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Chapter 1 ✦ Finding Your Way — Exploring the Max Interface
The Help menu
The Help menu is a valuable resource that provides access to reference materials and tutori-
als. The New Features Guide, User Reference, and MAXScript Reference are comprehensive
help systems that work like a Web browser. The Tutorial command loads the tutorials, which
offer a chance to gain valuable experience.
The Hotkey Map displays an interactive interface for learning all the keyboard shortcuts.
Additional Help presents help systems for any external plug-ins that are loaded. The 3ds max
on the Web options (Online Support, Updates, Resources, and Partners) automatically opens
a Web browser and loads the Discreet Support Web pages or looks for updates.
The Authorize 3ds max command lets you enter an authorization number to authorize the
software. The About 3ds max command opens the About dialog box. This dialog box displays
the serial number and current display driver.
Most of the Help menu commands are covered at the end of this chapter in the section titled
“Getting Help.”
Using the Toolbars
Now that you’ve learned the menu two-step, it is time for the toolbar one-step. The main tool-
bar appears by default directly under the menus at the top of the Max window; the reactor
toolbar appears docked to the left edge of the interface. Using toolbars is one of the most
convenient ways to execute commands because most commands require only a single click.
You can make any docked toolbar a floating toolbar by clicking and dragging the two vertical
lines on the left (or top) end of the toolbar away from the interface edge. After you separate it
from the window, you can resize the floating toolbar by dragging on its edges or corners. You
can then drag and dock it to any of the window edges or double-click on the toolbar title to
automatically dock the toolbar to its latest location. Figure 1-2 shows the main toolbar as a
floating panel.
If you right-click on any toolbar away from the buttons, you can access a pop-up menu
that includes options to Dock, Float, Customize, show, or hide any of the toolbars or the
Command Panel. You can also show or hide all floating toolbars or the main toolbar with
the Customize ➪ Show UI menu command. The main toolbar can be hidden with the Alt+6
keyboard shortcut.
Figure 1-2: The main toolbar includes buttons and
drop-down lists for controlling many of the most popular
Max functions.
All icon buttons (including those found in toolbars, the Command Panel, and other dialog
boxes and windows) include tooltips, which are identifying text labels. If you hold the mouse
Cross-
Reference
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