Stage 1 - Creating a new project and setting up preferences

1. Create a new project

Before you can begin modelling you must first create a new project. A project is a collection of folders which will contain all of the assets you create.

• In Windows (not in Maya) create a new folder. This is where your project will be created. You could name this folder 3D modelling or Room.
• In Maya, click on File → Project window (this opens the project window)

• In the project window click on the ‘New’ button
• In the ‘Current project’ box give the project a name (call it something like Room)
• Click on the folder icon to the right of the location box and select the folder you created for your project.
• Click on the Accept button. This will create a project structure in the folder you selected. Have a look at the folder in Windows to make sure your project has been created properly.

2. Create a new scene

All of the 3D modelling information is saved into a file known as a scene.

• Click on File > New scene

3. Save the scene you have created

If you don’t save your work regularly you WILL eventually lose everything.

• Click on File > Save scene as...
• Give your scene a name (Room)
• Click on save (you should notice that your scene is automatically being saved into the scenes folder of your project.