Using Shift+Clone

Shift+Clone is the primary way to duplicate objects in 3ds Max. You hold down the Shift key and drag during any of the standard transform operations: Move, Rotate, or Scale.

To Shift+Clone an object:

On the main toolbar, click (Move), (Rotate), or (Scale).
Select a transform coordinate system and constraints. Each transform carries its own settings. To avoid surprises, always click the transform button first, and then set your transform coordinate system and constraints.
NoteYou can also use the Transform Gizmo to set axis constraints.
Select the object or set of objects you want to clone. The selection can be a single object, multiple objects, a group, or a sub-object selection.
Hold down the Shift key and drag the selection to apply the transform.
As you drag, a clone is created and selected; it is now the object being transformed. The original object is no longer selected and is unaffected by the transform.

When you release the mouse button, the Clone Options dialog appears. Change settings in this dialog or accept the defaults, and then click OK.

Shift+Clone uses the Clone Options dialog for any transform you choose.

Animating Shift+Clone

You can animate any Shift+Clone operation. See Animating Shift+Rotate and Shift+Scale.

Cloning Without Transforming

Cloning objects with Shift+Clone requires transforming them at the same time, by moving, rotating, or scaling them. In some cases, you might want to clone an object without transforming it in any way. The Edit menu Clone command gives you this option, which lets you create only one clone at a time.

To clone objects without transforming:

Select the object or objects to clone.
Choose Edit menu Clone. The Clone Options dialog appears. This is the same dialog used with Shift+Clone except that there's no Number Of Copies setting. The Clone command lets you create only one copy.
Change settings in this dialog or accept the defaults, and click OK.
NoteThe cloned object occupies the exact same space as the original, and is selected when cloning is complete. Use Select By Name to select the original or reselect the clone.