The Max Creation Graph (MCG) editor dialog is the main interface for working with node-based programming in 3ds Max. It provides a wide variety of modules for use in graphs, tools for wiring them into graphs, and facilities for testing and packaging your graphs.
Editor Shortcuts
Use these shortcuts to save time when working in the editor:
- Drag (Starting in an empty area): Selects any nodes and wires you drag over.
- Delete key: Deletes any selected nodes and wires
- Ctrl+click: Adds the nodes and wires you click to the selection.
- Alt+click: Removes the nodes and wires you click from the selection.
Use these shortcuts when dragging nodes:
- Ctrl+Alt+drag: Moves the dragged node and its children; that is, all nodes that feed directly or indirectly into the selected node.
- Ctrl+drag over a wire: Inserts the dragged node into the connection.
- Alt+drag: Removes the dragged node from between those it's connected to, reconnecting the remaining nodes if possible.
- Shift+Alt+drag: Extracts the dragged node from its group node.
Troubleshooting
If you open a Max Creation Graph file and get an error message about a missing node type or node types, you might need to update to the latest operators. Follow this quick procedure:
- Exit 3ds Max.
- On the system drive of your computer (usually C:), delete the Users\(your username)\Autodesk\3ds Max 2017\Max Creation Graph folder.
- Restart 3ds Max and reopen the file.
Procedures
Customize the MCG editor dialog:
Use the following controls to toggle and rearrange windows in the editor dialog. The controls are available for all windows except the main graph window.
Note: Any modifications you make to the graph editor layout persist between sessions.
- To close a window, click its Close button (X) or turn it off from the Windows menu.
- To open a closed window, choose it from the Windows menu.
- To move a window within the editor, drag its title bar to the desired location. When an empty, light-gray space appears under the mouse cursor, release the mouse button to place the window.
- To float a window, drag its title bar away from its current location. As long as no empty, light-gray space appears, dropping it floats the window. You can drag windows outside the editor dialog.
You can also float a window by clicking the Minimize/Maximize button to the left of the Close button.
Interface
Menu bar / right-click menu
These provide access to most MCG editor commands.
Available Nodes/Operators window
Lists all nodes and operators by category. By default, all categories are collapsed. To toggle a category's collapsed/expanded state, click the arrow to the left of its name, or double-click its name.
Tip: To collapse all the categories, use the Reload Operators command on the Operators menu.
Operator Description window
Displays the function and parameters of the selected operator, whether it is selected in the graph window or in the Available Nodes/Operators window. Most descriptions contain text links you can click for further explanation of terms.
Message Log window
Displays status and error messages.
Main Graph window
Use this window to add nodes and wire them together.