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CHAPTER 1 GettinG to Know 3ds Max desiGn 2010
Currently, there are four viewports named Top, Left, Front, and Perspective, as indicated by
the labels in the upper-left corners of each viewport. You can also tell that the Perspective view-
port is different from the others by the way the grid squares get smaller and converge in the
distance. As you’ll see toward the end of this chapter, you can configure and view your model in
a variety of ways, depending on your needs.
Tools for Working with the Viewports
At the bottom of the window are several other options that are grouped into four sections:
the status bar, the prompt line, the time controls, and the Viewport Navigation tools (see
Figure 1.14). Most of these tools affect the viewport, either by modifying the display of the view-
port directly or by affecting the way you interact with objects within the viewport.
The Viewport Navigation tools give you control over the main graphic display in the center
of the window. With these tools, you can zoom and pan over the display as well as alter the
viewpoint of your model. You can also switch between multiple views and a single view. Try the
following:
1. Note which viewport is surrounded with a yellow border, and then click the Maximize
Viewport Toggle in the far lower-right corner of the window. This is a tool you’ll be using
often. You can also press Alt+W on the keyboard.
The graphic display changes to display a single viewport showing only the viewport that
had the yellow border, as shown in Figure 1.15.
Figure 1.14
The bottom
sections of the
3ds Max Design
2010 window
Time Slider
Track bar
Time controls
Viewport navigation tools
Status bar
Prompt line
Figure 1.15
The viewport area
showing only the
Top viewport
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