Packages are a convenient means of bundling objects, media, patchers, and resources for distribution.
A package is simply a folder adhering to a prescribed structure and placed in the 'packages' folder. Folders adhering to this structure can be accessed by Max to integrate seamlessly at launch time.
To install a package, simply copy it to your 'packages' folder. To uninstall a package, simply remove it from your 'packages' folder.
There are two packages folders you may use. One is the 'Max 8/Packages' in your Documents (Mac) or My Documents (Windows) folder. The other (system wide) location is the 'Max 8/Packages' in your /Users/Shared (Mac) or C:\ProgramData (Windows) folder.
You may create your own packages, either for your own use or for distribution to others. The folders (in boldface ) and files (in bold italics ) comprising a package may optionally include the following (items in folders marked with a star will automatically be included in the searchpath):
| * clippings | Patchers to list in the "Paste From..." contextual menu when patching |
| * code | Gen patchers |
| collections | Collections to list in the File Browser that are associated with the package |
| default-definitions | Definition info for Object Defaults support in UI externals |
| default-settings | Saved color schemes for Object Defaults |
| * devices | Max for Live devices (AMXDs) |
| * docs | Reference pages and Vignettes to be accessible from the Documentation Window |
| * examples | Example patchers and supporting material |
| * extensions | Special external objects loaded on Max launch |
| * externals | External objects |
| * extras | Patchers to be listed in the "Extras" menu |
| * fonts | Custom fonts available to Max when the Package is present |
| * help | Help patchers and supporting material |
| icon.png | A PNG graphic file (500x500px) for display in the Package Manager |
| init | Text files interpreted by Max at launch |
| interfaces | Supporting files for objects to display in the top patcher toolbar and other Max integration. |
| * java-classes | Compiled Java classes for use in mxj/mxj~. Place .jar folders in a 'lib' subfolder. |
| java-doc | Documentation for Java classes |
| * javascript | Javascript files to be used by js |
| * jsextensions | Extensions to JS implemented as special externals or js files |
| * jsui | Javascript files to be used by jsui, and listed in the contextual menu for jsui |
| license.txt or license.md | Terms of use / redistribution of your package (plain text or Markdown permitted) |
| * media | Media files to be included in the searchpath |
| * misc | Anything |
| * patchers | Patchers or abstractions to be included in the searchpath |
| * projects | Projects to be included in the searchpath. Note that only the project file will be added to the searchpath. |
| * object-icons | An SVG-format object icon for a particular Max object (named <objectname>.svg), used in the Object Browser |
| object-prototypes | Object Prototypes will be listed in the context menu for a selected UI object |
| readme.txt or readme.md | Information about your package (plain text or Markdown permitted) |
| snippets | Snippets associated with this package |
| source | Source code for external objects, ignored by Max |
| support | Special location for DLL or dylib dependencies of external objects. Added to the DLL search path on Windows. |
| templates | Patchers to be listed in the "File > New From Template" menu |