Hot Maya How-Tos « Maya

How To: Mirror geometry in Maya the new school way

So we got half a Maya model...now what? We mirror it over and merge the vertices, all with one command, to get us a solid object. We use the dolphin from our organic polygon modeling series, but the technique can be applied to any polygon model. Watch and learn how to mirror geometry the new school way in Maya (with the mirror geometry tool!) NOTE: there are often problems with this method of mirroring, but don't worry, they're covered.

How To: Model an object using the CV Curve tool in Maya

3D modeling tool Mayafrom Autodesk is a monster of a program, able to do SO many things. One of the things you'll need to learn is how to use the CV Curve tool. This will allow you to create objects with curves of any shape or dimension you desire. Let's be honest, most of your models will require curves, so check out this tutorial and find out how to do it. Maya is used in everything from small animation to feature films like Spiderman. If you want to be in the biz, expand your skill set wit...

How To: Model a human body in Maya

This tutorial series shows you how to model anatomy of the human body in Maya and gives specific tips on how to eventually be able to do it from memory. Part one starts with the head, part two the torso, part 3 the legs, part four the foot, part 5 the arm, part 6 attaching the parts and part 7 modeling hands.

How To: Apply normal maps when creating textures and shaders in Maya 2011

In this tutorial, we learn how to work with normal maps within Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.

How To: Set up image reference planes in Maya

Learn how to setup a Reference Plane

How To: Use the NURBS Extrude tool in Autodesk Maya 2011

Need a little big of help figuring out how to use the Maya 2011 NURBS tool when working in Maya 2011? This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For specifics, watch this free video guide.

How To: Import Illustrator files into Maya

This is a quick tutorial that shows you how to import Adobe Illustrator files into Maya. If you're going to use your illustrator files in Maya, make sure the fonts can be exported because they won't all work. Import Illustrator files into Maya.

How To: Check to see if a window exists in Maya

Learn how to check and see if a window exists in memory in Maya using MEL scripting.

How To: Extrude Adobe Illustrator text in Maya

This tutorial is using text imported from Illustrator, but the ideas will work for any text curves or curves that you want to extrude into 3 dimensional objects. Learning how to extrude is a must for Maya beginners. Extrude Adobe Illustrator text in Maya.

How To: Show shadows in the Maya viewport

This tutorial shows you how to show shadows in the Maya viewport. This feature is hardware dependent and not all video cards allow it.

How To: Manipulate curves in Maya

Learn all about curves and how to manipulate their components in Autodesk's Maya 3D modeling and animating software.

How To: Create correct flowing polygonal geometry in Maya

This tutorial covers how to make sure your polygon models have good flowing geometry in Maya. You'll also learn how to merge polygonal surfaces and use the crate polygon tool.

How To: Make a zombie rabbit in 3d with Maya

This is a Maya Tutorial By Kurt Boutilier. Learn how to use Maya to recreate this zombie rabbit sketch into 3d using 3d modeling. Make a zombie rabbit in 3d with Maya - Part 1 of 6.

How To: Create realistic smoke and dust particles in Maya

The key to being able to animate realistic smoke or dust is being able to master the particle texture rate technique in Maya. Once you have gotten this down, you can create any sort of particle effect, such as sand or bubbles in addition to smoke and dust. This three part tutorial series goes in depth into the subtleties of Maya, showing you how to get the most out of working with particles to lend an extra layer of realism to your project.

How To: Create a Helix-Shaped NURBS Curve in Maya

There are several ways you can go about creating your NURBS helix curve in Maya; I will demonstrate the two easiest ones.

How To: Produce a 3D house/building model using Maya

Autodesk Maya, affectionately known as just Maya to its users, is a 3D computer graphics software that makes it easy to create impressive, realistic models of real-life - or imagined - objects. Super useful for graphic designers, film makers and web designers, the program is one that you should study if you're looking to go into one of the fields above.

How To: Create a stain glass window in Maya

This tutorial series shows you how to work with lighting in Maya by creating a stain glass window with a candle in front of it. This is a great in-depth look at lighting. Part one sets up a 3 point lighting system within maya. so this is a general overview of many light properties. Part 2 makes the stain glass alpha for the lofting lesson using Zbrush. Part 3 covers how to cast light through a colored alpha within maya and make the illusion of stain glass. Part 4 is where you add the candle t...

How To: Create a water shader in Maya

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a pretty decent looking water shader in Maya without many nodes. Water materials are a great and fast way to get around creating real 3D water effects so watch this Maya tutorial and create your own water shader.

