Useful Customization Techniques

This topic offers procedures for customizing the 3ds Max user interface, including methods for rearranging and resizing UI components. Various other customization options are available from the Customize menu.

Procedures

To switch between a single viewport and multi-viewport layout, activate the viewport and then click (Min/Max Toggle):

To resize the windows in a multi-viewport layout, drag the divider between windows. Right-click to choose Reset Layout and restore the default:

Note: A blue highlight indicates a right-click.

To rearrange the order of rollouts on the command panel, drag and drop:

The order of rollouts is saved in the text file rolluporder.cfg, which is located in the \ui subfolder of the \3ds max program folder.

To float a toolbar, drag its tag bar away from the default location. To dock it again, use the right-click menu:

Note: A blue highlight indicates a right-click.

You can also float the toolbar by right-clicking the tab bar at the left, and choosing Float from the menu.

Tip: A UI element docks automatically when it approaches a "dockable" location. The toolbars and menu bar can dock at the top or bottom, left or right of the viewports. They can also dock on either side of the Command panel. Also, double-clicking the handle or title bar docks the element in its default location.

To hide a floating panel or toolbar:

• Click the control in the upper-right corner.

To resize the command panel in its docked location, drag its edge to the left or right:

Multiple command panel columns are useful when working with objects such as ProBoolean or PFlow, which have many controls.

To minimize or restore the command panel, use the right-click menu:

Note: A blue highlight indicates a right-click.

When the command panel is not minimized, to see the menu you must right-click the blank area to the right of the tabs.

To float the command panel, drag its blank corner away from the default location. Once the command panel is floating, you can move it and resize it:

Note: A blue highlight indicates a right-click.

You can also float the command panel by right-clicking the blank area to the right of the tabs, and choosing Float from the menu.

Tip: If you find you tend to float the command panel accidentally, use Lock UI Layout.