Default hotkeys of Autodesk 3ds Max 2027 on Windows, from Autodesk's Keyboard Shortcut Tables: the Main UI map plus the context maps for poly and mesh editing, Unwrap UVW, the material editors, Track View, Schematic View, character tools, Hair styling, Particle Flow and NURBS. Unbound actions are left out. A key can differ per window: the context-specific binding is tried first, and only while Keyboard Shortcut Override (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X) is on.
Select and MoveSwitches to the move tool and shows its transform gizmo on the selection.
W
Select and RotateSwitches to the rotate tool so dragging a gizmo ring turns the selection.
E
Smart ScaleSwitches to the scale tool and its gizmo; the vendor table names it Smart Scale.
R
Smart SelectReturns to plain selection; pressing it again cycles the selection region shape.
Q
Smart PlaceDrops objects onto surfaces under the cursor.
Y
Scale CycleCycles uniform, non-uniform, and squash scaling.
Ctrl+E
Select AllSelects every object in the scene.
Ctrl+A
Select NoneDeselects everything, leaving no object in the scene picked.
Ctrl+D
Select InvertSwaps the selection: picked objects are released and the rest become selected.
Ctrl+I
Select SimilarSelects objects matching the current one.
Ctrl+Shift+A
Select By NameOpens the Select From Scene dialog.
H
Selection Lock ToggleFreezes the current selection so clicks cannot change it.
Ctrl+Shift+N
Window / Crossing ToggleSwitches region select between window and crossing behaviour.
Shift+O
Sub-object Selection ToggleEnters or leaves sub-object mode on the current modifier.
Ctrl+B
Affect Pivot Only toggleMoves the pivot without moving the geometry.
Insert
Transform Type-In dialogOpens numeric entry for the active transform.
F12
Transform Gizmo X ConstraintLocks the transform to the X axis.
F5
Transform Gizmo Y ConstraintLocks the transform to the Y axis.
F6
Transform Gizmo Z ConstraintLocks the transform to the Z axis.
F7
Plane constraint cycleCycles XY, YZ, and ZX plane locks.
F8
Transform Gizmo Size UpEnlarges the transform gizmo drawn in the viewport.
=
Transform Gizmo Size DownShrinks the transform gizmo drawn in the viewport.
-
Select AncestorMoves the selection up the hierarchy to the parent.
Page Up
Select ChildMoves the selection one level down the hierarchy.
Page Down
Select ChildrenAdds the objects linked beneath the selection in the hierarchy.
Shift+Page Down
Cycle Selection MethodCycles rectangle, circle, fence, lasso and paint regions.
Ctrl+F
Center Point CycleCycles pivot, selection and transform-coordinate centres.
Alt+Shift+5
Snaps ToggleTurns object snapping on and off.
S
Angle Snap ToggleMakes rotations jump in fixed angular increments while it is on.
A
Cycle Active Snap TypeSteps through the configured snap types.
Alt+S
Snaps axis constraints toggleMakes snapping respect the active axis lock when it is on.
Alt+F3
Edit and file 19
Action
Windows
Undo Scene OperationReverses the most recent change made to the scene.
Ctrl+Z
Redo Scene OperationReapplies the scene change that Undo just took back.
Ctrl+Y
CloneOpens the Clone Options dialog for the selection; it is not a clipboard paste.
Ctrl+V
Delete ObjectsRemoves whatever is selected from the scene.
Delete
AlignOpens the Align dialog against a picked target.
Alt+A
Quick AlignAligns the selection to a target in one step.
Shift+A
Normal AlignAligns using surface normals you pick on each object.
Alt+N
Spacing ToolDistributes clones along a path or between points.
Shift+I
HoldStores the scene in a temporary buffer that Fetch can restore.
Ctrl+H
FetchRestores the scene saved by Hold.
Ctrl+Alt+F
Group AttachAdds the selection to an existing group.
Ctrl+U
New SceneClears the current work and starts an empty scene.
Ctrl+N
Open FileShows the file browser for loading a saved scene.
Ctrl+O
Save FileSaves the open scene under the name it already has.
Ctrl+S
Save File AsSaves the scene under a different name or location you choose.
Ctrl+Shift+S
Save IncrementalSaves with an auto-incremented version number.
Ctrl+Alt+S
Physical camera from viewCreates a Physical camera that matches the active perspective view, so this chord never copies.
Ctrl+CorAlt+Shift+C
Standard camera from viewCreates a standard camera, not a Physical one, matching the active perspective view.
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+C
Asset Tracking ToggleShows or closes the dialog that lists the scene's external files.
Shift+T
Viewport navigation 22
Action
Windows
Maximize Viewport ToggleExpands the active viewport to full screen and back.
Alt+W
Zoom Extents SelectedFrames the current selection in the active viewport.
Z
Zoom ExtentsFrames the whole scene in the active viewport.
Ctrl+Alt+Z
Zoom Extents AllFrames the whole scene in every viewport.
Ctrl+Shift+Z
Zoom ModeActivates the zoom tool so dragging in a viewport magnifies it.
Alt+Z
Zoom Region ModeDrag a rectangle to zoom into it.
Ctrl+W
Zoom Viewport InMoves the active view one step closer; either key works.
[orCtrl+=
Zoom Viewport OutMoves the active view one step further away; either key works.
]orCtrl+-
Zoom In 2XSteps the active viewport zoom in by a factor of two.
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Z
Pan ViewportPans the viewport to centre on the cursor.
I
Pan ViewActivates the pan tool for dragging the view sideways or vertically.
Ctrl+P
Orbit View ModeActivates the orbit tool for rotating the view around the scene.
Ctrl+R
Undo Viewport OperationUndoes the last camera move, not the last scene edit.
Shift+Z
Redo Viewport OperationReapplies the view change that Shift + Z just reverted.
Shift+Y
Home ViewReturns to the ViewCube home orientation.
Alt+Home
Virtual Viewport ToggleUses the slash key of the numeric keypad, not the main keyboard.
Num /
Virtual Viewport Zoom InNeeds the plus key of the numeric keypad.
