The first thing you'll need to do in order to get started with 3ds Max Interactive is to set up a project: a collection of 3D assets, scripts and configuration files that live together in a folder on your computer and define the way your content behaves in the interactive engine.

You can start a new project from one of the simple template projects that are shipped with 3ds Max Interactive, or download a pre-made example project.

Whichever you choose, you'll get started in the Project Manager window. This usually launches when you start the interactive editor. You can also get back to it anytime by choosing File > Project Manager from the main menu.

Note: Don't try to open a project from a network share! When the Project Manager asks you for a location for your new project, always specify a folder on your own computer. As you work, the editor needs to open and save your project files frequently, so you'll want that disk access to be as fast as possible.

Template projects are great places to start when making your own projects. Although they're very lightweight, they're all set up with basic behavior, interactions, camera movements, etc.

To set up a new project from a template:

1. In the Project Manager, switch to the Templates tab.

2. Select one of the sample projects to use as a template and click Create.

3. In the Create Project window, enter a name for your project, specify where you want to store the project data on your computer, and click Create.

The editor starts to compile the project data and loads your new project. When the project is fully compiled and loaded, you'll see the project name in the title bar of the editor and you'll be able to take control.

The online examples are great places to start when looking for more real-life uses of 3ds Max Interactive for particular genres of interactive projects, or examples of how to use specific features. They often have more 3D content in them, which can make them more interesting, but also makes them take longer to download, compile and start up for the first time.

To set up a new project from a template:

1. In the Project Manager, switch to the Online Projects tab.

2. Select the example project with the desired feature and click Download.

3. In the Download and Open Project window, enter a name for your local copy of the project, specify where you want to store the project data on your computer, and click Download.

When the editor is done downloading the project content, it opens its main window and begins to compile the project data. When the project is fully compiled and loaded, you'll see the project name in the title bar of the editor and you'll be able to take control.

Wondering which online project to get started with? Here are a few good suggestions:

	If you're interested in making pretty architectural visualizations with some added interactive elements, maybe take some down time in our classy pool room. Play the stereo, watch the clock, or just soak up the vibe.
	In the Museum of Learning, you'll see some rich pieces of sample content, along with recipes, best practices, and background information about important concepts like particle effects and physically based rendering.
	If you're looking to make a more fun and casual game experience, you won't find a better place to start than Project Nora -- a side-scrolling adventure that spans 20 unique levels of play.