3ds Max 2012 Bible - Kelly L. Murdock [20]
Chapter 1: Exploring the Max Interface
IN THIS CHAPTER
Learning the interface elements
Previewing the menu commands
Becoming familiar with the toolbars
Using the Command Panel
Examining the Lower Interface Bar
Interacting with the interface
Getting help
Well, here we are again with a new version of Max, and the first question on the minds of existing users is, “Did the interface change?” The answer is a happy “very little.” Most serious users would rather go through root canal surgery than have their user interface (UI) change, and Autodesk has learned and respected this valued opinion by keeping the interface changes to a minimum.
As you look around the new interface, you'll see that everything is still there, but that Max has a few new additions. You may find yourself saying, as you navigate the interface, “Where did that come from?” But, just like encountering a new house in your neighborhood, over time you'll become accustomed to the addition and may even meet some new friends.
Why is the software interface so important? Well, consider this: The interface is the set of controls that enable you to access the program's features. Without a good interface, you may never use many of the best features of the software or may spend a frustrating bit of time locating those features. A piece of software can have all the greatest features, but if the user can't find or access them, then the software won't be used to its full potential. Max is a powerful piece of software with some amazing features, and luckily the interface makes these amazing features easy to find and use.
The interface's purpose is to make the software features accessible, and in Max you have many different ways to access the features. Some of these access methods are faster than others. This design is intentional because it gives beginning users an intuitive command and advanced users direct access. For example, to undo a command, you can choose Edit⇒Undo (requiring two mouse clicks), but as you gain more experience, you can simply click the Undo icon on the toolbar (only one click); an expert with his hands on the keyboard can press Ctrl+Z without having to reach for the mouse at all. All three of these methods have the same result, but you can use the one that is easiest for you.
Has the Max interface succeeded? Yes, to a degree, but like most interfaces, it always has room for improvement, 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 complains about the interface—customization. If you don't like the current interface, you can change it to be exactly what you want.
Cross-Reference
Customizing the Max interface is covered in Chapter 4, “Customizing the Max Interface and Setting Preferences.” •
This chapter examines the latest incarnation of the Max interface and presents some tips that make the interface feel comfortable, not cumbersome.
New Feature
If you've used Max before, then you'll notice that the default color scheme has changed with this version. Many Max users claim that the dark gray color scheme is easier on your eyes in low light. The Customize menu includes options to change the color scheme back to light gray if you prefer that scheme. •
Note
When Max starts, the default color scheme uses dark gray colors with white text. Although this scheme works great for artists who stare at a computer monitor for long periods of time with little or no background light, it isn't the ideal setting for printing. All the figures in this book use the alternate lighter gray color scheme. You can easily switch between the different color schemes using the Customize⇒Custom UI and Defaults Switch menu command. •
Learning 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 commands together.