This is an introductory course to NewTek's LightWave 3D.

Subjects Covered

Day 1: Modeler

Lesson 1 – Introduction

1. Modeler and Layout
2. Installing Plugins
3. Configuration
4. Using Global Config Files

Lesson 2 – Modeler Navigation

1. Loading and Saving Objects
2. Working with Multiple Objects
3. Using Multiple Layers
4. Interpreting Isometric Views
5. Rotating, Panning & Zooming the View
6. Interactive Rotate/Pan/Zoom with ALT, SHIFT & CTRL
7. Maximizing to Single Pane View
8. Auto Fit
9. Zooming In/Out with Period and Comma

Lesson 3 – Modeler Selection Techniques

1. Selection Modes
2. Direct Selection
3. Deselection
4. Add to Selection
5. Expand/Contract Selection
6. Select Connected
7. Lasso Tool
8. Auto Fit to Selected

Lesson 4 – Basic Modeling Tools

1. Creating Primitives
2. Using Arrow Keys to Control Segments
3. Create Points
4. Make Polygon
5. Pen Tool
6. Point Order & Using the Flip Tool
7. Drag Points
8. Move, Rotate, Size & Stretch
9. Action Modes
10. Extrude, Bevel, Mirror & Lathe

Lesson 5 – Working With Splines

1. Sketch Tool
2. Differences Between Bezier and Spline
3. Spline Draw Tool
4. Make Curves from Points
5. Modifying Curves with Drag & Stretch
6. Closing Curves with Weld
7. Tracing Bitmapped Images

Lesson 6 – Creating a Lamp

1. Creating the Basic Contour with Splines
2. Modifying the Contour with Drag
3. Creating the Lamp Shade with a Polygon
4. Working with Separate Layers
5. Using Lathe to Define Solid Shape
6. Using Twist to Curve the Lamp Shade
7. Using Array to Create Spokes
8. Defining Surfaces
9. Using Boolean Union to Combine Layers

Lesson 7 – Creating a Toaster

1. Creating the Basic Form with the Box Primitive
2. Enabling Subdivisional Surfaces with TAB
3. Controlling Subdivisional Surface Curvature with Weight Mapping
4. Freezing Subdivisional Surfaces
5. Setting Surface Smoothing
6. Simplifying the Model by Combining Polygons
7. Using Statistics to Remove Orphaned Points
8. Using Boolean Subtract to Make Cutouts
9. Using Bevel to Add Detail
10. Using the Surface Panel to Control Smoothing Threshold
11. Using Point Selection and Move to Finalize Details

Lesson 8 – Creating an Airplane

1. Starting with the Box Primitive
2. Laying Out the Basic Form with Bevel and Stretch
3. Controlling Contours with Additional Bevels
4. Enabling Subdivisional Surfaces with TAB
5. Tweaking the Shape with Drag and Stretch

Lesson 8 – Converting a 2D Logo to 3D

1. Loading a Backdrop Image
2. Tracing Edges with Splines and Bezier Curves
3. Making Points Larger and More Visible in the Interface
4. Freezing Curves to Produce Polygons
5. Removing Points and Tweaking Point Locations
6. Using Layers and Booleans to Create Cutouts
7. Importing EPS Artwork
8. Killing Broken Polygons
9. Polygon Point Flow, Edge Vectors and Creating Holes
10. Polygon Normals and Using Flip
11. Using Extrude and Bevel
12. Using Weld and Drag to Clean up Point Crossings
13. Applying Surface Attributes

Day 2: Layout

Lesson 1 – Loading and Saving Scenes

1. Creating a New Scene
2. Loading Objects
3. Setting Animation Length
4. Controlling Camera Properties and Output Resolution
5. Loading an Existing Scene
6. Managing Content Folders
7. Backing up Shared Content
8. Saving all Objects

Lesson 2 – Keyframing and Basic Animation

1. Understanding Keyframes
2. Using Auto Keyframe Mode
3. Creating, Copying and Deleting Keyframes
4. The Basic 2 Point Move
5. Creating a Motion Curve
6. Importing Motion Paths from Modeler
7. Working with Envelopes

Lesson 3 – Using the Graph Editor

1. Selecting Keyframes
2. Adjusting Motion Speed and Timing
3. Controlling Spline Tension
4. Working with Multiple Channels
5. Creating Loops

Lesson 4 – The Bouncing Ball

1. Creating the Basic Model
2. Adding Endomorphs
3. Creating the Motion Path
4. Animating the Morph
5. Tweaking Motion with Graph Editor

Lesson 5 – The Flying Plane

1. Loading the Basic Model
2. Setting a Flight Path
3. Layer Hierarchy and Parenting
4. Spinning the Props
5. Using Align to Path

Lesson 6 – The Dancing Toaster

1. Loading the Basic Model
2. Adding Bones
3. Using Null Objects as Goals or Controllers
4. Recording a Motion Path with the Mouse

Lesson 7 – Synchronized Gears

1. Creating the Basic Model
2. Setting Pivot Points
3. Using Expressions to Create Interactions
4. Using Null Objects to Create Layers of Abstraction

Lesson 8 – Animated Textures

1. Using Procedural Textures
2. Animating Properties with Envelopes

Course Details

Each class is broken into two sessions lasting approximately 3 hours with a 1 hour lunch break between. Each session also has a 15 minute break for refreshments, review and Q/A. Formal instruction ends at 4:00, but additional subjects may be covered until 6:00 if there are specific requests from attendees.

Our training room is designed to accommodate 4-8 attendees. Amitrace reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes that have less than the minimum attendence, but we will notify registered attendees of any schedule changes at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event. If a class is canceled, registered attendees may either transfer to a later date free of charge or ask for a full refund up to one week before the originally scheduled class. No refunds will be given past the one week threshold.

Register today to reserve your seat! (Please indicate your preferred training date when you place your order.)

Note: If you cannot attend one of our regularly scheduled training dates, or if you prefer to tailor a class to your specific needs, we provide personalized training for NewTek and Adobe products, on your schedule, at your facility or ours!

Please contact us for scheduling and payment options. 1-2 weeks prior notice is recommended.