with edit poly.

Create and detail sliding windows and doors in 3ds max using a stacking door generator, adjust dimensions and panels, set handles, convert to edit poly, and manage materials.

Model sliding doors and a fixed window in 3ds max with autogrid, set precise dimensions and handles, edit polys, and compare aluminium stacking doors with wood-frame options.

Add glass handrails with sweep-based c-channel profiles, tracing outlines from the top view and aligning in the z axis. Apply flow generators for tile details.

Model the entrance area in 3ds max by building a platform and pavement with splines and gray materials, then refine with edit poly, extrude, and turbosmooth to place flower boxes.

Apply tiles on poolside and interior surfaces using the flow generator plugin on selected polygons. Adjust tile size and offsets, make sides unique, and apply gray materials for consistent renders.

Import a furniture file containing all 3D models, place outdoor and interior pieces for realistic exterior shots, then set camera angles, materials, lighting, and landscape surroundings.

Master pool modeling and landscape environment detailing in 3ds Max, using ground modeling, Megascans materials with displacement, and water volumes, with methods for middle, edge, and curved pools.

Deform the ground to match the environment, apply a displacement-based material from Quixel Megascans, and scatter vegetation to complete the three-layer landscape.

Create ground deformation on a single plane with a noise modifier, adjusting scale and z strength. Use turbosmooth with viewport and render iterations to balance detail and polygon count.

Apply the displace modifier with black and white height maps to shape terrain and water features, using positive and negative values, and refine with turbosmooth and contour maps.

Use an edit poly modifier with a push and pull brush to sculpt terrain by adjusting brush size and strength, commit deformation, and then apply turbosmooth for a smooth ground.

Master soft selection on planes and irregular ground with edit poly falloff, pin deformation, push/pull, Turbosmooth, and displace or noise modifiers.

Explore Quixel Megascans' ground materials with displacement and connect them to 3ds Max via Bridge. Navigate the interface, filter for 3d assets or surfaces, and use collections to organize environments.

Download and export quixel assets to 3ds Max, apply quixel materials with glossiness and roughness workflows, and optimize by using 2k textures, inverted gloss maps, and correct displacement.

Start interactive rendering in Corona vfb to test camera locations, lighting, and materials, then use light mix and post controls to fine-tune depth of field, exposure, and mood.

Learn how to convert and relink maps from V-Ray to Corona using Corona Converter, manage bitmaps, and adjust materials and viewport visibility for imported 3D models.

Convert heavy scene models to Corona proxy to reduce polygons and speed viewport navigation. Export proxies with proxy exporter, choose single or multiple proxies, and use instances for faster renders.

Learn ground scattering in 3ds Max with Forest Pack and Corona Scatter, compare built-in libraries and Quixel plants, export 3D plants, and apply Forest Pack to a ground plane.

Master forest pack geometry to scatter grass and flowers on the ground, control with global scale, scale for selected elements, and probability, then rename objects and apply color IDs.

Control how objects scatter on the ground using image-based distribution, adjust density for full ground coverage, and create patches or voids by tweaking the number of distributed objects.

Use the Forest Pack camera to clip scattered objects with limit to visibility and zero back offset, keeping only what's in front of the camera and speeding renders.

Learn to use forest pack surfaces to drive object scattering on a deformed ground with auto update, adjusting noise and pin deformation so grass moves with terrain.

Explore interactive forest pack scattering in 3ds Max, adjusting distribution and tone mapping for realistic grass, then enable translation, rotation, and scale randomization (0–360°, 80–120%).

Learn to exclude grass with forest pack using spline areas, objects, or brush, and also include areas for targeted planting, while adjusting density and scale.

Learn to add ground layers using forest pack: import plants, duplicate packs, adjust camera clipping, surfaces, and exclude areas, then customize distribution, scale, and random seeds, and export.

Learn to create forest pack on splines and project plants onto the ground, using circles to define areas and exclude regions, then adjust density, distribution, and scale for variation.

Learn to enhance forest scenes by scattering debris, rocks, and leaves along a path with a forest pack in 3ds max, adjusting scale and distribution.

Use interactive test render with adjustable resolution, then run a normal render; Corona's progressive rendering reduces noise across passes to reveal scene details.

Scatter trees around a building with a spline using Forest Pack in 3ds Max. Optimize by converting sources to proxy, adjust pivots, and fine-tune distribution for a natural look.

Learn to use the forest pack item editor to manage distribution with generate and custom edit modes, and to move, delete, or adjust objects without losing the original layout.

Distribute objects along an open path or closed spline using Forest Pack, switch to path mode, pick the spline, and control spacing for trees or lighting posts.

Explore using the built-in library in forest pack to scatter ground cover, gravel, leaves, and vertical greens in 3ds max, and compare presets to Quixel and Max3 for performance.

Create vertical green walls using forest pack by building a wall from the left view, placing a spline, and applying leaves; adjust density, patches, and swap presets from the library.

Place the main camera as a reference for lighting, materials, and framing. Use top view placement and add more cameras to explore depth while keeping vertical lines aligned with building.

Set up the main camera, adjust focal length (around 30 for wide, 50-70 for closeups), manage clipping, and use dolly and pan to compose space through the lens.

Align the camera and target at the same height to preserve vertical lines, then adjust the vertical shift to reveal more of the double-height space, avoiding automatic vertical tilt.

Declutter a 3ds Max scene for accurate camera framing in Corona render by hiding elements, setting segment colors to black or gray, and using shortcuts for lights, cameras, and drawings.

Choose the right image ratio to control vertical, landscape, or square framing in archviz renders. Use HDTV or custom ratios, and adjust camera shift for focused shots.

Explore composition techniques in arch viz by examining central full, frontal, corner, and flat shots. Create depth with camera framing, furniture placement, and lighting, establishing foreground, middle ground, and background.

Use references for each process step and framing to guide lighting, composition, and frame orientation; balance foreground, walls, and space proportions with main and detailed references for materials and colors.

Learn to create natural and artificial framing to add depth and guide focus in exterior shots, using trees, windows, columns, and post-production dust effects to shape lighting and shadows.

Master frame setup by evaluating all four sides and cutting along large surfaces, prioritizing ceilings or walls over small objects, then review each side to ensure clean cuts.

Explore the image composition helper plugin to apply rule of thirds, diagonals, golden ratio, and golden spiral; adjust grids, ratios, and focus points to enhance archviz renders.

control object visibility across cameras in 3ds max by using include and exclude lists to hide specific objects per camera, enabling per-camera render and batch render adjustments.

Drop shadows from objects without showing them on screen by using visible to camera off, enabling realistic exterior shadows on the floor while keeping the object hidden.

Exploit depth of field and motion blur to create close ups with higher focal lengths and careful framing. Use interactive rendering to position cameras and verify shadows and lighting.

Explore depth of field in arch viz by adjusting focal length and f-stop, and control focus areas with distance or by object to achieve selective sharpness.

Learn to create camera-based motion blur in 3ds max with corona render by animating moving objects, enabling auto key, and adjusting shutter speed and region renders.

Enable 2D pan zoom mode to zoom within the camera frame for detailed interactive rendering, adjust tiles and UV maps, then exit back to the main frame.

Master the art of arch viz lighting by balancing natural and artificial light, enhancing depth with shadows, and composing interior and exterior scenes through color temperature and camera angles.

Identify natural light and artificial light in 3ds max corona renders, define the main and secondary light sources, and learn to mix them to shape mood.

Choose the overcast mood to guide lighting, avoiding direct sun and fading shadows. For interior and exterior scenes, keep material colors even with balanced light.

Balance natural and artificial light by adjusting exposure. Use daylight when strong, and add artificial elements for overcast, sunset, and blue hour to maintain mood and balance.

Explore how direct daylight and a clear sky create distinct shadow qualities, sharp or soft, and shape the mood in archviz scenes.

Create the sunset mood with a low sun, long soft shadows, and add more artificial lights to interior spaces to enhance the scene in 3ds max and corona render.

Balance blue hour mood by pairing blue natural light with warm artificial lights; start with natural light, adjust exposure, then add artificial distribution for daylight, overcast, or sunset.

Use the override material in render setup to apply a gray, texture-free scene for fast lighting tests, preserving model materials in the viewport while isolating light distribution and color temperature.

Master Corona render lighting by combining natural sun and artificial corona lights like rectangle, disc, sphere, and cylinder, and use corona light material with emit light or background options.

Practice placing corona sun and corona sky, adjust sun height and target near objects, and use material override with corona physical material and environment to balance lighting via post exposure.