Num +
Virtual Viewport Zoom OutNeeds the minus key of the numeric keypad.
Num -
Virtual Viewport Pan Up
Num 8
Virtual Viewport Pan Down
Num 2
Virtual Viewport Pan Left
Num 4
Virtual Viewport Pan Right
Num 6
Views 12
Action
Windows
Top ViewSwitches the active viewport to top.
T
Front ViewSwitches the active viewport to front.
F
Left ViewSwitches the active viewport to left.
L
Perspective User ViewChanges the active viewport to a free perspective projection.
P
Orthographic User ViewChanges the active viewport to a free orthographic projection.
U
Camera ViewLooks through a scene camera in the active viewport.
C
Spot/Directional Light ViewLooks through the selected spot or directional light.
Shift+4
WalkThrough View ModeStarts walkthrough navigation in a Perspective or Camera viewport.
Up
Redraw All ViewsForces every viewport to refresh its display at once.
`
Show Floating DialogsBrings hidden floating dialogs back to front.
Ctrl+`
Adaptive Degradation ToggleLets viewports drop quality to hold frame rate.
O
Disable ViewportStops the active viewport from updating.
Ctrl+Shift+D
Viewport display 26
Action
Windows
Wireframe / Smooth+Highlights ToggleFlips the active viewport between wireframe and shaded display.
F3
View Edged Faces ToggleOverlays wireframe on the shaded view.
F4
Shade Selected Faces ToggleTints the faces picked at sub-object level so they stand out.
F2
High Quality Viewport LightingSwitches viewport lighting and shadows to high quality.
Shift+F3
Default / Scene Lights ToggleSwitches viewport lighting between default and scene lights.
Ctrl+L
See-Through display toggleDraws the selected objects semi-transparent so geometry behind them shows.
Alt+X
Hide SelectionRemoves the selected objects from view without deleting them.
Alt+H
Hide UnselectedLeaves only the selected objects visible in the viewports.
Alt+I
Unhide AllMakes every hidden object in the scene visible again.
Alt+U
Isolate SelectionTemporarily hides everything else so only the selection remains on screen.
Alt+Q
Isolate Selection ToggleSwitches isolation on, and off again to bring the other objects back.
Ctrl+Alt+Q
Hide Grids ToggleShows or hides the home grid.
G
Hide Cameras ToggleShows or hides every camera object in the viewports.
Shift+C
Hide Geometry ToggleShows or hides all geometry objects in the viewports.
Shift+G
Hide Helpers ToggleShows or hides every helper object in the viewports.
Shift+H
Hide Lights ToggleShows or hides every light object in the viewports.
Shift+L
Hide Particle Systems ToggleShows or hides the emitters and particles of every system in the viewports.
Shift+P
Hide Shapes ToggleShows or hides splines and other shape objects in the viewports.
Shift+S
Hide Space Warps ToggleShows or hides the icons of space warp objects in the viewports.
Shift+W
Show Statistics ToggleOverlays polygon and frame-rate counters on the active viewport.
7
Viewport Safe Frames ToggleOutlines the area of the viewport that the render will include.
Shift+F
Expert Mode ToggleHides all UI chrome for a full-screen viewport.
Ctrl+Alt+X
Viewport BackgroundOpens the settings for the image or colour behind the active view.
Alt+B
Update Background ImageReloads the picture shown behind the viewport after it changes.
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+B
Selection/Preview Highlights ToggleTurns hover and selection outlines on or off.
Alt+J
Show Selection Bracket ToggleControls the white corner brackets drawn around selected objects.
Shift+J
Quad menus 9
With the Maya interaction mode active, Alt + right-click zooms the viewport instead of opening the animation quad menu (Camera viewports excepted).
Action
Windows
Viewports quad menuOpens the viewports quad menu at the cursor.
V
Windows quad menuOpens the quad menu set that Autodesk's table names Windows.
J
Lock (quad menu set)Listed under Quad Menu Sets, apart from Selection Lock Toggle in the vendor table.
Space
Snap quad menuShows snap options and settings at the cursor in a standard viewport.
Shift+Right-click
Animation quad menuOffers coordinate system, skin pose and keyframe tools; in Maya mode it zooms instead.
Alt+Right-click
Modeling quad menuOffers tools for creating primitives and editing editable geometry.
Ctrl+Right-click
Lighting and render quad menuOffers render, effects and environment commands plus object property toggles.
Ctrl+Alt+Right-click
Custom quad menuEmpty by default; fill it from the Quads panel of Customize User Interface.
Ctrl+Shift+Right-click
Custom quad menuA second unassigned set reserved for a quad menu of your own.
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Right-click
Modeling modes 23
Action
Windows
Sub-Object Level 1Jumps to the first sub-object level, vertex on an editable poly.
1
Sub-Object Level 2Jumps to the second level, edge on an editable poly.
2
Sub-Object Level 3Jumps to the third level, border on an editable poly.
3
Sub-Object Level 4Jumps to the fourth level, polygon on an editable poly.
4
Sub-Object Level 5Jumps to the fifth level, element on an editable poly.
5
Show End ResultShows the end of the modifier stack while editing lower down.
Alt+`
Extrude Face (Poly)Extrudes the polygons selected on an editable poly object.
Alt+Shift+E
Select Sub-object LoopSelects the edge loop through the current edge.
Alt+L
Select Sub-object RingSelects the edge ring across the current edge.
Alt+R
Grow Selection (Poly)Expands the sub-object selection outward by one step.
Ctrl+Page UporCtrl+Up
Shrink Selection (Poly)Contracts the sub-object selection inward by one step.
Ctrl+Page DownorCtrl+Down
Soft Selection Toggle (Poly)Switches falloff-based soft selection on or off for sub-object edits.
Shift+B
Ignore Backfacing Toggle (Poly)Restricts sub-object picking to faces toward the camera.
Alt+Shift+X
Refine (Spline)Lets you click on an editable spline to insert vertices.
Alt+Shift+1
Swift LoopPolyTools command that places edge loops interactively with a click.
