Maya Tutorial for Beginners 2026

Welcome to my Maya Tutorial for Beginners. In this detailed video tutorial you will learn all of the basics of using Maya 2026 including the tools and user interface, how to create polygon and NURBS models, UV map & texture them, to light your scene and finally to create a rendered image of your work. After you complete the free Maya 2026 training tutorial video you'll know everything you need to start creating your own 3D models and scenes!

RESOURCES
Get the asset pack (textures etc.) for this tutorial here: https://gum.co/xhmRh
Alternatively, you can access this course (ad free) along with the asset pack on SkillShare here: https://skl.sh/3aZFaws

GET HELP
Need some help? Check out the frequently asked questions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dkHBJJ3PFvGGSl3rui895JrI37k6XokaR7BhiXXyDGY/edit?usp=sharing
Or ask for help in the video comments. You can also get help in the Game Dev Academy Discord Server (see link below).

PLAYLIST VERSION
If you would prefer to follow the playlist version of this tutorial, you can access it here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsPHRLf6UN4k0_AfrTzLmK4iDV9J97-qR

GET MAYA FOR FREE
You will need a copy of Maya in order to complete this Maya tutorial. Click here to learn how to download Maya for free - https://youtu.be/muS4jnmDfYo

PATREON
Want to support my work and become a Game Dev Academy governor? Then check out the Patreon page & come and join us! ►► https://www.patreon.com/shanewhittington

DISCORD
♥ Join the Game Dev Academy Discord & get sorted into your Game Dev Academy house! - http://bit.ly/GDAdiscord ♥

LEARN MORE
Check out the Maya Core Skills learning pathway on Pluralsight here to get a 10 day free trial (affiliate link): https://pluralsight.pxf.io/dQvaM

MORE TUTORIALS FROM ME
Blender tutorial for beginners: https://youtu.be/LYQTjm-gJlg
UV Mapping in Maya: https://youtu.be/fbb7y2Ne-Pg
Unreal Engine 4 for Beginners: https://youtu.be/a0qNO6_xPx0
Creating Your First Game in Unreal Engine 4: https://youtu.be/icR_EgXrS6o

MY PC SPECS (Affiliate links)
CPU: https://amzn.to/30PEy7E
GPU: https://amzn.to/2PPbnve
Motherboard: https://amzn.to/30RfX21
RAM: https://amzn.to/3fPxLz7
PSU: https://amzn.to/2PN6bYL
Case: https://amzn.to/3fSh0TT
Keyboard: https://amzn.to/30PLfGM
Monitor: https://amzn.to/2PQyl4S

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
02:22 Infinite Undo, Autosave & Incremental Saving
06:23 The Maya User Interface
12:04 Creating a New Project
16:08 Creating a Polygon Plane
21:55 Navigating in 3D Space
25:26 Creating a Cube
30:11 Duplicating & Rotating
33:42 Challenge #1
34:45 Using Layers
37:48 Bevelling Edges
40:53 Duplicate Special
43:14 Image Planes & Orthographic Views
49:19 Modelling in Vertex Mode
53:20 Selecting & Bevelling Edge Loops
56:11 Understanding Extrusion
58:09 Extruding a Window & Deleting Faces
1:01:53 Filling Holes
1:04:14 Extruding Multiple Faces
1:13:28 Extruding Complex Shapes
1:18:49 Mirror Geometry
1:22:26 Grouping Multiple Meshes
1:25:24 Adjusting the Pivot Point
1:29:27 Smoothing Meshes
1:43:18 Challenge #2
1:44:32 Using Soft Select
1:52:14 Curves & NURBS 1 (Revolve)
2:02:40 Curves & NURBS 2 (Loft)
2:09:16 Modelling a Book
2:13:36 Challenge #3
2:14:45 Creating a Lambert Material
2:20:53 AIStandardSurface Material (Brass)
2:25:47 AIStandardSurface Material 2 (Wax) & Preview
2:31:35 AIStandardSurface Material 3 (Glass)
2:34:21 AIStandardSurface Material 4 (Red Liquid)
2:37:36 Creating a Material using Textures
2:42:38 UV Mapping 1 (Planar)
2:46:47 Using textures 2
2:51:58 UV Mapping 2 (Cylindrical)
2:57:17 UV Mapping 3 (Auto)
3:03:23 Intermediate UV Mapping
3:18:02 Copying UVs
3:21:00 Texture & UV Map the Scroll
3:27:34 Texture & UV Map the Book
3:43:08 Challenge #4
3:44:13 Directional Light
3:47:40 Render with Arnold
3:52:14 Point Lights
3:55:42 IPR Rendering
4:00:12 Mesh Lights
4:06:19 Add an Atmosphere
4:08:14 Skydome Light
4:12:26 Area Light (Volumetric Lighting)
4:16:18 Emissive Material
4:20:20 Final Render
4:26:24 Challenge #5
4:27:34 Conclusion

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