How To: Import an object from one scene to another in Maya 7

Learn how to import objects from one scene into another in Maya 7 or later. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with application and its workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this free video guide.

How To: Insert joints in a joint chain in Maya

If you are working on characters or rigs, you are definitely working with joints. This video shows you how to insert a join in a joint chain if you need more or happened to miss one.

How To: Fill holes in polygons in Maya

Got a hole in your polygon object that the fill hole tool just can't fix? Check out this Maya video to learn how to quickly seal that object up. Learn how to not-so-magically fill polygonal holes in Maya.

How To: Use the split polygon tool in Maya

This 3D modeling software tutorial shows you how to use the split polygon modeling tool in Maya. Learn how to use the split polygon tool to get full control over adding detail to your polygon object in Maya.

How To: Master Maya modeling by making a 3D airplane

Maya is arcane, complex, but incredibly powerful software. It is the industry standard for 3D modeling in games and film. This video for Maya beginners will teach you how to create a model of an airplane as a means of teaching you a lot of the basics of Maya. It is meant to be watched after the previous two tutorial series by the creator: modeling a chair and modeling a toy. It builds on the lessons therein, and watching the whole series will ensure that you learn more than you would have wat...

How To: Animate a bouncing ball in Maya

The bouncing ball animation is a classic beginning point for animating in every 3D software package. This tutorial shows you how to do it in Maya. Part two will concentrate on keyframes. Part three will turn the bouncing ball into a character set. Part four will cover using the Trax editor when animating.

How To: Rotate & revolve cameras in Maya

In this tutorial, we learn how to rotate and revolve cameras in Maya. First, go to create primitives on the menu at the top. Next, create a camera and pull it out onto the circle. Now, click the camera and then the circle, then hit the 'p' key on the keyboard. Now, you can rotate your circle around and it will rotate on the y axis. To set this, click on 50, then type in 360 on the 'y axis' space. After this, hit 's' an you will have a key frame. You can change the settings as you prefer, then...

How To: Use the bend deformer tool in Maya 7 or later

Learn how to use the bend deformer to make your models a little more dynamic without having to learn all that bothersome animation stuff! Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with application and its workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this free video guide.

How To: Create and apply textures in Maya

This lesson will show how to create and apply textures to objects in Maya.

How To: Set up image planes in Maya

If you plan to do a lot of modeling in Maya, you will find it is easier if you set up reference images on image planes. This tutorial shows you how to create and set up image planes in Maya.

How To: Easily create a normal map in Maya

Creating beautiful 3D images in Maya is easier than doing so by hand, but not by much! This video will teach you how to use Maya to create a normal map form a high poly geometry easily using the render pass feature that came out in Maya 2009.

How To: Set up a basic animation rig in Maya

In this tutorial you will learn how to setup a basic rig in Maya. Animation rigs are the bone and muscle structures used to animate and move characters and objects made in Maya. If you plan to make anything you model in Maya come to life, you will need to learn the basics of rigging. So watch this tutorial and get started building basic animation rigs in Maya.

How To: Create intricate tree leaves in Maya

Creating realistic trees in Maya is hard enough without the leaves, but when you add the lively green leaves onto the branches, the difficulty level doubles. An animated leaf needs to mimic a real life, living leaf, which is intricate, to say the least. So, if you've been having problems with making tree leaves in Maya, this two-part video tutorial will show you the tricks to success. But it's only the beginning of what you can accomplish in Maya.

How To: Model a human torso in Maya

A demonstration of how to model a human torso simply and effectively using image planes in Maya. This is a detailed tutorial but it will help if you are familiar with the Maya interface.

How To: Model a female head in Maya

This three part tutorial shows you how to model a female head correctly in Maya. This is a pretty difficult lesson so it will help if you know the software a bit already.

How To: Model a realistic house using Maya

Whether you're a Maya (AKA Autodesk Maya) beginner or seasoned veteran, modeling a realistic house using the 3D graphic design software is a great course on how to use your vectors and a variety of Maya tools. Whether you are an interior designer, architect or are just trying to get ahead in the game, this Maya tutorial will show you the way.

How To: Paint 3D objects with Maya's 3D Paint Tool

Want to learn how to quickly and easily paint directly on 3D objects? With Maya's 3D paint tool, it's a cinch. And this guide will show you how. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with application and its workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this free video guide.

How To: Model a human head using Maya

Maya can count itself among the most powerful and also most challenging programs in all of computing. It's 3D modeling potential is nearly limitless if you can master its intricacies. This video features a professional digital art teacher teaching you how to model a 3D head using Maya. You can download the skull he uses as a reference here.