Book excerpt: Essential 3ds Max 2008 offers a user-friendly introduction to the newest version of 3ds Max. From an overview of the user interface, tools, and modifers to modeling exercises that demonstrate the creation of an interior, a basic character, and a suit of armor, this book provides readers with a guide to getting the most out of Max. Learn how to model objects using a variety of low-poly and high-poly techniques; use texture maps to vary the look of objects; create and adjust lights in your scenes; unwrap models to generate UVW coordinates; generate normal maps for use in real-time simulations and game development; composite images with background plates.