Max 5 provides you with several ways to find out about the Max application itself,
the function of the Max objects you use as you program, and the flow of data through a Max patch.
As you navigate using your mouse, the
Clue Window
provides you with help about Max menus, the interface, objects in a Patcher window, and
Max’s various Inspectors, Palettes, and Windows.
Assistance
gives you a brief description of the use of each inlet and outlet
of a Max object in unlocked (or locked) Patcher windows.
The Quickref menu
provides you with a listing of all the messages that
Max object understands, a simple message sending and querying facility, and
access to Mac help files and Reference pages.
Each Max object has its own definitive online
Reference page
and
help file
that provides information about the function of the object and its use. You can consult view
the Max reference and Help files directly from the Max application as you work.
You can search for objects and media using the Max
File Browser,
and save the materials you have for future reference.
You can monitor what is happening in your patch as you work by using
watchpoints -
a kind of “wiretap” for Max patch cords, and the
signal probe.