by Didik Wijaya

In previous Creating Transparent And Wireframe Globe tutorial you knew how to create wireframe globe. This time I will show how to create wireframe rendering to any object. The trick described in this tutorial will come handy for your career. When you apply a 3D modeler job position, mostly the employer request you to submit rendered 3D model along with wireframe. To create wireframe render in 3ds max, you can use Wire option in Material Editor or apply Lattice modifier. Both will be explained in this tutorial.

1.Use any model you want. For example I use Kung Fu Panda 3D model. This 3D model is free for download. If you want to know how to create this model click here

2. Open Material Editor. Clcik and drag from one sample material slot to your object to apply material. In Shader Basic Parameters, activate Wire and 2-Sided (optional). Change Diffuse color to Black. Open Environment window (shortcut=8). Make sure you use white color for Background.

3. Render your scene. You will get black wireframe on top of white background.

4. To create the opposite color, just change Diffuse color to white. Activate Self Illumination and change illumination color to white. Change background color to black.

5. Image below shows sample of rendered result.

6. Another alternative to create wireframe render looks is by using Lattice modifer. This trick also mentioned by rpadc2002 in Escalight Forum.

Apply Lattice Modifier to model. Change Struts Radius to adjust the size of wireframe lines. Enter Joint Radius=0. Apply material and change the color to any color you want.

7. The question is why bother using Lattice modifier when you can use simpler methods in Material Editor? The answer: 1. Using Lattice modifier you can modify wireframe line size so you can prepare your render for any purpose, for example preparing large size printing format. To print high resolution image, you need to widen wireframe lines. 2. You can combination between textured and wireframe 3D model looks. For example you have textured 3D model like image below. You can download this 3D model below here

8. Shift+click model in viewport. Use Copy for Cloning Method. By Shift clicking, you created a cloned model exactly at the same position of original model. Apply cloned model with white material and Lattice modifier like previous steps. As result you will have combination of wireframe and textured 3D model like image below.

Any question or comments regarding this tutorial should be sent to:
Didik Wijaya, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Discuss this tutorial