Expanding, or maximizing, a viewport in 3ds Max allows you to focus on a single view, like the Perspective or Top view, making it fill the entire workspace. This is a fundamental toggle action that lets you quickly switch between a single large view and the standard four-viewport layout.
To expand a viewport in 3ds Max, you can use one of the following methods:
-
Using Viewport Controls:
- First, ensure the desired viewport is active by clicking on it.
- Locate the Maximize Viewport Toggle control, typically found in the upper-right corner of any given viewport. Clicking this control will expand the active viewport.
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Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Activate the viewport you wish to expand.
- Use the appropriate keyboard shortcut depending on your 3ds Max configuration:
- In the default 3ds Max mode, press Alt+W.
- If you are using the Maya mode keyboard shortcuts, press the spacebar.
All of these methods act as a toggle. Repeating the action (clicking the button or pressing the shortcut again) will return the workspace to the previous viewport layout, typically the standard four views.
Here's a quick summary of the keyboard shortcuts:
| Keyboard Mode | Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 3ds Max | Alt+W | Toggle Maximize Viewport |
| Maya | Spacebar | Toggle Maximize Viewport |
Using these methods allows for efficient navigation and workflow, letting you easily switch between detailed work in a single view and checking the overall scene layout.
