Irradiance Particles and HDRI Rendering

In this video taken from our “Rendering with SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.II: mental ray” training product, we will get to see how to use the new irradiance particles indirect illumination algorithm and combine it with image based lighting using HDRI rendering.

Rendering for Animation with Final Gathering

In this video taken from our “Rendering with SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.I: mental ray” training product, we will get to see how to properly setup an architectural scene in preparation for camera animation using mental ray and Final Gathering.

Working with ICE

Get a free look into the inner workings of ICE and production workflow in this video from the "Mastering the Art of ICE Volume I: Breaking the ICE" series.

Center Manipulation

Geometric objects in SOFTIMAGE|XSI all have a center by which the object pivots on its local axis. Changing the position of an object’s center can have great benefits when it comes to manipulating those objects later.

Nudging Objects

In XSI we have many ways of interacting with objects and moving them with great precision.

Transforming Objects with the Mouse Pointer

Although it isn’t readily apparent, XSI has a great and intuitive tool that allows you to interact with objects in your scene with an unparalleled level of freedom.

Transforming with the Bounding Box Manipulator

SOFTIMAGE|XSI comes equipped with a healthy offering of tools and features that can be used to manipulate and interact with objects in many different ways. In this video, we will not use the traditional manipulation methods that you would normally use whe

About Transforming Objects

Being able to interact with and manipulate objects in 3d space is one of the most fundamental principles in computer animation.

Using Subsurface Scattering Shaders

In this video, we will look at how to work with the subsurface scattering shader that comes with SOFTIMAGE|XSI. Learn how to use the render tree to setup and implement this useful and interesting shader to achieve a realistic look for soft translucent mat

Scene Layers Overview

Learn to use scene layers in SOFTIMAGE|XSI in order to better organize different assets and elements. This can help to increase the speed and efficiency of any project.

Navigating in hierarchies

In this video, we will look at some methods for navigating through a hierarchy in SOFTIMAGE|XSI.

Creating Hierarchies

Being able to create hierarchies is very important in any 3d application. Learn to create, change, and manipulate hierarchies in SOFTIMAGE|XSI.

Clusters

Learn how to quickly create clusters in SOFTIMAGE|XSI, as well as some techniques for viewing and working with them.

Weights

Using weight maps in SOFTIMAGE|XSI is a great feature we can take advantage of to help us in many ways with our projects. Let's have a look further at using them and applying them.

Override Properties

Override properties can be used in many ways in SOFTIMAGE|XSI and can be quite useful for many situations. In this video we will see an example of applying an override to an object.

Creating Presets

Creating presets in SOFTIMAGE|XSI is very important in order to recycle options and parameter values, saving time and work when needed.

Duplicating and Cloning Objects

Learn how to duplicate objects in SOFTIMAGE|XSI, while acknowledging the difference between duplicating and cloning. We will also discuss duplication options.

Modeling a Realistic Rope

In this free tutorial, we will model a realistic rope using only SubD's. By taking advantage of SOFTIMAGE|XSI and it's powerful tools, we will find a quick and simple approach to model what would normally be a complex and difficult challenge.

Modeling a CD Jewel Case

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a realistic CD Jewel Case with polygons in SOFTIMAGE|XSI.

Global Illumination and Final Gathering in mental ray

Learn how to use mental ray's Global Illumination, and Final Gathering inside SOFTIMAGE|XSI for a photo-realistic render.

Accessing Tools

Accessing tools and knowing how to use them quickly is important to working quickly and efficiently. Fortunately, SOFTIMAGE|XSI has a few tricks up its sleeve.

Accessing Menus

Knowing how to work with menus in SOFTIMAGE|XSI is very important and vital to success.

Custom Toolbars and Shelves

In SOFTIMAGE|XSI, we have access to special tool bars that can speed up our work flow and make our work easier.

Choosing an Interaction Model

SOFTIMAGE|XSI has the option to change the keyboard layout to a more familiar keyboard map for those users coming from 3DSMax or Maya.