Just like any other programming language, Max has a number of shortcuts, key commands, and other convenient or helpful tools to improve your workflow and patching efficiency.
Here are the very basics that you should commit to memory:
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| command-click any whitespace in patcher | lock/unlock (interaction/editing) |
| option-click on object | open the object's help file |
| command-click on a GUI object (while unlocked) | allows for manipulation of GUI object while patcher is unlocked |
| command-m | open Max Console |
| command-i | open Inspector (click on specific objects or right-click --> Inspector Window for Patcher Inspector) |
| option-drag | select multiple patch cords |
| command-y (with patch cords selected) | auto-align patch cords |
| command-y (with objects selected) | vertical or horizontal align (depending on context) of selected objects |
| option-click+drag | duplicate objects |
| command-d | duplicate objects (auto-alignment if done after using option-click+drag) |
| shift-click inlets/outlets | create multiple patch cords for inlets and outlets |
| b | make a button (bang) |
| c | comment box |
| f | floating point number box |
| i | integer number box |
| m | message box |
| n | new object |
| t | make a toggle (0/1) |
| x | shows a menu describing the key commands |