Datasheet

Using the Lower Interface Bar Controls
The last major interface element isn’t really an interface element but just a collection of several sets of con-
trols located along the bottom edge of the interface window. These controls cannot be pulled away from the
interface like the main toolbar, but you can hide them using Expert Mode (Ctrl+X). These controls, shown
in Figure 1.9, include the following from left to right:
n
Time Slider: The Time Slider, located under the viewports, enables you to quickly locate a spe-
cific frame. It spans the number of frames included in the current animation. Dragging the Time
Slider can move you quickly between frames. Clicking the arrow buttons on either side of the
Time Slider moves to the previous or next frame (or key).
n
Track Bar: The Track Bar displays animation keys as color-coded rectangles with red for posi-
tional keys, green for rotational keys, and blue for scale keys. Parameter change keys are denoted
by gray rectangles. Using the Track Bar, you can select, move, and delete keys. The button at the
left end of the Track Bar is the Open Mini Curve Editor button. It provides access to the anima-
tion function curves.
n
Status Bar: The Status Bar is below the Track Bar. It provides valuable information, such as the
number and type of objects selected, transformation values, and grid size. It also includes the
Selection Lock Toggle, Transform Type-In fields, and the value of the current Grid size.
n
Prompt Line: The Prompt Line is text located at the bottom of the window. If you’re stuck as to
what to do next, look at the Prompt Line for information on what Max expects. To the right of the
Prompt Line is the Communication Center button for setting how often Max looks for updates.
The Prompt Line also includes buttons for adding and editing Time Tags, which are used to name
specific animation frames.
n
Key Controls: These controls are for creating animation keys and include two different modes —
Auto Key (keyboard shortcut, N) and Set Key (keyboard shortcut, '). Auto Key mode sets keys for
any changes made to the scene objects. Set Key mode gives you more precise control and sets
keys for the selected filters only when you click the Set Keys button (keyboard shortcut, K).
n
Time Controls: Resembling the controls on an audio or video device, the Time Controls offer an
easy way to move through the various animation frames and keys. Based on the selected mode
(keys or frames), the Time Controls can move among the first, previous, next, and last frames
or keys.
n
Viewport Navigation Controls: In the lower-right corner of the interface are the controls for
manipulating the viewports. They enable you to zoom, pan, and rotate the active viewport’s view.
TThhee CCoommmmuunniiccaattiioonn CCeenntteerr bbuuttttoonn oonn tthhee PPrroommpptt LLiinnee iiss nneeww ttoo 33ddss MMaaxx 99.. IItt sseettss hhooww oofftteenn
MMaaxx ppoollllss
ffoorr uuppddaatteess vviiaa tthhee WWeebb..
NEW FEATURE
NEW FEATURE
3311
EExxpplloorriinngg tthhee MMaaxx IInntteerrffaaccee
11
07_100893 ch01.qxp 11/27/06 11:02 PM Page 31