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Setting up a default scene with UI positions?

ethan.penn6
Enthusiast

Setting up a default scene with UI positions?

ethan.penn6
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

So I've been running into an issue where every time I start up 3DS Max, the Scene Explorer is completely missing. No matter how many times I add it back, it's gone. It got me thinking though, because I like having a custom UI and startup scene in Modo...I was wondering, how can I set up a custom scene in Max?

 

There's a number of things I like to change, such as the background from a gradient to a solid color, change statistics to show all + selection, set up the UI the way I like it, and set up a few materials. These are things I find myself doing EVERY TIME I open 3DS Max now. Is there a way to set up a default scene that has these things?

 

I know about Maxnew.max, but when I followed the documentation, I found no file paths regarding that.

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brentscannell
Alumni
Alumni

Hi @ethan.penn6 

 

For a default scene, you can place a 3ds Max file named MaxStart.max in your current project's /scenes folder, and this will be loaded in anytime you reset the scene. This is customizable in Customize->Configure Project Paths dialog under the "MaxStart" entry.

 

Now, as far as what is saved as part of the scene, what isn't, how to hit the road ground running on every project in terms of settings..this is a complex topic that we are actively researching right now. I'm not going to lie, it could seem like a bit of a mess right now, but I am committed to unraveling it. The scene explorer issue that doesn't remember where it was docked is a strange one..and it's indeed tough to get that "original" scene explorer back and it's not the first time I've heard of this phenomenon. What I've heard is that the "original" one is the only one that remembers where it was docked. I am confident that clearing your existing preferences will get it back, but I am hesitant to propose that unless you have nothing else customized and you don't mind starting fresh. Otherwise, I would try the Customize->Revert to Startup Layout command or the Workspaces toolbar dropdown->Reset to Default State.

 

Are you part of our beta program? I'd love to get you in and get an NDA in place so that we can discuss some of this in more detail and to see if the ideas and vision that I have formed about the long term status of this resonates with you or not.

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ethan.penn6
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

No,  I'm not currently a part of the beta program, but I definitely would be interested in helping and giving feedback. Just let me know what I need to do!

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brentscannell
Alumni
Alumni

Hi @ethan.penn6 

 

This link should get you to the sign up page. I'll keep an eye out for you on incoming applications.

 

https://feedback.autodesk.com/welcome/default.html?key=3dsMaxBetaApplication

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