Alt+1
Set FlowPolyTools command that adjusts edges to follow the surrounding surface curvature.
Alt+2
Insert LoopPolyTools command for adding an edge loop to the mesh.
Alt+3
PolyShift MovePolyTools command that drags sub-objects across the mesh surface.
Alt+4
Spin EdgePolyTools command that turns an edge within its neighbouring polygons.
Alt+5
Straighten LoopsPolyTools command that lines up the selected edge loops.
Alt+Shift+2
Circle LoopsPolyTools command that rounds the selected loops into circles.
Alt+Shift+3
Geo PolyPolyTools command that regularises the shape of the selected polygon.
Alt+Shift+4
Geometry Selection Visibility ToggleProjection modifier: shows or hides the geometry selection.
Alt+G
Poly and mesh editing 26
Action
Windows
Attach (poly and mesh)Adds another picked object to the one being edited; same key in Edit Poly and Editable Mesh.
Alt+Shift+D
Detach selectionSeparates the selected sub-objects into another element or object.
Ctrl+Alt+D
Extrude Mode (poly and mesh)Starts interactive extrusion in Edit Poly and Editable Mesh; drag to set the height.
Shift+E
Extrude along SplineLets you pick a spline that the selected polygons are extruded along.
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E
Bevel ModeStarts interactive bevelling of polygons in poly and mesh editing.
Ctrl+Shift+B
Chamfer ModeStarts interactive chamfering of the current sub-object selection.
Ctrl+Shift+C
ConnectCreates new edges between the selected vertices or edges.
Ctrl+Shift+E
Cut toolStarts the Cut tool for drawing new edges across the surface.
Alt+C
Quickslice ModeLets you slice the mesh with a line drawn between two clicks.
Ctrl+Shift+Q
Cap borderCloses an open border loop with a polygon in Edit Poly.
Alt+P
Break verticesSplits the selected vertices so adjoining faces no longer share them.
Shift+R
Collapse selectionMerges the selected sub-objects into a single vertex.
Ctrl+Alt+C
Target Weld ModeLets you drag one vertex onto another to weld the pair.
Ctrl+Shift+W
Weld Selected (mesh)Editable Mesh only: welds the selected vertices that fall within the weld threshold.
Alt+Shift+W
Edge Turn (mesh)Editable Mesh only: rotates an edge inside the two faces it divides.
Ctrl+T
Make PlanarFlattens the selected sub-objects onto one plane; listed for Edit Poly only.
Alt+M
MeshSmooth selectionApplies MeshSmooth subdivision to the current sub-object selection.
Ctrl+M
Constrain to EdgesLimits sub-object moves to sliding along existing edges.
Shift+X
Repeat Last OperationApplies the previous poly-editing command again to the new selection.
;
Edit Soft Selection modeAdjusts soft-selection falloff in the viewport; shared by Edit Poly, Mesh, Patch, Spline and the Select modifiers.
B
Hide sub-objectsAt a sub-object level, hides the selected faces or vertices instead of whole objects.
Alt+H
Hide unselected sub-objectsHides the sub-objects that are not selected while editing a poly.
Alt+I
Unhide all sub-objectsBrings back the faces and vertices hidden at sub-object level.
Alt+U
Extrude polygon by draggingWorks with the Move tool active on a polygon selection.
Shift+Drag
Clone polygon by draggingWith the Move tool active, drags off a copy of the polygons.
Ctrl+Shift+Drag
Inset polygon by draggingNeeds the Scale tool active instead of Move.
Shift+Drag
Edit Normals modifier 12
Action
Windows
Normal LevelPicks individual normals directly rather than by vertex, edge or face.
1
Vertex Level (Edit Normals)Selects normals through the vertices they belong to.
2
Edge Level (Edit Normals)Selects normals through the edges they belong to.
3
Face Level (Edit Normals)Selects normals through the faces they belong to.
4
Object Level (Edit Normals)Leaves normal sub-object selection and returns to the whole modifier.
5
Break NormalsSeparates unified normals back into one normal per face.
Shift+R
Unify NormalsMerges the selected normals at each vertex into one.
U
Make Explicit (normals)Converts the selected normals to explicit ones that keep their direction.
E
Specify NormalsConverts the selected normals to the specified type.
S
Reset NormalsReturns the selected normals to their unmodified, computed state.
R
Copy NormalStores the orientation of the selected normal for pasting.
Ctrl+C
Paste NormalApplies the copied orientation to the selected normals.
Ctrl+V
Unwrap UVW mapping and editing 35
Action
Windows
Edit UVWsOpens the Edit UVWs dialog of the modifier.
Ctrl+E
Unwrap OptionsOpens the options dialog of the Edit UVWs window.
O
Freeform ModeSwitches the UV editor to the freeform tool for move, rotate and scale.
Q
Texture Vertex Move ModeMove tool of the UV editor, replacing Select and Move there.
W
Texture Vertex Rotate ModeRotate tool of the UV editor for the selected texture vertices.
E
Texture Vertex Scale ModeScale tool of the UV editor for the selected texture vertices.
R
Rotate +90Turns the selected UVs by a quarter turn in the positive direction.
Ctrl+Left
Rotate -90Turns the selected UVs by a quarter turn in the negative direction.
Ctrl+Right
Align HorizontalLines up the selected texture vertices horizontally in the UV editor.
Shift+H
Align VerticalLines up the selected texture vertices vertically in the UV editor.
Shift+V
Align to EdgeOrients the UV selection by the edge that is selected.
Shift+E
Straighten EdgesEvens out the selected UV edges into straight lines.
Shift+F
Break Selected VerticesSplits the selected texture vertices so no UV polygons share them.
Shift+R
Detach Edge VertsSplits the selection off as its own UV element.
Ctrl+Alt+D
Texture Vertex Weld SelectedJoins the selected texture vertices together in the UV editor.
Alt+Shift+W
Texture Vertex Target WeldLets you drag one texture vertex onto another to merge them.
Ctrl+Shift+W
StitchJoins the selected UV edges to the edges they share in the mesh.
