In daily work, we can always sum up some methods and techniques to improve work efficiency in future work. Below are 50 of the most common 3dMax methods and techniques that have become an integral part of the daily workflow of many 3dMax users.
1. Use the "Rename Object" tool to rename multiple objects at the same time.
2. Disable automatic backup when working on complex scenes to avoid crashes (save frequently).
3. Save step by step to record progress.
4. Press CTRL+C to insert the camera in the perspective view
5. Use ALT+X to make the selected object transparent. Repeat this step to remove.
6. Use ALT+Q to isolate selected objects.
7. Assign hotkeys to common tasks (e.g. Max's default keys Q, W, E, and R for Select, Move, Rotate, and Scale).
8. Speed up your workflow by setting objects to "Show as boxes"
9. Press 7 to display polygon and verts counts.
10. Increase scene undo level to step back further.
11. Right-click on the snap icon to access snap settings.
12. Right click on the Transform icon to enter a value.
13. Create a maxstart.max file to start 3ds max with default settings.
14. Use clipping planes to increase viewport speed.
15. Right-click the Select and Rotate icon to enter a value.
16. When creating a spline, press the backspace key to delete the last created vertical.
17. Hold control while panning to pan faster.
18. Press the I key to center the view at the cursor position.
19. Build to scale. Everything in 3ds Max uses proper scale and units.
20. Consider a dark theme on maximum ambient for better contrast (easier on the eyes).
21. F3 toggles Shading to Wireframe and back.
22. F4 switches the Shading viewport to Shading with Border and back.
23. F5 will set the transformation operation on the X axis.
24. F6 will set the transformation operation on the Y axis.
25. F7 will set the transformation operation on the Z axis.
26. F8 switches between xy, yz, and xz planes for transform operations.
27.F9 completes the rendering of the current viewport according to the rendering settings.
28.F10 opens the rendering dialog.
29.F11 opens the MAXscript listener dialog.
30. F12 opens the input dialog for transformation operations.
31. Use CTRL+L to disable active lights in the viewport.
32. Assign hotkeys to left-hand key combinations. By keeping one hand on the mouse and the other on the keyboard, we become more productive.
33. Develop Xref file structures to handle large and complex scenes as well as work in a team environment.
34. Access more modifiers by right-clicking the modifier list dropdown in the Command Palette.
35. Use the macro recorder to record frequently repeated tasks, and then assign that task to a button on a custom toolbar. Use it as needed.
36. Use AutoGrid to project one object onto the face of another.
37. With the edge selected, use SHIFT+X to constrain the movement to the edge axis. Repeat this to remove constraints.
38. Consider using online file storage to sync custom settings, libraries, and stored assets for access from anywhere.
39. Set up and use project folders by navigating to the "File" icon, "Manage" and "Set Project Folder".
40. If the transform gizmo disappears, press X to bring it back.
41. Use selection sets to aid workflow.
42. Press ALT+W to maximize or minimize the viewport.
43. Create groups to organize and quickly access commonly used materials in the Slate material editor.
44. Use G to turn the Grid off and on.
45. Create custom colors using the Color Clipboard in Utilities on the Command panel.
46. Lock the object by selecting it and pressing the space bar.
47. Select the edge loop by picking an edge, hold down the shift key, and select the next edge.
48. Use object isolation.
49. Use symmetry to efficiently build symmetrical models (cars, faces, etc.).
50. Dig deep into graphite modeling tools. There are many tools that save a lot of time.