Todays Quicktip is closely linked to Tip number 74, found here.
We follow on from this quicktip by looking at how we can store these swatches for multiple use, over multiple sessions.
We again look at a very underused tool. Inside of 3ds Max we are able to store colour swatches on a clipboard tool. This is incredibly useful when we want to revisit colour palettes or want a visual reminder of our intended colour palette when setting up other materials. I will often add the main key colour tones to this, so I never lose track of materials and lighting when setting up the overall look and feel.
The process of using a colour clipboard is somewhat tucked away inside of 3ds Max so lets have a look at where it’s hiding:
1. Navigate to the ‘Utilities Rollout’ shown in the image below:
2. Select the fourth button, ‘Color Clipboard’
3. This will load the simplified 2x2 panel interface as shown below. I tend to not use this one, and instead will opt for the more powerful ‘Floater.’ (Is it wrong that ‘Floater’ always makes me chuckle? – Don’t email me, as I think I know the answer.)
4. This then opens an empty 4x3 swatch panel, with added flexibility. This toolset has the benefit of being able to be saved and loaded, for repetitive use or reference.
5. Now treat this as any other 3ds Max swatch palette and simply click in the square to load the colour selector.
As mentioned, I hope this toolset is useful to you and forms part of your workflow, as I’ve found it incredibly useful over the years.
Happy Max’ing