Shift+S
Relax UVsRuns Relax with its default settings on the selected texture vertices.
Shift+X
Relax Brush Type CycleHold it to swap the UV Paint brush for the Relax brush.
Alt+R
UV Paint MovementActivates the brush that moves UVs by painting over them.
Alt+4
Pack UVsArranges the selected UV elements so they do not overlap.
Shift+A
Planar map facesApplies a planar projection to the current selection.
Enter
Quick Planar MapApplies planar mapping to the selected polygons in one step.
Shift+Q
Cylindrical MappingProjects the selected polygons with a cylindrical map.
Shift+C
Flatten by Smoothing GroupLays out UV clusters split along smoothing-group borders.
Ctrl+Shift+S
Unfold3D PeelRuns a Peel unwrap on the selected UVs.
Ctrl+Q
Add edges to pelt seamTurns the selected edges into pelt seams, keeping the seams already there.
Shift+P
Replace pelt seam with edgesTurns the selected edges into the only pelt seams, discarding earlier ones.
Ctrl+Shift+P
Copy (Unwrap UVW)Stores the texture coordinates of the selected polygons for pasting.
Ctrl+C
Paste (Unwrap UVW)Applies the stored texture coordinates to the selected polygons.
Ctrl+V
Snap (Unwrap UVW)Switches snapping on or off in the UV editor.
S
Grid Visible (Unwrap UVW)Shows or hides the grid of the UV editor.
G
Show MapShows or hides the texture image behind the UVs.
Shift+M
Update MapRefreshes the texture image shown in the editor.
U
Show Seams In ViewportShows or hides cluster seams on the model; needs focus in the Edit UVWs dialog.
Alt+E
Unwrap UVW selection and view 21
Action
Windows
TV Element ModeSwitches UV selection to whole elements; TV stands for texture vertex.
4
TV Loop SelectExtends the UV edge selection around its loop.
Alt+L
TV Ring SelectExtends the UV edge selection across its ring.
Alt+R
Texture Vertex Expand SelectionGrows the selection in the Edit UVWs dialog by one step.
Ctrl+Page UporCtrl+Up
Texture Vertex Contract SelectionShrinks the selection in the Edit UVWs dialog by one step.
Ctrl+Page DownorCtrl+Down
Grow (Unwrap UVW)Listed beside Texture Vertex Expand Selection, which shares this key.
Ctrl+Page Up
Shrink (Unwrap UVW)Listed beside Texture Vertex Contract Selection, which shares this key.
Ctrl+Page Down
Soft Selection (Unwrap UVW)Switches soft selection on or off for UV editing.
Shift+B
Lock Selected VerticesFixes the selection so nothing can be added or removed.
Ctrl+L
Filter Selected PolygonsWhen on, the editor shows only polygons selected in the viewport.
Alt+F
Ignore Back PolygonsWhen on, only polygons facing you can be selected in the viewport.
Alt+Shift+X
Freeze SelectedLocks the selected UVs so they can no longer be picked.
Ctrl+F
Unfreeze AllMakes all frozen UV elements selectable again.
Ctrl+Shift+F
Hide Selected (Unwrap UVW)Removes the selected UVs from the editor display.
Alt+H
Unhide All (Unwrap UVW)Brings back every UV element hidden in the editor.
Alt+U
Pan (Unwrap UVW)Activates panning of the UV editor window.
Ctrl+P
Zoom (Unwrap UVW)Activates drag-to-zoom in the UV editor window.
Alt+Z
Zoom Region (Unwrap UVW)Magnifies a rectangle dragged in the UV editor.
Ctrl+W
Zoom Extents (Unwrap UVW)Fits all UVs inside the editor window.
Ctrl+Alt+Z
Zoom Extents Selected (Unwrap UVW)Fits the selected UVs inside the editor window.
Z
Zoom To GizmoFrames the area of the transform gizmo in the UV editor.
Shift+Space
Material editors 30
Action
Windows
Material Editor ToggleOpens or closes whichever material editor is active, Compact or Slate.
M
Assign Material to SelectionApplies the active material to the selected objects; same key in the Compact and Slate editors.
A
Get MaterialOpens the Material/Map Browser from the Compact Material Editor.
O
Go to ParentCompact editor: moves one level up in the current material.
Up
Go Forward to SiblingCompact editor: moves to the next map at the same level.
Right
Go Backward to SiblingCompact editor: moves to the previous map at the same level.
Left
Make PreviewCompact editor: builds an animated preview of the active sample slot.
F9
Material/Map BrowserShows or hides the browser panel of the Slate Material Editor.
O
Navigator (Slate)Shows or hides the Navigator panel of the Slate editor.
N
Parameter Editor (Slate)Shows or hides the panel with the selected node's settings.
P
Select Tool (Slate)Returns to the pointer for selecting and moving nodes.
Q
Pan Tool (Slate)Activates dragging of the active node view.
Ctrl+P
Pan to SelectedScrolls the active view to the selected node.
Alt+P
Zoom Tool (Slate)Activates drag-to-zoom in the node view.
Alt+Z
Zoom Region Tool (Slate)Magnifies a rectangle dragged in the node view.
Ctrl+W
Zoom Extents (Slate)Fits all nodes of the active view in the window.
Ctrl+Alt+Z
Zoom Extents Selected (Slate)Fits the selected nodes in the Slate view.
Z
Select All (Slate)Selects every node in the active Slate view.
Ctrl+A
Select None (Slate)Deselects all nodes in the active Slate view.
Ctrl+D
Select Invert (Slate)Swaps selected and unselected nodes in the active view.
Ctrl+I
Select Children (Slate)Adds the child nodes of the selected node.
Shift+Page Down
Select TreeSelects the whole tree that the selected node belongs to.
Ctrl+T
Move Children (Slate)When on, dragging a node carries its child nodes along.
Alt+C
Lay Out AllArranges every node in the active Slate view automatically.
L
Lay Out ChildrenArranges the child nodes of the selected node automatically.
C
Hide Unused NodeslotsCollapses the selected nodes to show only the slots that are wired.
