You can create polygon primitives using the Shelf, which provides easily-selectable primitive icons. Using the Shelf you can also set a primitive’s options and then save a custom version of that primitive to the Shelf for future use. For more information see Add a tool, action, or Maya script to a shelf.
To create polygon primitives using the Shelf
Depending on how your Interactive Creation options are set the primitive will either appear at the origin, or you will be prompted to click-drag to create the primitive in the scene. For more information see the following: