Maya makes a distinction between tools and actions. For example, many items under the Curves and Surfaces menus can be used as actions or tools.
The setting in the Options window takes precedence over the Preferences window. Changing to actions or tools works immediately.
When you use an action converted to a tool, Maya sets an object and component selection mask appropriate for the tool. Maya returns to the prior selection mask after you finish using the tool.
Option windows for tools and actions include an Edit option menu at the top of the window that allows you to pick between tool and action modes. Currently, only actions can be switched to tool mode. Therefore, for tools (for example, Birail Surface Tool), the Edit option menu is disabled.
To change actions to tools throughout Maya
Tool is added to the item name in the main menu and option window. Regardless of whether a feature is a tool or action, the order in which you select objects or components stays the same.
To return to action-based behavior, turn on Everything is an Action in the same Preferences window. Tool is removed from the name.
If you turn on Mixed, a setting within each option box specifies whether the menu item is a tool or action.
To convert a single menu item from an action to a tool
If the options window doesn’t have an Edit menu or the As Tool and As Action items are dim, the action (or tool) can’t be converted.
If you change an action to a tool, the options window for that tool displays two extra options:
If this option is off, Maya’s focus remains on the tool after you finish using it. You can use the tool repeatedly without selecting it again.
If this option is on, Maya exits the tool. The following menu items, when used as tools, have Exit Upon Completion as the default option:
All other tools, including actions converted to tools, use Auto Completion as the default.
If this option is on, you don’t have to press Enter or Return to finish a modeling task. The tool completes its task as soon as you select enough objects or components.