using a 3D Max template file for start up

[Stan Zaslavsky]

Hi all,

I am working on streamlining my 3D process and was wondering - is there a way to create a template file in Max with all the layers pre-set as well as a lighting rig pre-set - and then to start off the modelling it should keep everything consistent.

 

There is a way to do this in AutoCAD (except for the lighting off course) - so wasn't sure if there is a similar setup available for Max.

 

Your feedback is appreciated,

[Justin Hunt]

Yes you can create a file called Maxstart.max This is just an ordinary max file set up the way you want it. Now I am not too sure where you save it, but it should be documented in the help files.

 

jhv

[Stan Zaslavsky]

thanks Justin - i think i've seen it might be all set up in the same directory as the keyboard/quads etc setup

[Dave Buckley]

think you can save it in the default directory that max installs in 'My Documents', but if you look in your user paths etc under the customize menu, there is a path for MaxStart, so it doesn't matter where you save it as long as it points to that, it doesn't really matter though, I have a number of files setup for different scenarios which I use as templates, if I open Max by double-clicking one of those shortcuts then you aren't limited to the one MaxStart file

[Stan Zaslavsky]

thanks Dave - great idea.

 

i looked into the help files and came up with the following -

 

maxstart.max: At startup and when you reset 3ds Max, 3ds Max looks for this file in the MaxStart folder specified in Configure User Paths File I/O panel, and if found, loads it. This allows you to specify the default state of the workspace whenever you start or reset 3ds Max. For example, if you always use a ground plane, you can make it the default setup by creating one, and then saving it as maxstart.max.

If you save a different file over maxstart.max, you can return to program defaults by deleting the maxstart.max file, and then resetting 3ds Max.

 

thanks guys for your help!!!