Datasheet

Has the Max interface succeeded? Yes, to a degree, but like most interfaces, it always has room for improve-
ment, and we hope that each new version takes us closer to the perfect interface (but I’m still looking for
the “read my thoughts” feature). Autodesk has built a loophole into the program to cover anyone who com-
plains about the interface — customization. If you don’t like the current interface, you can change it to be
exactly what you want.
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This chapter examines the latest incarnation of the Max interface and presents some tips that make the
interface feel comfortable, not cumbersome.
The Interface Elements
If you’re new to the Max interface, the first order of business is to take a stroll around the block and meet
the neighbors. The Max interface has a number of interface elements that neatly group all the similar com-
mands together. For example, all the commands for controlling the viewports are grouped together in the
Viewport Navigation Controls found in the lower-right corner of the interface.
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The entire interface can be divided into five easy elements. Each of these interface elements, in turn, has
groupings of sub-elements. The five main interface elements are listed here and shown separated in
Figure 1.1:
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Menus: This is the default source for most commands, but also one of the most time-consuming
interface methods. The menus are found along the top edge of the Max window.
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Toolbars: Max includes several toolbars of icon buttons that provide single-click access to fea-
tures. These toolbars can float independently or can be docked to an interface edge. The main
toolbar is the only toolbar that is visible by default.
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Viewports: Four separate views into the scene show the Top, Front, Left, and Perspective view-
points.
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Command Panel: The major control panel located to the right of the four viewports, it has six
tabbed icons at its top that you can click to open the various panels. Each panel includes rollouts
containing parameters and settings. These rollouts change depending on the object and tab that is
selected.
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Lower Interface Bar: Along the bottom edge of the interface window is a collection of miscella-
neous controls.
In addition to these default elements are several additional interface elements that aren’t initially visible
when Max is first loaded. These additional interface elements include the following:
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Floating toolbars: Several additional toolbars are available as floating toolbars. You access them
by choosing Customize ➪ Show UI ➪ Show Floating Toolbars or by selecting them from the tool-
bar’s right-click pop-up menu.
NOTE
NOTE
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