3ds Max 9 Bible

The last major interface element isn't really an interface element but just a collection of several sets of controls located along the bottom edge of the interface window. These controls cannot be pulled away from the interface like the main toolbar, but you can hide them using Expert Mode (Ctrl+X). These controls, shown in Figure 1.9, include the following from left to right:

• Time Slider: The Time Slider, located under the viewports, enables you to quickly locate a specific frame. It spans the number of frames included in the current animation. Dragging the Time Slider can move you quickly between frames. Clicking the arrow buttons on either side of the Time Slider moves to the previous or next frame (or key).

• Track Bar: The Track Bar displays animation keys as color-coded rectangles with red for positional keys, green for rotational keys, and blue for scale keys. Parameter change keys are denoted by gray rectangles. Using the Track Bar, you can select, move, and delete keys. The button at the left end of the Track Bar is the Open Mini Curve Editor button. It provides access to the animation function curves.

• Status Bar: The Status Bar is below the Track Bar. It provides valuable information, such as the number and type of objects selected, transformation values, and grid size. It also includes the Selection Lock Toggle, Transform Type-In fields, and the value of the current Grid size.

• Prompt Line: The Prompt Line is text located at the bottom of the window. If you're stuck as to what to do next, look at the Prompt Line for information on what Max expects. To the right of the Prompt Line is the Communication Center button for setting how often Max looks for updates. The Prompt Line also includes buttons for adding and editing Time Tags, which are used to name specific animation frames.

• Key Controls: These controls are for creating animation keys and include two different modes-Auto Key (keyboard shortcut, N) and Set Key (keyboard shortcut,'). Auto Key mode sets keys for any changes made to the scene objects. Set Key mode gives you more precise control and sets keys for the selected filters only when you click the Set Keys button (keyboard shortcut, K).

• Time Controls: Resembling the controls on an audio or video device, the Time Controls offer an easy way to move through the various animation frames and keys. Based on the selected mode (keys or frames), the Time Controls can move among the first, previous, next, and last frames or keys.

• Viewport Navigation Controls: In the lower-right corner of the interface are the controls for manipulating the viewports. They enable you to zoom, pan, and rotate the active viewport's view.

Figure 1.9: The Lower Interface Bar includes several sets of controls.