H
Rename (Slate)Lets you type another name for the selected node.
F2
Delete Selected (Slate)Removes the selected nodes or wires from the active view.
Delete
Update Selected PreviewsRe-renders the preview thumbnails of the selected nodes.
U
Show Grid (Slate)Shows or hides the grid behind the material nodes.
G
Rendering 16
Action
Windows
RenderStarts a render of the active viewport with the current settings.
Shift+QorShift+F9
Render LastRepeats the render using the viewport and settings of the previous one.
F9
Render SetupOpens the dialog where renderer, output size and frame range are set.
F10
Environment Dialog ToggleShows or closes the Environment and Effects window.
8
Advanced Lighting PanelBrings up the panel holding the advanced lighting settings.
9
Create Animated Sequence FileOpens the dialog for writing a preview animation of the viewport.
Shift+V
Draw Region (ActiveShade)In an ActiveShade window, lets you drag out the area to re-render.
D
Initialize (ActiveShade)Re-runs the initialization pass when an ActiveShade window is active.
P
Render (ActiveShade)Takes over the Render Last key while an ActiveShade window is active.
F9
Select Object (ActiveShade)Returns to object selection while working in an ActiveShade window.
Q
Update (ActiveShade)Refreshes the ActiveShade result after scene changes.
U
Execute Sequence (Video Post)Runs the Video Post queue when that window is active.
F9
New Sequence (Video Post)Clears the Video Post queue to begin another sequence.
Ctrl+Shift+N
Pan (Video Post)Activates panning inside the Video Post window.
Ctrl+P
Zoom Extents (Video Post)Fits the whole Video Post queue in its window.
Ctrl+Alt+Z
Zoom Region (Video Post)Magnifies a dragged area of the Video Post window.
Ctrl+W
Animation and scripting 14
Keyboard Shortcut Override is on by default. Switched off, only the Main UI keys respond and the editor, modifier and character maps stop working.
Action
Windows
Auto Key Mode ToggleTurns automatic keyframing on or off, so changes are recorded as keys.
N
Set KeysRecords the selected objects' current state at this frame.
K
Play AnimationStarts playback in the active viewport, or stops it.
/
Go to Start FrameMoves the time slider to the first frame of the active range.
Home
Go to End FrameMoves the time slider to the last frame of the active range.
End
Backup Time One UnitMoves the time slider one frame earlier.
,
Forward Time One UnitMoves the time slider one frame later.
.
Sound ToggleTurns audio playback on or off.
\
Add/Edit Parameters (Track View)A Track View command that Autodesk lists in the Main UI group.
Ctrl+1
Set Max InfluenceWorks in the Reaction Manager window on the highlighted reaction.
Ctrl+I
Set Min InfluenceReaction Manager counterpart of the maximum-influence key.
Alt+I
MAXScript ListenerOpens the window where MAXScript commands are typed and their output shown.
F11
Launch Global SearchOpens a search box at the cursor for finding any action by name.
X
Keyboard Shortcut Override ToggleSwitches between Main-UI-only and context-specific shortcut maps.
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+X
Track View 31
A key listed in a context category overrides the Main UI command of the same key while that window or modifier is active; when no context binding exists, the Main UI one applies.
Action
Windows
Move KeysActivates the tool for dragging keys in time or value.
M
Add/Remove KeysActivates the tool for inserting keys on tracks or removing them.
K
Nudge Keys LeftShifts the selected keys one frame earlier.
Left
Nudge Keys RightShifts the selected keys one frame later.
Right
Retime Move LeftUsed with the Retime tool: shifts its marker to an earlier time.
Ctrl+Left
Retime Move RightUsed with the Retime tool: shifts its marker to a later time.
Ctrl+Right
Snap FramesWhen on, keys land on whole frames as they are moved.
S
Lock Selection (Track View)Keeps the current key selection from being changed by clicks.
Ctrl+L
Lock Tangents ToggleWhen on, moving one tangent handle moves the handles of all selected keys.
L
Select All (Track View)Works on Track View keys rather than scene objects while that window has focus.
Ctrl+A
Select None (Track View)Clears the selection inside the Track View window.
Ctrl+D
Select Invert (Track View)Reverses which Track View items are selected.
Ctrl+I
Select Children (Track View)Extends the selection to the items nested under it.
Shift+Page Down
Move Highlight UpMoves the track highlight to the item above in the hierarchy list.
Up
Move Highlight DownMoves the track highlight to the item below in the hierarchy list.
Down
Scroll Up (Track View)Scrolls the Track View hierarchy list upward.
Ctrl+Up
Scroll Down (Track View)Scrolls the Track View hierarchy list downward.
Ctrl+Down
Expand Object ToggleOpens or collapses every track under the highlighted object.
O
Expand Track ToggleOpens or collapses the branch under the highlighted track.
EnterorT
Filters (Track View)Opens the dialog that limits which tracks the hierarchy shows.
Alt+F
Assign ControllerOpens the list of controllers for the highlighted track.
C
Copy ControllerCopies the controller of the highlighted track.
Ctrl+C
Paste ControllerPastes the copied controller onto the highlighted track.
Ctrl+V
Make Controller UniqueTurns an instanced controller into an independent copy.
U
Apply Ease CurveAdds an ease curve to the highlighted track to vary its timing.
Ctrl+E
Apply Multiplier CurveAdds a multiplier curve that scales the highlighted track's values.
Ctrl+M
Pan (Track View)Activates panning of the key window by dragging.
Ctrl+P
Zoom (Track View)Activates drag-to-zoom in the key window.
Alt+Z
Zoom Region (Track View)Magnifies a rectangle dragged in the key window.
Ctrl+W
Frame Horizontal ExtentsFits the active time range across the key window.
Ctrl+Alt+Z
Frame Horizontal Extents KeysFits the span between the first and last keys across the window.
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Z
Schematic View 24
Action
Windows
Use Select ToolReturns to the pointer for selecting Schematic View nodes.
Q
Use Connect ToolActivates the tool for linking one node to another by dragging.
C
Use Pan ToolActivates panning inside the Schematic View window.
