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There are two way to create a mirror in 3ds max – using a “raytracing map” or “Flat Mirror map”. As name implies flat mirror map can be used for only flat surfaces, while raytracing map can be used for any surfaces.

Creating a mirror using Flat Mirror Map.

1. Create a plane for the mirror

2. Open Material Editor ( Rendering > Material Editor or simply press M)

3. Choose an empty slot, then browse down to MAPS option, toggle on Reflection and click button next to it which opens Material/Map Browser.

4. From the list choose Flat Mirror and double click it, Material/Map Browser closes automatically and flat mirror properties will be displayed. Let’s accept default values for all parameters.

5. To go back to original material properties simply choose original material from drop down list. (if you have given some name it will show that else ‘n-Default’ will be displaced, where n is number of slot you used for creating material)

6. Now assign material to the plane, by simply dragging material to the plane.

7. Now add an omni light to scene, and make sure it does not fall directly on the mirror, else mirror will look foggy.

Example: image, max

Creating a mirror using Ray Tracing Map.

1. Create a plane for the mirror

2. Open Material Editor (Rendering > Material Editor or simply press M)

3. Choose an empty slot, then browse down to MAPS option, toggle on Reflection and click button next to it which opens Material/Map Browser.

4. From the list choose Raytracing and double click it, Material/Map Browser closes automatically and flat mirror properties will be displayed. Let’s accept default values for all parameters.

5. To go back to original material properties simply choose original material from drop down list. (if you have given some name it will show that else ‘n-Default’ will be displaced, where n is number of slot you used for creating material)

6. Now assign material to the plane, by simply dragging material to the plane.

7. Now add an omni light to scene, and make sure it does not fall directly on the mirror, else mirror will look foggy.

Example: image, max

 Troubleshooting

1. If mirror is too dark and only partial reflections are visible then probably you haven’t added any light in scene.

2. If mirror appears too bright it’s probably because some light is falling directly on mirror.

3. If your scene is not closed then mirror may appear black (default background color) or gray in some places, because there might be nothing to reflect so default color is used. Use an environment map for open scenes (Rendering > Environment) to correct the problem.

   Lab1: Raytracing

Mirrors: