[Beskargam]

So for the first time ever, I have more than two weeks to sit down and try and learn modeling/animating/texturing. The end goal is to eventually be creating low poly models for use by the Elite mod for DOW2 retribution.  So why am I posting here and not there? There is a significant lack of anyone experienced with all of the above who will respond in an evenly mildly timely manner. So I intend to post my questions, work etc here and get feedback because this community is much more experienced. I'm currently learning using 3ds max 2012 and a book by Randi and Dariush Derakhshani. So if anybody has the time to answer nooby questions, that'd be much appreciated  .

First questions: what is the difference between the keyboard entry and parameters inputs in the create panel?
Second Question: Do you guys usually use the caddy settings, or the in viewport sliders for modifiers?
3: When creating splines using the create-shape-line is it possible to move the vertex or change the inflection point after laying down a point? I know you can click and drag to create a curve when originally laying down the point, but sometimes I want to adjust my curve after I've made it. Figured it out

[Nyctaeus]

There are very few 3D MAX users here, as most of HLP modellers use Blender. All max users are AFAIK very experianced and very busy modders with no free time, so learning Blender is probably the best option for modding newbie. There are plenty of tutorials here, including awesome complete ship building tutorial by ShadowWolf and FSF but there are mostly for Blender users but I'm sure I've seen some Max tutorials here as well.

[Shivan Hunter]

Not sure about most peeps, but Hades and I (and probably some others) use Wings3D. Good free program for beginners (IMO) since the interface is so simple once you get used to it. Pros: Great for low-poly modeling, and a very intuitive and easy interface. Cons: Not a particularly powerful or feature-rich program (you can do modeling and UV mapping, but that's about it), it can get very slow for larger models (>10k polys), and it's not too popular, so there may be a lack of comprehensive tutorials (idk, I haven't looked for any).

[mjn.mixael]

Well instead of trying to convince you to change software from the one that you've clearly already invested time in and bought a book for...

1. I can't quite figure out what you're talking about. Keyboard entry vs parameters in the create panel... Yeah, I can't quite picture what you're asking. I use 3DS Max a lot, though.. so I'm guessing this is a terminology thing. Keyboard entry for what? Explain a little more what you're trying to do and perhaps I can answer the question.

2. I think I understand what you're asking. Depends on what I'm working on. Often I'll use the viewport stuff to get things close enough and then if I feel like I need mathematical perfection, I'll go and do that afterwards.

[bobbtmann]

1. Keyboard entry is where you create the object, parameters is where you edit the recently created object. It would appear that if you change some of the parameters on an object, some of them are remembered for the next object you create, though not all.

Personally, I just select my primitive type and drag-create it in the viewport. Keyboard entry is rather restrictive, in an artistic sense.

2. Not entirely sure what you mean there. If I apply a modifier, then I adjust the settings using the modify panel on the right. If I use one of the poly tools available in the modify panel ( such as 'bridge' or 'connect'), then I'll use the little pop up window. That's fairly new, though.

[rhettro]

Given the relatively few Max users on this site, you may consider asking a dedicated Max forum your questions like the one over at CGtalk. http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=6