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Containing the majority of commands that used to make up Max's File pull-down
menu, the New Application menu and Quick Access toolbar, provide users with a
quicker and more organized approach to the most commonly used file management commands.
The Application menu found on the upper left hand corner of the interface, lists
commands categorized by topic, with a brief definition of what the command does
next to its name. You will see your options for creating a new file, when
opening an existing file, and your choices when saving as. The Import category
gives you options when you want to import, merge or replace a file.
Export gives you a couple different controls when wanting to save Auto Max
using a different file format. References offer you controls for both
referencing and links to other scenes. Manage gives you a few different options
when wanting to manage your project or individual scene assets and the
Properties category gives you information and properties exclusive to your
scene. If you open the menu using the Alt+F keyboard shortcut, the drop-down
will display the associated shortcuts for each menu choice.
So for an example, pressing R would reset the scene, while hitting I will activate
the Import command. If you move your mouse instead of pressing a key, the menu
reverts back to its original appearance. Pressing Alt+F again, will restore the
shortcut display. Even the files that you previously worked on can be accessed
by typing a single key. So for an example, if I wanted to go back to
yesterday's work, and open the file name ProOptimizerModifierCompleted, I'd simply hit 7.
You have your Exit Max button down in the lower right hand corner and a
button for your options, should you want to go in and change your preferences.
The Quick Access toolbar, as the name implies, offers immediate access to the
commands you will most often use. It's located directly to the right of the
Application menu. In the toolbar, you will find options for creating new files,
opening existing ones, saving your work and Undo and Redo.
You can delete a button from the toolbar by simply right-clicking and choosing
Remove from Access toolbar. You can also add any button from the modeling
ribbon by right-clicking at the button and choosing Add to Quick Access toolbar.
As new features, both the Application menu and Quick Access toolbar will take a
little getting used to. Once you are comfortable though with what you will find
command wise in each. I think you will come to truly appreciate having both in
your new file management arsenal.