How to Cheat Maya - Chapter 7

Setting up your Maya file

• Create Reference is similar to 3dsMax's Merge in File.
• Go to File > Create Reference and select Rig file to reference into your scene.
• Create a Camera and go into Camera View
• Go to to Create > Camera, then rename it.
• Go in the Panels menu of your viewport, then Perspective and select the camera you created.
• Turn on the Gates
• Show safe frame in Max is the same in Maya.
• Press the Film Game Button found next to Grid button on the toolbar.
• Create a Quick Selection Set
• Select all the objects you want to group up in a selection set.
• Go to Create > Set > Quick Selection Sets
• A Shelf Button will appear for you to name your selection set.
• To Delete a Selection Set you have to go to the Outline.
• Go to Window > Outline
• Select selection sets and delete.

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• The best way to move keys around is to use the dope sheet.
• Go to Window > Animation Editors > Dopesheet
• In the dope sheet, set the filters to show Scene Summary.
• Select Keys and move them around.
• Manipulate the Manipulator
• When you want to select an object's x and y axis, and not z, then hold down control and select Z.

 I found it easier if you Edit your own (userHotkeys) and set it to read only, other wise Maya will save over it with defaults and screw up your hotkeys.