by Didik Wijaya

3ds max has many useful features for modeling. One of them is Lofting. Basically, lofting is like making a series of cross-section along a path. In this tutorial, you will create a simple frame for paintings. This tutorial is suitable for beginner or who doesn't know about lofting.

1. Basically you need 2 splines to create 3D object using lofting. Create rectangle (in Command Panel, click Create>Shapes>Rectangle).

2. Then, create small frame cross-section using Line. Tip: Hold Shift while dragging to create straight line.

Go to Modify tab. Activate Vertex selection. Select several vertices and increase Fillet value to create round corner. When finished, turn off Vertex selection.

3. Now, select rectangle. We will use this rectangle as a path. In Command Panel, click Create>Geometry. In drop down list, choose Compound Objects. Click Loft button. In Creation Method rollout, click Get Shape. Then, click other line in viewport. You'll get lofted object.

Open Skin Parameters rollout. Enter Shape Steps=2, Path Steps=0, and check Optimize Shapes to reduce polygons in lofted objects.

4. Image below shows finished frame. I added a simple plane as a picture..

Donwload finished frame and painting 3D model

Read Advanced Lofting Tutorial

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