& Construction

Integrated BIM tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
& Manufacturing

Professional CAD/CAM tools built on Inventor and AutoCAD
Learn essential modeling skills in Autodesk Alias for conceptual product designs using curve, surface, and subdivisional modeling tools.
Automotive designers and creative professionals can begin here to learn the essential skills necessary for designing innovative products in Autodesk Alias. Starting with 2D sketches, discover how to develop your conceptual models, then perfect your 3D model and show it off with realistic visualizations and animations.
These downloadable resources will be used to complete modules in this course:
Start here to begin your journey with conceptual design in Alias.
Module outline
Familiarize yourself with the Alias interface and model controls, then begin creating and transforming objects and working with curves. Also, apply visualization techniques to your model, such as materials, colors, and textures, to bring your model to life.
Become familiar with the dedicated Subdivision Workspace as you discover subdivision modeling methods and terminology.
Module outline
Subdivision modeling in Alias starts with the Subdivision Workspace. There, models can be initiated from primitive shapes, with control points added that allow you to modify and refine the design. Curves are instrumental in extruding, sweeping, or revolving subdivisions to form the initial design, while the Retopo toolset is used to build subdivision topology on meshes, NURBS surfaces, or flat View Planes.
For the finer details of your model, you can use tools such as Extrude, Insert, and Bridge on faces and edges. Additionally, tools like Bevel, Crease, Cut, Weld, and Extract enhance topology flow, while symmetry, Pick tools, and display management options streamline the modeling process, ensuring efficient and precise design adjustments.
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
Gain greater control and precision using the NURBS surface modeling tools, including skin creation, freeform blends, and crown shapes.
Module outline
In surface modeling in Alias, it is important to learn how to apply common parameters across various surface types for consistency. Using tools like Skin and Freeform, you can create straight-line or blended surfaces between curves, which enhances control over continuity. The Shift key allows you to skin multiple curves for complex models, while understanding trimmed edge options with Freeform Blend is essential.
In addition, tools like Multi-surface Draft make it easier for you to extrude flange surfaces from curves or edges, and the Revolve Manipulator helps refine revolved objects. Additionally, learning how to create surface fillets for fixed width blends or rounded edges ensures seamless, manufacturable designs that meet clearance requirements.
Create dynamic movement simulations and detailed turntable animations in Alias using animation techniques.
Module outline
Alias offers a variety of animation tools that help you to create movement simulations, which can aid in proof-of-concept model development. By learning how to combine keyframe animation and hierarchical grouping techniques, users can independently control the motion of different model elements while streamlining the workflow.
Additionally, you can learn how to control both your cameras and your model objects to create a variety of motion characteristics, such as turntable animations and fly-through replays.
When your concept model is ready to be presented, Alias provides a number of visualization tools you can use to create multiple looks.
Module outline
Creating stunning visualizations of your completed Alias model starts with learning how to assign shaders, textures, and other effects, even decals. You can use preset shaders from the Shader Library, or, using procedural textures, you can create custom shaders, then add them to your own custom shader library to be used again later. It’s also handy for you to learn how to use switch shaders with the Variant Lister to quickly create a number of model variations. And for the final touches, you can utilize Ambient Occlusion to generate shadows for added definition, add image-based lighting effects, and create custom geometric environments for your model’s background.
May we collect and use your data?
Learn more about the Third Party Services we use and our Privacy Statement.May we collect and use your data to tailor your experience?
Explore the benefits of a customized experience by managing your privacy settings for this site or visit our Privacy Statement to learn more about your options.