http://download.autodesk.com/us/3dsmax/2012help/files/GUID-82722323-100B-4711-A01D-8A87EB53DD9-406.htm Add an Edit Normals modifier. Select all the normals. Press the Reset button. Collapse the stack.
Are you using instancing? That should have less of a performance impact. Or you could try proxies I guess? http://docs.autodesk.com/3DSMAX/12/ENU/3ds%20Max%202010%20Tutorials/files/WS1a9193826455f5ff-4855151011e1d0ec60d611d.htm
In 3dsmax you can have any map use the alpha channel. In this case you would copy your diffuse to the spec slot, and Under Mono Channel Output, switch it from "RGB Intensity" to "Alpha".
Silo, is by far a great modeling program, it also will give you a taste of sculpting. After working with 3dsmax for about 6 years and Maya on and off for the last year I really prefer Silo's simple approach.
Ive been playing "How to learn 3DSMAX as fast as possible for animation" Its been entertaining ;p Besides that a little bit of zelda:tp on my mates wii, so fun, wish i had 1!!
I'm guesssing this is only for 3dsmax... I'd like to see some maya tuts too Here's an ambient occlusion map tutorial for maya.. http://www.game-artist.net/forums/vbarticles.php?do=article&articleid=17
I have used 3dsmax and maya since 2002 ish, so I am not really a Blender fan boy, but it is pretty solid these days and I am sure will go from strength to strength. I use it most of the time, but try and keep up to date with maya also, since both the Arnold and vray addons for blender do not really work last time I looked…
Most of the chamfer enhancements happened in the point releases of 2020, so if you can download the updates, you could have it. https://help.autodesk.com/view/3DSMAX/2020/ENU/?guid=GUID-08C28B25-2EFD-40F6-8E53-4DE6F364E236
renderhjs' ported/recreated TexTools 3dsMax for BLENDER. They, as in Max, are a lifesaver. Blender TexTools Polycount thread Blender TexTools Download Also, you can duplicate the window (Ctrl Alt W ) and dedicate it for working UV/image editor.
Software? 3ds Max I guess? Check out shadow Bias. http://docs.autodesk.com/3DSMAX/15/ENU/3ds-Max-Help/index.html?url=files/GUID-4BF878CD-5BD6-4F1A-A20B-8A6BD7D3703B.htm,topicNumber=d30e345541