Page 170 - Kitab3DsMax

Part I: Getting Started with 3ds Max

At the bottom of the Configure User Paths dialog box are buttons for saving, loading, and merging the
defined configuration paths into a separate file. These files are saved using the .mxp format. This file can be
found in the root of the Project Folder.

Tip
Setting up a Project Folder on the network gives every team member access to all the project files and synchro-
nizes all the paths for a project. n

Configuring system paths
Max default paths are listed in the Configure System Paths dialog box, shown in Figure 4.18. When Max is
installed, all the paths are set to point to the default subdirectories where Max was installed. To modify a
path, select the path and click the Modify button. A file dialog box lets you locate the new directory.
The Configure System Paths dialog box also includes the 3rd Party Plug-Ins panel where you can add direc-
tories for Max to search when looking for plug-ins.

FIGURE 4.18
The Configure System Paths dialog box specifies additional paths.

Selecting System Units

One of the first tasks you need to complete before you can begin modeling is to set the system units. The
system units have a direct impact on modeling and define the units that are represented by the coordinate
values. Units directly relate to parameters entered with the keyboard. For example, with the units set to
meters, a sphere created with the radius parameter of 2 would be 4 meters across.
Max supports several different measurement systems, including Metric and U.S. Standard units. You also
can define a Custom units system. (I suggest parsecs if you’re working on a space scene.) Working with a
units system enables you to work with precision and accuracy using realistic values.
Tip
Most game engines work with meters, so if you’re building assets for a game, set the units to meters. n

122

6/30/10 3:35 PM
09_617779-ch04.indd 122 6/30/10 3:35 PM
09_617779-ch04.indd 122