Wiley 3ds max 6 Bible 978-0-7645-5763-7 ユーザーズマニュアル

ell, here we are with a new version of Max, and the first ques-
tion on the minds of existing users is “Did the interface

change?” The answer is a gleeful “not much.” Most serious users
would rather go through root canal surgery than have their user
interface (UI) change, and although Discreet has learned and
respected this valued opinion, you’ll find some minor changes.

As you look around the new interface, you’ll see that everything is
still there, but Max has several clever, 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 might even
meet some new friends.

Why is the software interface so important? Well, consider this: The
interface is the set of controls that enables you to access the pro-
gram’s features. Without a good interface, you may never use many
of the best features of the software or spend a frustrating bit of time
locating it. 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 fea-
tures easy to find and use.

The interface is all about making the features accessible, and in Max
you have many different ways to access the same command. Some of
these access methods are faster than others. This design is inten-
tional 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 will 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

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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

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