3Dsmax: Maya middle mouse button for move/rotate/scale

Kapoff

Hey guys!

Lurked on the forum and on the web today to find out if there's a way to do such a thing as move an object on the last used axis in 3dsMax 2013 as the middle mouse button does in Maya.

I realize that's probably a kind of a noob'ish question and the thing is probably just a hardcoded feature but wanted to give it a try here.
I'm aware of the F5-F7 constraint to axis features in max but just wondered if there's any faster easier way to do it.

Hope to get an answer one day :P

Eric Chadwick

I kinda doubt it, but this might do what you want...
http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/plugins/mems-max2maya-maya-viewport-navigation-in-3ds-max

Kapoff

Eric, thanks, but this isn't exactly what I'm talking about. In max 2013 there's already an option to switch to the maya navigation system, but I'm looking especially the fact that the middle mouse click controls the last active axis. So that way you don't need to aim for the tiny arrow of the pivot gizmo.

But yeah, it's probably impossible to do so what ever. Still if someone have any clue, it's very welcome!

Eric Chadwick

Maybe try setting Ref Coord System = Constant in the Preferences.
http://docs.autodesk.com/3DSMAX/15/ENU/3ds-Max-Help/index.html?url=files/GUID-86205F0D-6143-432A-B0D4-5CCC4DB2699F.htm,topicNumber=d30e584897

Minato

I don't think that's what Kapoff is looking for either, although that's a nice way to lock the RCS between transform modes, i don't think that functionality is present natively in Max, IMO the gizmo needs improvements in Max, things like unified gizmo, transform box, etc...

Eric Chadwick

It's kinda there, but yeah they're just different paradigms. Max could certainly use some improvements. Oh how I wish for a true hotbox!

There is the X key to hide the gizmo, that keeps the last axis active if Ref Coord System is set to constant, so then it's just a left-drag. Not exactly the same, but kinda close.

Minato

Huh... What do you know, I just tried it and it does kinda work, Simply Press spacebar and there you go, you don't even need to press the X key, Just lock the selection so it doesn't get deselected and click and drag in the viewport and you'll be transforming in the last active axis...

Kapoff

The spacebar trick is cool but still a little bit weird for repetitive tasks. But it does the trick i guess... but the the ref coord system - constant is the closest match as far as it goes manipulating vertexes along one unique axis! Thanks a lot Eric!

NehilVasuwal

Come now people!!! I also know Max lacks some vital things, but dont make it feel so bad, eh!!??
Its a simple thing to click and drag the object itself straightaway. not doing space bar, no pressing 'x' key.
Just click and drag and the object will move/rotate/prehaps scale in the last used axis.