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Customize menu > Configure Paths
The software uses paths to locate different kinds of files, including scenes, image, and MAXScript files. You use the Configure Paths command to display the Configure Paths dialog and customize these paths. This command is useful when you add new subdirectories to help you organize your scenes, images, plug-ins, backups, and so on.
The software saves the paths that the Configure Paths command manages in the 3dsmax.ini file.
To use the Configure Paths dialog:
Customize menu > Configure Paths.
The Configure Paths dialog is displayed.
Click one of the tabs on the dialog.
Highlight a directory name, and click Modify.
A Choose Directory dialog is displayed.
Tip: You can also double-click the directory name to display the Choose Directory dialog.
In the Choose Directory dialog, navigate to a directory, and then click Use Path.
On the Configure Paths dialog, click OK.
The new setting, written to the 3dsmax.ini file, is effective immediately.
The General panel specifies paths for the standard support files. You can specify one path for each of the following file types.
| File Type | Function |
|---|---|
| AutoBackup | Saves automatic backup scenes |
| Export | Exports scenes to other file formats |
| Expressions | Loads and saves text files used by expression controllers |
| Fonts | Loads font files |
| Heidi Drivers | Sets location of display drivers for the software |
| Help | Loads online help files |
| Images | Loads and saves image files |
| Import | Imports files from other programs |
| Materials | Loads and saves material libraries |
| MaxStart | Loads maxstart.max, which specifies initial 3ds max scene settings |
| PlugCFG | Loads plug-in configuration files |
| Previews | Loads and saves preview renders |
| Scenes | Loads and saves .max scene files |
| Scripts | Loads and saves MAXScripts |
| Sounds | Loads sound files |
| Startup Script | Auto-loads MAXScripts |
| Video Post | Loads and saves Video Post queues |
The Plug-Ins panel specifies paths for 3ds max and third-party plug-ins. You can change and extend the functionality of the software by adding new plug-ins. You can set two plug-in path entries in the software:
| File Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Standard plug-ins | Sets the default plug-in path |
| Additional plug-ins | Sets the default third-party plug-in path |
For most configurations you should not change the Standard and Additional plug-in paths.
Tip: If you place all of your plug-ins in a single directory, plug-in file management can become disorganized. To organize plug-ins, create a new directory for a plug-in or a small group of plug-ins, and add a path entry for those plug-in files.
The Bitmaps/Photometrics panel contains path entries in which the software searches for image and photometric files. The software uses image files for many purposes, such as material and map definitions, spotlight projections, and environment effects. A 3ds max scene often uses many image files.
The Bitmaps/Photometrics panel contains path entries in which the software searches for image and photometric files. The software uses image files for many purposes, such as material and map definitions, spotlight projections, and environment effects. A 3ds max scene often uses many image files.
Photometric files are used to define various characteristics of Photometric lights.
When you load an image or photometric file, the software saves the full path name of the file. When the software needs to reload the file, it searches for it in the following order:
The default Bitmap/Photometric path is called Maps. If you save image or photometric files in directories other than Maps, add a path to the Bitmaps path list.
The XRefs panel specifies directory paths for externally referenced files.
You can add, modify, and delete the directories containing XRef files. Move Up and Move Down moves the selected entry up and down the list, which sets the search order.
The default search order is:
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