Navigating using SketchUp compared to 3DS MAX?

Mr S · 26 Mar 2008, 14:38

Hi,

I know that this should probably go to a 3DS MAX forum, but as some of you guys know both of these programs I am hoping you will be able to provide me with a solution.

I have what I think is an easy question but it may be difficult to explain in words only.

After working with Sketchup for so long I am trying to translate how I navigate around the screen in to 3DS MAX.

For instance, when in SketchUp:

I navigate around the screen using the middle mouse button to orbit.
I use the shift key and the middle mouse button to pan.
I use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out.

This is the important bit:
If I have a tool selected, such as the Line Tool, whenever I use any of the above key combinations to navigate around the screen, when finished I am always returned to the tool. This is great because it allows you to “plot” a start point for the line then navigate (zoom, pan or orbit) to another point currently off screen and then “plot” the end point.
I do this constantly when tracing over CAD plans.

In 3DS MAX

I navigate around the screen using the alt and middle mouse button to orbit.
I use the middle mouse button to pan.
I use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out.

Zooming in and out using the scroll wheel behaves exactly like SketchUp. You can do this and maintain the tool you are using.
The problem is that whenever the middle-mouse button is pressed it acts like a right-click ending the action of whatever tool you are using.
This prevents me from panning around the screen. I have to set up the screen showing all the area I wish to trace.
This view is usually too far away to work accurately.

I hope you understand the above and have a solution for me.
What seems to be a simple and intuitive navigation process in SketchUp seems to be that bit more complicated in MAX.

Regards
Mr S

Mr S · 26 Mar 2008, 16:22

Hi,

Just in case anybody else wants the answer...

I have figured out that all you need to do is zoom out, point your cursor to where you need to go, and zoom back in. The focus goes where the cursor is pointing.
Just a slightly different way of panning around but works.
(Still prefer the SketchUp method though)

Regards
Mr S