Ctrl+P
Use Zoom ToolActivates drag-to-zoom inside the Schematic View window.
Alt+Z
Use Zoom Region ToolLets you drag a rectangle in the Schematic View to magnify it.
Ctrl+W
Zoom Extents (Schematic View)Fits every displayed node inside the window.
Ctrl+Alt+Z
Zoom Selected ExtentsFits the selected nodes inside the Schematic View window.
Z
Select All NodesSelects every node shown in the Schematic View.
Ctrl+A
Select None (Schematic View)Deselects all nodes in the Schematic View.
Ctrl+D
Invert Selected NodesSwaps selected and unselected nodes in the Schematic View.
Ctrl+I
Select Children (Schematic View)Adds the child nodes of the current selection.
Shift+Page Down
Hide Selected (Schematic View)Removes the selected nodes from the Schematic View window.
Alt+H
Rename ObjectLets you type another name for the selected Schematic View node.
F2
Free AllReleases every node from the automatic layout rules.
Alt+A
Free SelectedReleases only the selected nodes from the automatic layout rules.
Alt+S
Move Children (Schematic View)When on, dragging a parent node carries its child nodes along.
Alt+C
Toggle ShrinkTurns the shrunken display of marked nodes on or off.
Shift+S
Add BookmarkBookmarks the selected nodes so the view can jump back to them.
B
Next BookmarkPans the Schematic View to the following bookmarked selection.
Right
Previous BookmarkPans the Schematic View back to the bookmark before this one.
Left
Display FloaterShows the floater that controls which relationships are drawn.
D
Filters (Schematic View)Opens the settings that decide which node types are listed.
Alt+F
Show Grid (Schematic View)Shows or hides the grid behind the Schematic View nodes.
G
Refresh ViewRedraws the Schematic View so it matches the scene again.
Ctrl+U
Biped, Physique and skin weights 26
Action
Windows
Set Key (Biped)Sets a key for the selected biped part at the current frame.
K
Copy (Biped)Copies through the Biped Copy/Paste rollout while the Motion panel is active.
Ctrl+C
Paste (Biped)Pastes what the Biped Copy/Paste rollout last copied.
Ctrl+V
Paste Opposite (Biped)Pastes onto the mirrored limb on the other side of the biped.
Ctrl+Shift+V
Reset All Limb KeysBiped action; needs the Motion panel and Keyboard Shortcut Override on.
Alt+K
Move All: CollapseA Biped action tied to Move All mode.
Alt+M
Set Animation RangeResets the animation length to the span of the biped's footsteps.
Alt+R
Fix GraphsLooks for problems in the biped motion and offers to repair them.
Ctrl+Alt+F
Scale In TransformToggle that strips scale from the biped; meant for export through the SDK, not animating.
Ctrl+Alt+E
Toggle Biped keys in trackbarShows or hides biped keys on the track bar.
Alt+T
Select start of footstepsTrack View: picks the start edge of the selected footstep keys.
Alt+A
Select end of footstepsTrack View: picks the end edge of the selected footstep keys.
Alt+D
Select entire footstepTrack View: picks the whole of each selected footstep key.
Alt+S
Copy EnvelopeCopies the envelope settings of the selected Physique link.
Ctrl+C
Paste EnvelopeApplies the copied envelope settings to the selected link.
Ctrl+V
Reset EnvelopesReturns the envelopes of the selected links to default values.
Ctrl+E
Next (Physique)Moves forward through the items of the current Physique sub-object level.
Page Down
Previous (Physique)Moves backward through the items of the current Physique sub-object level.
Page Up
Delete (Physique)Acts on the selected Physique sub-object while the modifier is being edited.
Delete
Toggle Paint mode (PaintWeight)Starts or stops brush painting; Autodesk files it under the PaintWeight group.
B
Copy (Weight Table)Copies the selected weights in the Skin modifier's Weight Table.
Ctrl+C
Paste (Weight Table)Pastes copied weights into the selected Weight Table cells.
Ctrl+V
Select All (Weight Table)Selects every entry listed in the Weight Table.
Ctrl+A
Select None (Weight Table)Deselects every entry of the Skin Weight Table.
Ctrl+D
Select Invert (Weight Table)Reverses which Weight Table entries are selected.
Ctrl+I
Solve (Crowd)Starts solving the crowd simulation; either key works.
SorF9
Hair styling 38
Action
Windows
Hair SelectReturns from the brush to selecting guide vertices.
Q
Hair BrushSwitches to the styling brush for combing guides by dragging.
Ctrl+B
Hair CutSwitches to the tool that trims guide hairs under the brush.
Alt+C
Brush TranslateSets the styling brush to move hairs in the drag direction.
Ctrl+Shift+1
Brush StandSets the styling brush to push hairs upright from the surface.
Ctrl+Shift+2
Brush PuffSets the styling brush to lift hairs from the roots.
Ctrl+Shift+3
Brush ClumpSets the styling brush to pull hairs toward each other.
Ctrl+Shift+4
Brush RotateSets the styling brush to swirl hairs around the cursor.
Ctrl+Shift+5
Brush ScaleSets the styling brush to lengthen or shorten hairs.
Ctrl+Shift+6
Select by tipSelection mode that picks only the last vertex of each guide.
Ctrl+1
Select whole guideSelection mode in which picking any vertex selects its whole guide.
Ctrl+2
Select guide verticesSelection mode in which individual guide vertices can be picked.
Ctrl+3
Select by rootSelection mode that picks a guide through the vertex at its root.
Ctrl+4
Expand Selection (hair)Grows the guide selection outward by one step.
Ctrl+Page UporCtrl+Up
Invert Selection (hair)Reverses which guide vertices are selected.
Ctrl+I
Rotate Selection (hair)
Ctrl+Shift+R
Hide Selected (hair)Hides the selected guide hairs while styling.
Alt+H
Show Hidden (hair)Brings back the guide hairs hidden earlier.
Alt+U
Lock (hair)Fixes the selected guide vertices so styling tools leave them alone.
