Those that know me, will know how much i dislike ‘groups’ within 3d applications. This is primarily around workflow. For example, if you pick up someone else files after they have worked on them, you often have to work through many layers of nested groups before you are able to select the one individual object you want to quickly amend. Luckily 3ds Max has a great system for combating this. Unfortunately, its under-used. The powerful system is called ‘Selection sets.’
The ‘selection sets’ options are found within the main menu bar.
The process is very simple. Select all the object's you require to form a ‘St’ (or dare i say it a ‘group’). Then input a name into the selection set field, and ensure you press Enter on the keyboard, confirming your operation. This selection set is now available from the drop down list, but also allows you to individually select the objects. In-turn speeding up efficiency. You should also start to notice, that selection sets are propagated through many of 3ds Max’s dialogue box's in other workflows, when multiple selections are required.
You should also take the time to explore the options found in the below 'Edit Named Selection Sets' button. This allows you to add/remove/highlight objects in sets, to name but a few of the options available.
Once the above button is selected you are confronted by the below floating dialogue. Giving you the extra control mentioned above.
Its also important to note that selection sets will work on sub selections, such as edit poly faces, an extremely powerful option.
Happy Max’ing.
