Universal Naming Convention (UNC)

The 3ds Max network rendering system uses the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) to identify directories and files. UNC names begin with a double backslash and do not include a drive letter. This is the convention:

\\machine_name\directory\subdirectory\filename

To simplify network rendering, use UNC names whenever possible within a 3ds Max scene, even if the directory is on the local machine.

TipWhen entering UNC names, leave off the \\ before the file name until you've entered the entire path and file name. This eliminates search delays when entering UNC path names into file selection dialogs.

Some networks require drive letters instead of UNC names. Directories on such networks can be mounted as drive letters and shared over the network. See Mounting a Directory.