If you have ever used 3d Studio Max you know that using the software can be challenging. Many problems can arise that interfere with efficiently using the software. Getting used to the graphical user interface, lighting, texturing and rendering all pose their challenges. Even the experienced users can find themselves stuck trying to remember 3d Studio Max's comprehensive interface or waiting hours for a render. Because of these problems, efficiency can suffer and many users can find themselves taking three or four more steps than needed. Luckily there are ways to become more efficient using 3d Studio Max.

1. Learn hotkeys This may seem like an obvious one, but using hotkeys are the quickest way to efficiency in 3ds Max. You should learn the hotkeys for anything you consistently do in 3ds Max. The best way to learn a hotkey is to literally stop what you are doing, and actually learn the hotkey. Write it down and keep a cheat sheet near your workstation. Eventually using hotkeys will become second nature to you. For example of the top of my head I know that ALT W will maximize your view port, T, L, F, and P will toggle to top, left, front and perspective view, M will bring up the material browser, and F10 brings up the render scene dialogue box. If you only learn 2 hotkeys though, learn CTRL Z (undo) and CTRL S (save), not only is this good habit, but doing this will immediately save you a lot of time.

2. Save often. Again, I am stating the obvious but computers crash a lot. Get used to saving often, every 5 minutes. One of the biggest mistakes made is not saving work. Imagine working hours on a model and then suddenly having 3ds Max crash. Now imagine that you never saved your work. You either have to start all over or rely on 3d Studio Max's autoback feature. Being the good 3d Artists that you are though, you saved your project every 5 minutes. Now you aren't at the mercy of 3d Studio Max's autobacking feature and you can continue working on your model.

3. Save Multiple Versions There are several reasons to save multiple versions of your work. One reason is that 3ds Max files can sometimes get corrupted in the process of saving work. Once this happens, it is impossible to ever open that file again. Another reason is that it is a good way to keep phases of your work. Anytime I am doing a detailed project, I usually have 11 versions of the same project. This is useful if you have messed up and you are too far to go back using undo. You can just simply go back to a former version. If 11 versions seems a bit much for you, can also save 3 different versions and alternate overwriting each version every time you save. Doing this can save yourself a lot of heartache and tears.

4. Make good use of your computers memory 3d Studio max is definitely a powerful program that can handle tons of complex mathematical equations. Learn what you computer can handle. If you have a supercomputer that can handle tons of raytracing and advanced lighting then use it. If you know your computer will crash with too much advanced effects, then try to avoid using those. Not only learn the limitations of your computer but learn to compromise when render time is taking too long. If you can barely tell the difference between a 30 second render and a 3 minute render, then you should probably go with the 30 second render.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice The best way to become more efficient in 3d studio max is to just simply practice. The more you get involved in the program, the more you will learn. For example, the first time you model a human face it may take you 3 weeks. By the fifth time you might be able to do it in 2 hours, because you already know where you are going, 5 steps ahead. Write down anything that might help you in the future. Eventually you will have a lot of information committed to memory through repetition and you will be extremely efficient.

These are just a few of many tips to help increase efficiency in 3ds max. Remember the more you can do to eliminate unnecessary steps, the easy your life will become.