The Eternal Drama of Previews in 3ds Max 🎬
Creating animation previews in 3ds Max should be simple, but the program seems determined to make you use its favorite player, like a stubborn child who only wants to watch their cartoons. The Make Preview function is useful, but its insistence on automatically opening the Windows Media Player can try the patience of even the most serene user.
The Problem of the Imposed Player
By default, 3ds Max acts like that friend who thinks they know what you need:
- Automatically opens previews with Windows Media Player
- Doesn't offer direct options to change it
- Behaves as if its choice is the only possible one
It's as if the program is saying: "Here's your preview... and you'll watch it the way I like it."
Solutions for Rebels with a Cause
To regain control of your previews, there are a few alternatives:
- Disable auto-playback in preferences
- Manually open the file with your favorite player
- Create custom scripts to automate the process
The more technical users can explore advanced options like:
- Modifying system registry entries
- Using third-party tools
- Creating custom shortcuts
In the end, working with previews in 3ds Max is like negotiating with a teenager: sometimes it's easier to give in and do things their way, even though we know there are better options. 😅
And if all else fails, you can always say the default player is part of the program's "vintage charm"... that usually works to justify other weird things about 3ds Max. 🎞️