This section provides an introduction to techniques for creating and modeling objects.
The Create panel contains controls for creating new objects, the first step in building a scene. Despite the variety of object types, the creation process is consistent for most objects. Typically you create objects interactively with the mouse; alternative methods are available. For details, see Creating an Object.
The Modify panel provides controls to complete the modeling process. You can rework any object, from its creation parameters to its internal geometry. Both object-space and world-space modifiers let you apply a wide range of effects to objects in your scene. The modifier stack allows editing of the modifier sequence.
In 3ds Max, you model basic parametric objects into more complex ones by:
- Changing parameters
- Applying modifiers
- Directly manipulating sub-object geometry
Varying the Parameters
Unlike physical objects, with a fixed shape and size, you can change the creation parameters of objects and shapes to dramatically alter topology. Here are some examples of changes you can make:
- Turn a cone into a four-sided pyramid by reducing the number of sides and turning the Smooth option off.
- Slice any circular object as if it were a pie.
- Animate almost all creation parameters, and interactively change their settings during animation playback.
- Render splines directly at any assigned width.
- Break, detach, and divide wall segments.
- Change the number of risers without affecting the overall rise of the stairs.
Collapsing Primitives to Base Geometry
You can collapse a geometric primitive or shape to one of a variety of base geometric types once you no longer need access to its creation parameters. For example, you can convert any standard primitive to an
editable mesh,
editable poly,
editable patch, or
NURBS object, and you can convert a spline shape to an editable mesh,
editable spline, or NURBS object. The easiest way to collapse an object is to select it, right-click it, and choose a "Convert to" option from the quad menu 
Transform quadrant. This lets you use explicit editing methods with the object, such as transforming vertices. You can also use the Modify panel to collapse a primitive.
Mapping Coordinates
Most Geometry objects have an option for generating mapping coordinates. Objects need these mapping coordinates if you plan to apply a mapped material to them. Mapped materials include a wide range of rendered effects, from 2D bitmaps to reflections and refractions. See Mapping Coordinates and Example of Using Maps. If mapping coordinates have already been applied to an object, the checkbox for this feature is turned on.