Ctrl+L
Unlock (hair)Frees every locked guide vertex for styling again.
Ctrl+Shift+L
Translate (hair)Switches to moving the selected guide vertices.
Ctrl+T
Rotate (hair)Switches to rotating the selected guide vertices.
E
Scale (hair)Switches to scaling the selected guides.
R
Stand (hair)Pushes the selected guides toward a perpendicular position on the surface.
Ctrl+N
Puff (hair)Lifts the selected guides away from the surface at their roots.
Ctrl+P
Clump (hair)Draws the selected guides toward each other.
Ctrl+M
Attenuate (hair)Scales hair length according to the size of the underlying polygons.
Ctrl+Shift+A
Recomb (hair)Makes guides lie parallel to the surface, using their current direction as a hint.
Ctrl+Shift+M
Reset Rest (hair)Averages the hair guides using the growth mesh's connectivity.
Ctrl+Shift+T
Pop SelectedPops the selected hairs out along the surface normal.
Ctrl+Shift+P
Pop ZerosizedLike Pop Selected, but acts only on zero-length hairs.
Ctrl+Shift+Z
Split HairgroupsSplits the selected hairs off into a group of their own.
Ctrl+Shift+-
Merge HairgroupsRecombines the selected hairs into a single group.
Ctrl+Shift+=
Ignore Back HairsWhen on, the brush affects only hairs facing the view.
Alt+Shift+X
Soft Falloff (hair)
Ctrl+Shift+F
Toggle CollisionsSwitches hair collision checking on or off while styling.
Ctrl+Shift+C
Toggle HairsShows or hides the generated hairs, leaving the guides visible.
Ctrl+Shift+I
Undo (hair styling)Steps back through styling changes while Style Hair is active.
Ctrl+Z
Particle Flow 24
Action
Windows
Particle View ToggleShows or closes the Particle View dialog.
6
Selected Particle Emission ToggleTurns emission on or off only for particle systems whose icons are selected.
Shift+;
Select All (Particle View)Picks every event, action and wire in the window.
Ctrl+A
Copy in Particle ViewCopies the selected events and operators; specific to the Particle View window.
Ctrl+C
Paste (Particle View)Inserts the copied events and operators into the event display.
Ctrl+V
Reset Particle ViewReturns the Particle View window to its default layout.
Ctrl+Alt+R
Clean Up Particle FlowWorks only with Keyboard Shortcut Override on, like every key in this group.
Ctrl+Alt+P
Open PFlow Preset ManagerOpens the dialog for saving and loading Particle Flow presets.
Ctrl+Alt+M
Repair PFlow Cache System
Ctrl+Alt+C
Synchronize Particle Flow Layers
Ctrl+Alt+L
Select All (Data View)Selects every suboperator shown in a Data Operator's Data View.
Ctrl+A
Select None (Data View)Deselects all suboperators in Data View.
Ctrl+D
Copy in Data ViewCopies the selected suboperators in a Data Operator's Data View.
Ctrl+C
Cut in Data ViewRemoves the selected suboperators and keeps them for pasting.
Ctrl+X
Paste (Data View)Inserts the copied or cut suboperators.
Ctrl+V
Rename suboperatorLets you type another name for the selected Data View suboperator.
F2
Move selected up (Data View)Nudges the selected suboperators one step higher in Data View.
W
Move selected down (Data View)Nudges the selected suboperators one step lower in Data View.
S
Move selected left (Data View)Nudges the selected suboperators one step to the left.
A
Move selected right (Data View)Nudges the selected suboperators one step to the right.
D
Move selected up x10 (Data View)Same nudge upward, ten steps at a time.
Shift+W
Move selected down x10 (Data View)Same nudge downward, ten steps at a time.
Shift+S
Move selected left x10 (Data View)Same nudge leftward, ten steps at a time.
Shift+A
Move selected right x10 (Data View)Same nudge rightward, ten steps at a time.
Shift+D
Walkthrough, SteeringWheels and ViewCube 19
The walkthrough keys act only after walkthrough navigation has been started (Up), and only in Perspective and Camera viewports; a right-click ends the mode.
Action
Windows
Walk forwardMoves the camera or viewpoint ahead during a walkthrough.
WorUp
Walk backMoves the camera or viewpoint backward during a walkthrough.
SorDown
Walk leftSlides the camera or viewpoint to the left during a walkthrough.
AorLeft
Walk rightSlides the camera or viewpoint to the right during a walkthrough.
DorRight
Walk upRaises the camera or viewpoint during a walkthrough.
EorShift+Up
Walk downLowers the camera or viewpoint during a walkthrough.
CorShift+Down
Accelerate ToggleMakes walkthrough motion quicker until pressed again.
Q
Decelerate ToggleMakes walkthrough motion slower until pressed again.
Z
Increase Step SizeEnlarges the distance each walkthrough move covers; repeat to grow it further.
]
Decrease Step SizeReduces the distance each walkthrough move covers; repeat to shrink it further.
[
Reset Step SizeRestores the default walkthrough step size.
Alt+[
Lock Vertical RotationLocks the vertical axis so dragging tilts the view only horizontally.
Space
Level viewRemoves any tilt or roll so the walkthrough view is upright.
Shift+Space
Toggle SteeringWheelsShows or hides the wheel that follows the cursor.
Shift+W
Tour Building WheelSwitches to the wheel variant made for walking through building models.
Ctrl+Shift+J
Increase Walk SpeedSpeeds up movement of the SteeringWheels Walk tool.
Ctrl+Shift+.
Decrease Walk SpeedSlows movement of the SteeringWheels Walk tool.
Ctrl+Shift+,
ViewCube HomeRestores the home view saved for the ViewCube.
Ctrl+Alt+H
Toggle ViewCube VisibilityShows or hides the ViewCube in the viewports.
Ctrl+Alt+V
NURBS and FFD 26
Action
Windows
Top level (NURBS)Leaves the NURBS sub-object levels.
Alt+Shift+T
Surface level (NURBS)Goes to whole surface sub-objects of the NURBS model.
