Command-Line Options

There are a number of switches that you can use on the command line.

You can use the following switches after you enter 3dsmax on the command line.

Switch Effect
-a <filename> Uses the specified bitmap as splash screen.
-batch Starts the program in non-interactive mode.
-d Causes Track View to use a double-buffered display, which is smoother than the single-buffered display but uses more system resources.
-df Allows you to change between classic and design mode.
-dfc Forces classic mode.
-dfd Forces design mode.
-dm Enables dialog monitor.
-g Makes background white (instead of gray) in the following dialogs: Track View, RAM Player, Video Post, Loft, and Falloff Curve. Useful for screen captures when using a display mode less than 24 bits deep, for avoiding background patterns.
-h Allows choice of graphics drivers: Nitrous, Direct3D, Open GL, and Software.
-i otherfile Starts the program using otherfile.ini instead of 3dsmax.ini.
-l Loads the last .max file automatically.
-lang[...] Sets the language.
-log <session log name> Opens the session log.
-ma Opens maximized.
-mi Opens minimized.
-ms Opens minimized and does not display a splash screen on startup.
-mxs Opens MAXScript. Can be followed by a MAXScript command.
-n Disables network mode.
-p otherfile Starts the program using otherfile.ini instead of plugin.ini.
Note: The otherfile.ini string should include the full path name.
-q Starts the program "quietly," without the splash screen.
-silent Starts the program without the splash screen and any dialogs that might block script execution.
-secure <ON|OFF> Enable/disable security measures such as digital signature verification, disable use of external plugins and assemblies, etc. Disabled by default in 3ds Max.
-u Opens the specified utility, such as MAXScript. For details, see Running Scripts from the Command Line.
-v Loads a display driver, overriding the setting in 3dsmax.ini.
-y <network license path> Specifies the path to a license server when using a network license.
-z <filename> Writes the version number to a file.
anyscene Starts 3ds Max and opens a file called anyscene.max.

Use a space to separate the 3ds Max executable name from the command-line switch.

Examples:

3dsmax −l

3dsmax −i otherfile

3dsmax anyscene

3dsmax −c MaxCustom