3DS Max Command Panel Overview 

Now let’s explore the Command Panel (on the right side of the UI), which contains essential tools for creating and modifying objects.

1️⃣ Create Tab (Geometry & Shapes)

📌 Standard Primitives → The basic building blocks for 3D modeling.

• Box → Click & drag to define width/length, release & drag up for height.
• Sphere, Cylinder, Cone, Torus, Pyramid, Plane, Teapot → Other basic shapes.

✅ Pro Tips:

• After creating an object, press Q or right click in the scene to exit creation mode.
• Disable Bounding Box (Shift + J) to remove the white box outline.
• Adjust Selection Highlights via Customize > Preferences > Viewport > Selection and Preview Highlight.

📌 Shapes (Splines) → Used for custom outlines & complex geometry.

• Line Tool → Click to create straight edges, click & drag for curves.
• Closed Spline → Finish at the starting point & select "Yes" to close.

✅ Uses:

• Modeling pipes, cables, extrusions, and custom profiles.

2️⃣ Lighting & Cameras

🚫 Not covered, since rendering isn’t required for proxy modeling.

3️⃣ Helpers (Utility Objects)

📌 Dummy Object → An empty node for organizing hierarchies.
📌 Tape Measure → Accurately measures distances between points.

✅ How to use the Tape Measure:

1. Enable Snapping (S) for precise placement.
2. Click & drag from one vertex to another.
3. View measurement under L Length (millimeters by default).

📌 Unit Setup (Customize > Unit Setup)

• Metric (mm, cm, m) → Preferred for engineering models.
• US Standard (inches, feet) → Common for architecture.
• Custom Units → Define your own scale if needed.