Learn to reduce overexposed areas in post by using filmic highlight to target exposed spots, then apply highlight compress if needed, noting it may reduce overall image contrast.

Control the Corona sky in 3ds max by adjusting horizon blur, background, and ground, with Corona color correct, turbidity, temperature, gamma, and saturation, and using light mix for lighting balance.

Enable light mix in the render setup, create sun and sky layers, assign lights to layers, and test multiple sun angles for flexible lighting control.

Set up the environment sky to achieve an overcast mood in Corona render. Adjust the sky color and warmth or blue tint to refine lighting and mood.

Select lights in scene to preview lighting, then lock the render to a view for interactive testing of lighting and composition, using a two-panel viewport to compare sun angles.

Master corona sun options to set mood through sun height, color mode (realistic or direct input), and kelvin temperature, then refine shadows, visibility, and exclusions for accurate renders.

Learn how bloom and glare arise when visible lights interact with the camera lens in 3ds max and Corona render, and adjust glow, glare, aperture, and lens variations.

Replace the background with a plane in 3ds Max using corona light material, align it perpendicular to the camera, and adjust horizon line and UV for a high-quality mood-appropriate background.

Adjust post in corona render by setting main exposure and filmic highlight to balance sun and sky, then tweak light mix colors and apply a lookup table for mood.

Showcases four moods using sun and sky: overcast, soft sun, sunset, and blue hour, with bloom and glare, soft shadows, horizon control, and artificial lighting to balance exposure.

Learn hdr lighting in 3ds max with corona render by using a corona bitmap as a single map, rotating the hdri, and adjusting exposure and filmic highlight.

Rotate the HDRI to a sunset mood, swap Corona bitmaps, and adjust exposure and highlight compression; then replace and color-correct the background with Corona color correct for cohesive lighting.

Explore blue hour HDRI lighting by sourcing skies from Polly Haven, testing 4K HDRIs, replacing maps in the material slot, and using corona color correct to tune tint, gamma, exposure.

Learn hdri lighting in 3ds max and corona render, switching between overcast, daylight, sunset, and blue hour moods, and replacing backgrounds to control lighting and the back plate.

Master multiple hdris in one render by adding daylight, overcast, golden hour, and blue hour modes using corona bitmap, rotation, and light mix layers, then save cxr framebuffers for post.

Explore artificial corona light options to craft blue hour lighting in 3ds max, using rectangle or curved indirect lights, adjusting intensity, color temperature, and visibility in Corona renderer.

Create a rectangle light for indirect lighting in the light mix, rename it for kitchen indirect light, and adjust color by white or temperature and directionality to form a cone.

Explore adding spotlights with Corona light disk, selecting IES profiles to cast wall, floor, and furniture lighting; adjust intensity, position, and bloom and glare in LightMix for cohesive four-spotlight illumination.

Adjust bloom intensity for spotlights to control the blooming effect. Use a separate bloom and glare render element and masks in post-production to isolate or overlay bloom across the scene.

Learn to design floor lamp lighting in 3ds max with corona using a disk light and optional sphere, adjust light mix, and tune directionality and color temperature.

Set up a pendant light using Corona light material to emit light. Create fake IES lights to distribute illumination beneath the pendant and refine with light mix.

Enable the floor lamp and three lighting layers—the pendant source, distribution, and highlights—to create targeted highlights, then balance natural light with artificial lights for a blue hour mood.

Switch between daylight and blue hour modes to reveal how natural light shapes shadows, reducing artificial lights; use targeted highlights, spotlights, floor lamps, and color-tuned accents to match the mood.

Save and load light mix configurations for overcast, daylight, golden hour, and blue hour modes. Adjust values and colors, enable or disable elements, and export final renders as jpgs.

Create diverse moods from a single hdri by adjusting hdri intensity, color, and artificial lights to produce night, bluish dark, or golden hour scenes; save and load configurations.

Master Corona lighting analysis by combining HDR overcast, sun, and light mix with artificial discs and rectangles to shape natural and artificial light for exterior and interior scenes.

Learn how to create lighting patterns in 3ds max using Corona render, free spot, projector maps, and gobo patterns on walls and floors.

Create fog with corona volume material in a box, tuning absorption and scattering colors for gray fog tones. Use single bounds and interactive rendering to refine density from the camera.