Autodesk 3ds Max Training: Beginner

Build a solid foundation in 3D design with this two-day Beginner 3ds Max course. Learn essential modelling, texturing, lighting, and animation techniques through hands-on projects. Develop the skills to create professional 3D scenes. Book your place and start your 3D journey.

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Course Overview

Autodesk 3ds Max is one of the most powerful tools in 3D design, animation, and visualisation. This beginner course provides a complete introduction to the software, equipping you with the essential knowledge to create professional-quality 3D models and scenes from scratch.

You’ll start by learning how to navigate the 3ds Max interface, set up projects, and manage your workspace efficiently. From there, you’ll explore key modelling techniques such as spline, Boolean, and modifier-based modelling, gaining hands-on experience building complex geometry with precision and flexibility.

The course then moves on to materials, lighting, and cameras — showing you how to create realistic textures, set up natural and artificial lighting systems, and frame your work for the best visual impact. Finally, you’ll learn the basics of animation, bringing your models to life with smooth motion and cinematic walkthroughs.

Delivered in small, interactive groups at our London training studios or live online, the course focuses on practical, real-world exercises to help you learn by doing. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in 3D design and the confidence to start producing your own models, renders, and animations using Autodesk 3ds Max.

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Dates

Next course starts on:16 Nov 2026

Beginner Level

3 consecutive days
16 Nov 2026
If the training dates listed here don't suit your schedule, let us know and we can arrange a tailored training course for you where we can customise both the content and the dates of the course. To find more about our Tailored Training courses,
click here.

Course Outline

Here is what you will learn on this 3ds Max course in more detail. Click the topics below to explore what is covered in each section.

What’s Included in Your Course

Every Docklands Media course comes with a range of added benefits to support your learning at no extra cost.

Course Certification

Course Certification

Receive an official certificate of completion to validate your training. Ideal for portfolios, CVs, or proving your skills in 3ds Max.

Lifetime Support

Lifetime Support

Access our email and phone support for a lifetime. Contact us with any technical questions related to what you have learned on your 3ds Max course.

Free Course Retake

Free Course Retake

Need a refresher? Retake the same 3ds Max course for free within 24 months. A great way to solidify your learning or get up to speed with new software updates.

Course Materials & Videos

Course Materials & Videos

Receive training notes, project files, and 7-day access to instructor-led video tutorials. Perfect for reinforcing key lessons and practising at your own pace.

Offers & Discounts

We're committed to providing the best training experience possible. That's why we offer a range of discounts and flexible payment options to make your 3ds Max course more accessible and affordable.

Group Bookings & Non-Profits

Group Bookings & Non-Profits

Get discounted rates when booking for two or more people, or if you're enrolling from a charity. Save 5–15% depending on your group size or institution type.

Early Bird Discount

Early Bird Discount

Book your 3ds Max course at least three months in advance and get 10% off. Secure your place early and save on top-quality creative training.

Money-Back Guarantee

Money-Back Guarantee

If you're not fully satisfied on the first day of your 3ds Max course, let us know. We'll do our best to make it right—or refund you in full. No hassle, no risk.

Instalment Plans

Instalment Plans

Spread the cost of your training over 3, 6, or 12 months. Our instalment plans help make creative learning more accessible, with interest rates as low as 5%.

Meet Your Instructor

James Abell

James Abell

James is an established artist and instructor, who loves combining traditional techniques and digital techniques together. He specialises in 3D visualisation, interior design, games and architecture.

Testimonials

Hear directly from professionals and teams who’ve trained with us, sharing their experiences and the impact our training has had on their creative journeys.

Clear and structured 3ds Max training

The step-by-step approach made learning 3ds Max straightforward, from modelling and basic animation to materials and lighting. I’m now confident creating small 3D projects and ready to move on to the next level.

TS
Tom SpencerMotion Graphics Designer

Perfect first step into 3D

This course introduced all beginner concepts clearly. I learned modelling, simple animation, materials, and lighting. The practical exercises made it easy to understand and apply new skills.

OD
Oliver Dawson3D Visualiser

Practical and engaging beginner course

The Beginner 3ds Max course helped me master the fundamentals, including interface navigation, modelling simple objects, applying materials, and basic animation. I now feel confident to create my own 3D projects.

ID
Issy Davies3D Animator

Great for complete beginners

I started with no 3D experience and learned the basics of 3ds Max. The course covered modelling, animation, lighting, and materials, providing a solid foundation for further 3D training. Highly recommended!

NH
Nathan HarrisArchitect

Comprehensive introduction to 3ds Max

This course gave me a structured start in 3ds Max. I now understand basic modelling, materials, lighting, and simple animation workflows. The exercises made the learning process very effective.

NR
Nadiya Rahman3D Artist

Step-by-step beginner training3D

I found the Beginner 3ds Max course very clear and practical. I learned interface navigation, object creation, basic modelling, and simple animation. I can now produce small-scale 3D projects with confidence.

BG
Ben GoldsteinDesign Assistant

Perfect starting point for 3D beginners

This course guided me through beginner-level 3D modelling, animation, lighting, and materials. I now feel confident creating simple 3D scenes for practice or portfolio projects.

LH
Lily HamiltonMotion Graphics Graduate

Structured and easy to follow

The Beginner 3ds Max course helped me understand the software from scratch. I learned modelling, animation basics, and material application. The practical exercises reinforced each lesson and made learning engaging.

JM
Jean-Paul MoreauVFX Intern

Beginner-friendly and practical

The course explained all the basics clearly, including object creation, simple modelling, and lighting. I also learned introductory animation techniques. It gave me the confidence to start my first 3D projects.

