Standard Helper Objects

Helper objects play a supporting role, like stage hands or construction assistants.

Create panel > (Helpers) > Standard > Object Type rollout
Standard menu: Create menu > Helpers
Enhanced menu: Objects menu > Helpers / More Helpers / Particle Flow Helpers

The helpers in this section serve mainly as precision and drawing aids, while you can find links to other kinds of helpers in the See Also list, following.

Helper object rollout for 3ds Max

Helper object rollout for 3ds Max Design

Topics in this section

Dummy Helper
A Dummy helper object is a wireframe cube with a pivot point at its geometric center. It has a name but no parameters, you can't modify it, and it doesn't render. Its only real feature is its pivot, used as a center for transforms. The wireframe acts as a reference for transform effects.
Expose Transform Helper
The Expose Transform helper exposes values of non-keyed objects for use in expressions and scripts. This lets riggers and animators access a select set of transforms for an object, and between an object and its parent, such as a bone in an IK chain. For example, using the Expose Transform helper, you could write a script or use parameter wiring that tests the angle of an character's arm bone that's controlled by IK (thus, has no keys), and once it exceeds a specific value, rotate the corresponding clavicle bone to deform the shoulder area.
Grid Helper
The grid, also called User Grid or Custom Grid, is a 2D parametric object with adjustments for overall size and grid spacing. You can move and orient user grids anywhere in world space.
Point Helper
Point provides a specific location in 3D space that can be used as a reference or by other program functions.
Tape Helper
Tape provides an on-screen "tape measure" for determining and setting distances. The tape is composed of two named objects, in the same way targeted lights and cameras are. By default, these are named Tape### and Tape###.Target (the ### is a three-place number). The tape and target icons are connected by a line representing the current distance between them.
Protractor Helper
Protractor measures the angle between a point and any two objects in your scene.
Compass Helper
Compass displays as a non-rendering compass rose, with indicators for North, South, East, and West. A compass is part of a Daylight or Sunlight system; you create a compass automatically when you create sunlight. In a Sunlight system, the orientation of the compass indicates the orientation of the scene, relative to the path of the sun (the ecliptic).

Parent topic: Helpers

Related Information

Container

Atmospheric Apparatuses

CamPoint Helper

Assembly Head Helper Object

Manipulator Helper Objects

Particle Flow Helpers

VRML97 Helper Objects

Light Meter Helper Object