Most of the visible portions of a scene are created as geometry, which can be simple shapes such as spheres, or more complicated constructions.

Surface models are good for modeling more complex forms, such as organic growths or sculpted objects.

Transforming an object means to move it, rotate it, or scale it. The object's underlying geometry doesn't change.

Modifiers provide a variety of ways to change and edit object geometry.

3ds Max provides various aids for measuring a scene, constructing it with precision, aligning objects, and so on.