OH
Olivia Harding3D Visualiser

Excellent foundation in 3ds Max

This course gave me a solid introduction to 3ds Max. I now understand how to model objects, apply basic materials, animate simple scenes, and set up lighting. It was a practical starting point for any aspiring 3D designer.

JW
Joseph WhiteMotion Graphics Designer

Practical and easy to follow

The Beginner 3ds Max course was clear and well-structured. I learned interface navigation, modelling simple objects, applying materials, and basic lighting setups. By completing the exercises, I could produce small, professional-looking 3D scenes.

JW
James Whitfield3D Animator

Great start for aspiring 3D artists3D

This course helped me grasp the fundamentals of 3ds Max. I learned basic modelling, animation, lighting, and material application. I now feel confident creating beginner-level 3D scenes and small projects.

DP
Daniela PopescuDesign Assistant

Step-by-step learning for beginners

I started with no 3D experience, but the Beginner 3ds Max course guided me through object creation, basic modelling, simple animation, and materials. The hands-on projects made the learning process very effective and enjoyable.

EM
Ellie MartinMotion Graphics Student

Comprehensive beginner training in 3ds Max

This course provided a clear introduction to 3ds Max. I gained confidence navigating the interface, using modelling tools, and applying materials and lights. The practical exercises helped me consolidate these beginner skills quickly.

KB
Kwesi BoatengVFX Intern

Perfect introduction to 3ds Max

This course was an excellent starting point. I learned the interface, basic object creation, simple modelling techniques, and beginner-level animation. By the end, I could create simple 3D scenes with materials and lighting, which gave me a strong foundation to progress further.

HK
Hannah Kapoor3D Artist

Clients

As well as creative individuals, we are also the preferred training provider for some of the most successful global brands and organisations.

4
Accenture
Amazon
American Express
Apple
Army
Arsenal FC
BBC
Bentley
Boeing
Cabinet Office
Canary Wharf Group
Chanel
Chelsea
Cisco
Costa
Currys
Deloitte
Disney
DK
Dyson
Excel
F1
Figma
Financial Times
Food Standards Agency
Fujifilm
Global
Google
GOV.UK
Harrods
Heathrow
HSBC
IBM
Itsu
ITV
Jaguar
JCDecaux
4
Accenture
Amazon
American Express
Apple
Army
Arsenal FC
BBC
Bentley
Boeing
Cabinet Office
Canary Wharf Group
Chanel
Chelsea
Cisco
Costa
Currys
Deloitte
Disney
DK
Dyson
Excel
F1
Figma
Financial Times
Food Standards Agency
Fujifilm
Global
Google
GOV.UK
Harrods
Heathrow
HSBC
IBM
Itsu
ITV
Jaguar
JCDecaux
4
Accenture
Amazon
American Express
Apple
Army
Arsenal FC
BBC
Bentley
Boeing
Cabinet Office
Canary Wharf Group
Chanel
Chelsea
Cisco
Costa
Currys
Deloitte
Disney
DK
Dyson
Excel
F1
Figma
Financial Times
Food Standards Agency
Fujifilm
Global
Google
GOV.UK
Harrods
Heathrow
HSBC
IBM
Itsu
ITV
Jaguar
JCDecaux
John Lewis
Just Eat Takeaway
Lush
Macmillan Cancer Support
Mercedes
Metropolitan Police
Microsoft
Ministry of Defence
NATO OTAN
NHS
Nokia
Pandora
Penguin Random House
Pfizer
PlayStation
Porsche
Post Office
Red Bull
Royal Air Force
Savills
Sky
SMG
Sony
Specsavers
Tate
The Independent
The Times
Ticketmaster
TikTok
Turner
UK Parliament
Vevo
Wetherspoon
Wex
Wickes
Wise
World Duty Free
John Lewis
Just Eat Takeaway
Lush
Macmillan Cancer Support
Mercedes
Metropolitan Police
Microsoft
Ministry of Defence
NATO OTAN
NHS
Nokia
Pandora
Penguin Random House
Pfizer
PlayStation
Porsche
Post Office
Red Bull
Royal Air Force
Savills
Sky
SMG
Sony
Specsavers
Tate
The Independent
The Times
Ticketmaster
TikTok
Turner
UK Parliament
Vevo
Wetherspoon
Wex
Wickes
Wise
World Duty Free
John Lewis
Just Eat Takeaway
Lush
Macmillan Cancer Support
Mercedes
Metropolitan Police
Microsoft
Ministry of Defence
NATO OTAN
NHS
Nokia
Pandora
Penguin Random House
Pfizer
PlayStation
Porsche
Post Office
Red Bull
Royal Air Force
Savills
Sky
SMG
Sony
Specsavers
Tate
The Independent
The Times
Ticketmaster
TikTok
Turner
UK Parliament
Vevo
Wetherspoon
Wex
Wickes
Wise
World Duty Free

FAQs

Just a few of the common questions asked by our students.

  • No. The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as students with some prior 3D experience. You’ll start with the fundamentals and progress to more advanced modelling, animation, and rendering techniques.

Enquire

Contact us today to learn more about our courses and how we can help you achieve your creative goals.

Docklands Media’s 3ds Max Beginner course is designed for individuals with little or no prior experience who want a clear, practical introduction to 3D modelling, animation, and rendering using Autodesk 3ds Max. This course is ideal for anyone exploring 3D for the first time or looking to add industry-relevant 3D skills to their creative or technical toolkit.

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