ugh leisner

Can anyone tell me where to find info on the way Max 5 relates to external file directories?

My problem is that I have a patch that uses a bunch of mp3's. I've made an "Open Folder" dialogue where you can choose the right folder. But my patch can only work when the folder is placed on my computers desktop (where it was when I used it the first time). If I move the folder somewhere else on my laptop and choose the new directory in my patch my max window displays the file directory followed by a "can't open" message.

audio-file-directory

Max will automatically find files that are either in the same directory as the patch in question or that have been added to the search path via "Options" > "File Preferences" from the menu bar. If you want to use any other file you have to use the full file path which will look something like "Macintosh HD:/Users/name/wherever/thefile.aif" or whatever the equivalent is for windows. Remember it must be one symbol, so if the path includes spaces you'll need to send it through a [tosymbol] object. If you're still having issues post the relevant section of your patch and I'll take a look.

Max will automatically find files that are either in the same directory as the patch in question or that have been added to the search path via "Options" > "File Preferences" from the menu bar. If you want to use any other file you have to use the full file path which will look something like "Macintosh HD:/Users/name/wherever/thefile.aif" or whatever the equivalent is for windows. Remember it must be one symbol, so if the path includes spaces you'll need to send it through a  [tosymbol] object. If you're still having issues post the relevant section of your patch and I'll take a look.

here is something that might help you, it will allow you to drag the folder with the files into the dropfile object, it will then populate a umenu with just the names of the files. then when ever you select a file it will send a message to the sfplay object in the form of "open 'full_path_of_file/file.audio_extension'" this will allow you to have your patch to be where ever you want it and you can keep the audio files organized.

audio file directory