Autodesk 12812-051462-9011 User Guide 3 - Page 2788

can composite later. To properly generate shadows on a matte object, turn off the Opaque Alpha check box and then set the Affect Alpha check box. MAXScript MAXScript is the general-purpose scripting language for 3ds Max and related products. While it works the same for all products, some functions are specific to each. You can use MAXScript to automate many tasks, including modeling, animation, material construction, and rendering. You can also use MAXScript to add custom command-panel rollouts to the user interface. The interface to MAXScript is on both the MAXScript menu on page 7496 and the Utilities panel on page 7671. Mesh A mesh is a type of geometric model of a three-dimensional object in which the basic shape is made up of points, or vertices on page 8164, connected by edges on page 7961. The renderable surface of the mesh object is made up of faces or polygons on page 7970 that connect the vertices and edges. Examples of mesh objects in 3ds Max are primitives such as Sphere and Teapot, as well as Editable Mesh and Editable Polygon objects. In 3ds Max you can edit a mesh by transforming, adding, and deleting the various elements, or sub-objects: vertices, edges, faces, and polygons. You can also apply various changes with modifiers on page 8048. Metaballs A type of object that joins itself to other objects with a connecting surface. When one metaball object moves within a certain distance of another, a connecting surface is formed between the two. Metaballs are ideal for simulating liquids and thick, viscous substances such as mud, soft foods, or molten metal. You can create metaballs with the BlobMesh compound object on page 745. Glossary | 8043