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How do you move objects in 3ds Max?

Published in 3ds Max Modeling 3 mins read

You move objects in 3ds Max primarily using the Select and Move tool.

Methods for Moving Objects

Here's a breakdown of how you can move objects within the 3ds Max environment:

  1. Select and Move Tool:

    • This is the most common method. Locate the Select and Move button on the main toolbar (it looks like a crosshair with arrows).
    • Activate the tool.
    • Click on the object you want to move. The object will be selected, and a move gizmo (usually X, Y, and Z axes) will appear.
    • Click and drag on one of the axes (X, Y, or Z) to constrain movement along that axis. You can also click and drag inside the gizmo's planes (XY, YZ, or ZX) to move along two axes simultaneously. Dragging outside the planes moves the object freely in the viewport.

  2. Move Command (Right-Click Quad Menu):

    • Right-click in the viewport. This brings up the quad menu.
    • Select Move from the quad menu. This activates the move gizmo, similar to the Select and Move tool.
    • Click and drag on the axes or planes of the gizmo to move the object.

  3. Move Command (Edit Menu):

    • Go to the Edit menu in the main menu bar.
    • Select Move from the menu. This also activates the move gizmo.
    • Click and drag on the axes or planes of the gizmo to move the object.

  4. Transform Type-In (Precise Movement):

    • Right-click on the Select and Move button on the main toolbar. This will open the Transform Type-In dialog.
    • Here, you can enter precise X, Y, and Z coordinates to move the object to a specific location. This is extremely useful for accurate placement. You can specify absolute coordinates or offsets.

  5. Without Selection (Direct Manipulation):

    • If the Select and Move tool is already active, you can directly click and drag an object to move it, even if it's not pre-selected. The act of clicking an object selects it and initiates the move operation.

Important Considerations:

  • Coordinate System: Be aware of the current coordinate system (View, World, Local, Parent, Grid) as it influences the direction of movement. You can change the coordinate system from the dropdown in the main toolbar.
  • Snapping: Use snapping (accessed via the "S" hotkey and configured via right-clicking the snap toggle) to precisely move objects to specific points, midpoints, vertices, etc.
  • Constraints: 3ds Max offers various constraints (e.g., path constraint, link constraint) to control object movement based on other objects or paths.
  • Pivot Point: The object's pivot point is the point around which it rotates and scales, and from which it moves. You can adjust the pivot point's location using the Hierarchy panel.

By mastering these methods, you'll be able to efficiently and accurately position objects in your 3ds Max scenes.

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