Hey guys. I'm a noob when it comes to modelling. I somewhat know how to use Milkshape 3d, but I don't think it will work for what I want, so I'm using 3dsmax. I want to create a starfield that will be used for a high resolution skybox. I have the rendering part right, the problem is in creation of the stars. Since there are so many, I'm looking for a shortcut to randomize placement of them. In C++ code, I can use OpenGL to do this easily, but how could I do this in 3dsmax. Afterwards, I intend to add models of planets that I have found, but I need to get the stars down. I would think there would be some kind of shortcut. I know I can use spheres to "model" the stars, which is fine by me. I don't need anything too special, but I need to "randomize" their positions. Thanks in advance. Does anyone know what a good way to do this is???

Create a particle array/cloud and use instanced geometry/objects as the particles. That's a place to start (though no guarentees it will lead you to the proper end).

That's the good idea for me. I should be able to do it that way. I should have thought of it. Thanks. Now to learn about particle systems in 3dsmax...