Viziwiz: The on-line knowledge source for computer aided design and graphics for the innovative

Instant Design and Drafting book series . . .
The Instant Design and Drafting book series is designed to produce learners who understand the function of the Autodesk® AutoCAD design software, its application in specific fields, and the fundamentals of advanced, field specific Autodesk software. Whether the learner intends to master the use of AutoCAD in both the 2D and 3D worlds, or apply the software to the mechanical or architectural disciplines specifically, there are a number of texts within the series to facilitate each individual path.

Autodesk VIZ Fundamentals
(formerly 3D Studio VIZ Fundamentals)
Autodesk VIZ Fundamentals is an exciting look into the world of 3D animation using the powerful Autodesk VIZ program. The text combines equal parts of theory and practice, teaching the ideas involved and then presenting many exercises for hands-on experience. This method maximizes student learning and leads to greater self-reliance. The labs, the chapter-ending exercises, and the application chapters take students into the animated worlds that fascinate us in today's films, advertisements, and gaming environments.

Ideal both for learners who know just the basics about computers and CAD and for those who are experts in CAD but wish to add a new dimension, Autodesk VIZ Fundamentals blends theory and practical applications in a hands-on, lab- and exercise-intensive tutorial. It provides a basic introduction to computer animation, an overview of Autodesk VIZ, preparation for 3D modeling, 3D modeling, presentation, and practical applications that reflect today's animated world, e.g., in films, advertisements, and gaming environments. Many of the features in VIZ have been modeled after AutoCAD's interface, allowing for faster learning and application. An appendix explains the features and procedure to bring AutoCAD files into Autodesk VIZ. For those who use AutoCAD, and those whose work involves computer graphics, technical illustrations, architectural design and drafting, and animation.

“If the reader experiences even half of the pleasure in exploring the text and completing the projects that we experienced in writing it, that reader is in for a wonderful ride.” Ethier and Ethier