Fundamentals of LightWave 3D

Target Audience:

Those wanting to begin a computer animation learning program using LightWave 3D or who supervise LightWave animators or projects in which LightWave is used.

Course Description:

The beginner's course on LightWave 3D, this program offers a complete overview of LightWave 3D. The uses for and types of computer animation are discussed, as well as the basics of 3D object geometry. In Layout, interface navigation, basic keyframing animation, and basic surfacing are taught. In Modeler, interface navigation, making primitive objects, and the use of layers are covered. Instructor-led demonstration, student exercises and hands-on practice help reinforce the concepts learned in class.

Course Prerequisites:

Facility with Windows 95-style operating system controls, such as window controls and file browsers. No previous knowledge of LightWave is required.

* indicates student tasks

2. Layout
      a. The layout area
            - interface icons: camera, lights, grid, objects, bones
            - grid and 3D axes, center of universe
            - OpenGL viewing options
      b. The panels
            - panel operations: button organization, panel open/close options
            * open/close panels
      c. View adjustment
            - the View Selector pop-up menu
            - the six views
            - the View Controls
            * move, rotate, zoom the set-up views
      d. The left-hand menu
            - the File pop-up
            - the Edit section
            - the Mouse section
            * use the Scene functions
            * use the Edit and Mouse functions
      e. The bottom buttons
            - keyframe concepts
            - the Current Frame slider, the keyframe navigation controls, Create/Delete keys, etc.
            * set up an animation
            * play an animation
            * test and record an animation

3. Modeler
      a. The menus
            - selector tabs and tool menus
            - the File pop-up menu
            * load an object
      b. The views
            - the orthogonal projections
            - the grid
            - cursor position indicator
            * adjust the views
      c. Geometry selection
            - about 3D geometry
            - selection options: points, polygons, volume
            * selection practice
      d. Layers and basic tools
            * make some primitives
            - about layers
            * make an ice cream cone
      e. Surfacing
            - about surfaces
            * surface the cone

4. The NewTek folder
      a. The folders in the NewTek folder
      b. The content directory
            - origin
            - uses
            * change the content directory

5. The End
      a. Re-iterate any weak areas
      b. Course synopsis
      c. Where to go from here
      d. Questions?