1. First step Load your scene…

New to 3ds Max 6 we now have the option to load VIZ Render files directly. VIZ Render, a rendering add-on of ADT 2004, saves files with the extension .drf which can now be directly opened in the File Open dialog.

2. Next create a new Ink ‘n Paint material…

Ink ‘n Paint Material was introduced in 3ds Max 5. Although originally created for cartoon style renderings it can also work well in other uses such as hidden line renderings.

3. Next adjust the Lighted color and the Ink width

4. Then simply assign your new ink ‘n paint material to all the objects in your scene

5. Final step, click render.

Before After

So there you go, one simple way to generate hidden line renderings. If you are looking for a technique with more control the new Mental Ray integration in 3ds Max 6 offers complete customization. Do a search for “mental ray contour” in the help file, and read the section labeled “Camera Effects Rollout”. This approach can get rather complex but if you are in need of a particular look this might be the better solution.

Shane Griffith

discreet
application engineer