Shortcuts to favourite folders in 'Open file' dialog

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

It could be a trivial question but will be very helpful if anybody knows the answer.

How to add my folders in 'open file' dialog menu ?? It's so annoying to look for them every time I want to open something

[CAMedeck]

For many years now, I have just created shortcuts to my most commonly accessed folders right in the 'scenes' folder that Max uses as the default Open location.  Super easy, works well.

[Anonymous]

It's a nice trick but I am sure there is some easy solution to do it in the right way. Maybe it's some kind of windows setting ??

[StephenMF]

Editing this should really be an essential part to windows.

I have two solutions, the one I use currently is folders popup that works in all (most) programs across windows: http://code.jeanlalonde.ca/folderspopup/

If you really want to edit these folders you can create a .reg file and launch it.

Below is a copy of the one i used before using folderspopup:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\comdlg32\PlacesBar]
"Place0"="D:\\X\\PinballGame\\"
"Place1"="D:\\Dropbox\\ProjectFantasy_Art\\"
"Place2"="C:\\CubDrive\\"
"Place3"="D:\\X\\PinballGame\\3dsMax\\"
"Place4"="D:\Temp\\"

Let us know if it works.

Enjoy.

Stephen

[Anonymous]

Was looking for the same thing... Amazing it's not possible to drag'n'drop shortcuts in there. 

[adamk]

Almost 3 years later... is the reg edit still the only way to do this?!

[Anonymous]

You have quick access, that is a list of custom made shortcuts. Windows 10 and Max 2018. It includes also the last folders and files accessed.

[miledrizk]

Hi,

You can right click on any folder or a folder's shortcut and choose "Pin To Quick Access",

Now on the "Open File" dialog click the "Quick Access" on the left and you'll see it

[adamk]

Thanks. Not using Win 10 or 2018.

[Anonymous]

If you don't upgrade your system then you are stuck with the same problems (and perhaps avoid others)

[StephenMF]

I switched to direct folders https://codesector.com/directfolders works in most programs... this should really be part of the OS.

Just notticed though, that direct folders does not work in Maya.

Enjoy.

[stefan.butler]

I'm bemused as to why this isnt a feature, you can drag and drop folders in Revit, why doesnt max have this?

[fatal.error]

To edit the Windows Places Bar you should edit your registry, as @StephenMF stands.

You can create a .reg file as mentioned above or edit it manually with the following directions:

In the start menu search for regedit.exe and open it.

Click Yes when "Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to this computer?" pops up.

Browse for HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ comdlg32 \ Placesbar.

The comdlg32 and Placesbar keys may not exist. In that case, add them by right-clicking the Policies key and select New key. Rename that key as comdlg32. Repeat the process for Placesbar.

Once inside Placesbar, you can create up to 5 values for each desired shortcut: Place0, Place1, Place2, Place3 and Place4.

If you want to add a specific folder, create a new String value. Rename it as Place0, double-click it and type the desired path under Value Data.

If you want to add a system folder, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value. Rename it as Place2, double-click it and under Value Data enter any of the 2-digit numbers listed below:

00 – Desktop
01 – Internet Explorer
02 – Start Menu\Programs
03 – My Computer\Control Panel
04 – My Computer\Printers
05 – My Documents
06 – Favorites
07 – Start Menu\Programs\Startup
08 – \Recent
09 – \SendTo
0a – \Recycle Bin
0b – \Start Menu
0c – – logical “My Documents” desktop icon
0d – My Music
0e – My Videos
10 – \Desktop
11 – My Computer
12 – My Network Places
13 – \NetHood
14 – WINDOWS\Fonts
15 – Templates
16 – All Users\Start Menu
17 – All Users\Programs
18 – All Users\Start Menu
19 – All Users\Desktop
1a – \Application Data
1b – \PrintHood
1c – \Local Settings\Application Data

1d – – Nonlocalized startup
1e – – Nonlocalized common startup
1f – Favorites
20 – Temporary Internet Files
21 – Cookies
22 – History
23 – All Users\Application Data
24 – WINDOWS directory
25 – System32 directory
26 – Program files
27 – My Pictures
28 – USERPROFILE
29 – – x86 system directory on RISC
2a – – x86 C:\Program Files on RISC
2b – C:\Program Files\Common
2c – – x86 Program Files\Common on RISC
2d – All Users\Templates
2e – All Users\Documents
2f – All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools
30 – – \Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools
31 – Network and Dial-up Connections
35 – All Users\My Music
36 – All Users\My Pictures
37 – All Users\My Video
38 – Resource Directory
39 – Localized Resource Directory
3a – Links to All Users OEM specific apps
3b – USERPROFILE\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\CD Burning

To restore the default Windows Places Bar, just delete the comdlg32  key with all the nested keys and values.

[Intuos5]

Is there still no way to add folders to this menu without editing the registry?

[StephenMF]

Game exporter uses another one. 

 

[StephenMF]

I just upgraded the direct folders app.
It now supports editing these folders.

I'm on windows 11 and it appears to have some problems with the main parts of the program though.
windows 10 is gine.
https://codesector.com/directfolders

[StephenMF]

It looks like there is a new option for universal folder shortcuts.
https://www.quickaccesspopup.com

I will try it out.