Alt+Shift+S
Surface CV level (NURBS)Goes to the control vertices of NURBS surfaces.
Alt+Shift+V
Curve level (NURBS)Goes to whole curve sub-objects of the NURBS model.
Alt+Shift+C
Curve CV level (NURBS)Goes to the control vertices of NURBS curves.
Alt+Shift+Z
Point level (NURBS)Goes to the points of point curves and point surfaces.
Alt+Shift+P
Imports level (NURBS)Goes to the objects imported into the NURBS model.
Alt+Shift+I
Select NURBS sub-object by nameOpens a name list of the NURBS sub-objects at the current level.
H
Select Next in UMoves the CV or point selection one step forward along U.
Ctrl+Right
Select Previous in UMoves the CV or point selection one step back along U.
Ctrl+Left
Select Next in VMoves the CV or point selection one step forward along V.
Ctrl+Up
Select Previous in VMoves the CV or point selection one step back along V.
Ctrl+Down
Lock 2D SelectionNURBS-specific lock, separate from the scene Selection Lock Toggle.
Ctrl+L
Soft Selection (NURBS)Switches soft selection on or off for NURBS sub-objects.
Shift+B
CV Constrained Normal MoveLimits CV movement to the surface normal direction.
Alt+N
CV Constrained U MoveLimits CV movement to the U direction of the surface.
Alt+U
CV Constrained V MoveLimits CV movement to the V direction of the surface.
Alt+V
Display Curves (NURBS)Shows or hides the curves of the NURBS model.
Ctrl+Shift+C
Display Shaded LatticeShows or hides the control lattice in shaded viewports.
Alt+L
Tessellation preset 1Applies the first of the three surface approximation presets.
Alt+1
Tessellation preset 2Applies the second of the three surface approximation presets.
Alt+2
Tessellation preset 3Applies the third of the three surface approximation presets.
Alt+3
Top level (FFD)Leaves the FFD sub-object levels.
Alt+Shift+T
Control Point level (FFD)Goes to the control points of an FFD modifier for editing.
Alt+Shift+C
Lattice level (FFD)Goes to the FFD lattice, which can be moved apart from the geometry.
Alt+Shift+L
Set Volume level (FFD)Goes to the level where control points adjust without deforming the object.
Alt+Shift+S
No row on this page matches that filter.
Notes
The four keys that carry a session
3ds Max puts its most-used actions on the home row of the left hand: W move, E rotate, R scale, Q select. Autodesk labels the last two “Smart Scale” and “Smart Select” in the shortcut table, which is why searching for “scale hotkey” in the help sometimes comes up empty. Around them sit the constraint keys: F5, F6 and F7 lock the transform to X, Y and Z, F8 cycles the plane locks, and F12 opens numeric entry when eyeballing it is not good enough. Getting into the habit of pressing an axis key before dragging removes most of the accidental-drift problems that beginners blame on the gizmo.
Viewport keys are a separate vocabulary
The one that surprises people is Shift + Z: it undoes a camera move, not a scene edit. Scene undo is Ctrl + Z, and the two histories are independent, which means you can orbit around freely without burning undo steps. The zoom family is similarly split: Z frames the selection, Ctrl + Alt + Z frames the whole scene, and Ctrl + Shift + Z does it in every viewport at once. Alt + W maximises the active viewport and is worth binding to muscle memory early. For display, F3 flips wireframe and shaded, F4 overlays edges on the shaded view, and Alt + X makes the selection see-through so you can work on what is behind it.
One key that is not what it looks like
Ctrl + V is Clone, not paste. It opens the Clone Options dialog and asks whether you want a copy, an instance or a reference — a genuinely different operation from a clipboard paste, and a common source of confusion for artists arriving from other packages. In the same spirit, Ctrl + C creates a camera from the current view rather than copying anything. Those are Main UI bindings. In the context-specific maps listed further down — Edit Normals, Track View, Unwrap UVW, Biped, Particle View — the same two chords do copy and paste normals, controllers, UVs or events, and the same letter can mean something else entirely in each window; the Keyboard Shortcut Override toggle on Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X decides whether those context maps are active.
Questions
Why does Ctrl + V clone instead of paste?
Because in 3ds Max cloning is the modelling operation and there is no general clipboard paste for objects. Ctrl + V opens Clone Options so you can choose Copy, Instance or Reference. Watch out for Ctrl + C too — it creates a physical camera from the current view.
What is the difference between the Z and Ctrl + Alt + Z zoom keys?
Z is Zoom Extents Selected: it frames whatever is selected. Ctrl + Alt + Z is Zoom Extents: it frames the entire scene. If nothing is selected the two look similar, which is why the distinction is easy to miss.
Shift + Z undid my camera move instead of my edit. Is that a bug?
No. 3ds Max keeps viewport history separate from scene history. Shift + Z and Shift + Y step through camera moves; Ctrl + Z and Ctrl + Y step through scene changes.
Is there a hotkey for Group?
Not in Autodesk’s default table. Group itself lives on the menu; the only default hotkey in the Groups category is Ctrl + U for Group Attach. Lists that show Ctrl+G for Group are describing a custom map, not the shipped one.
How do I hide everything except what I am working on?
Alt + I hides everything unselected, and Alt + U brings it all back. Alt + Q isolates the selection into its own temporary view, which is cleaner for detailed work because it does not touch the hidden flags on your objects.
Why do the same letters do different things in different windows?
3ds Max resolves context-specific shortcuts first, then falls back to the Main UI map. That is why Q is Smart Select in the viewport but Freeform Mode inside Unwrap UVW. The Keyboard Shortcut Override toggle, Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X, is what controls this behaviour.
How do I zoom extents in 3ds Max when the model disappears?
Press Ctrl + Alt + Z. Zoom Extents frames the whole scene in the active viewport, which brings a model back into view after a stray pan or zoom. Ctrl + Shift + Z does the same in every viewport at once.
Because the command fits everything in the scene, one object lying far away from the rest can leave the model very small. In that case select the model and press Z, which frames only the selection. If the viewport still looks empty, the objects may be hidden: Alt + U unhides all of them.