Get Started with Max
First thing: Download the latest version of Max, if you haven't already.
The Main Ideas
Program visually
Create custom applications by connecting objects together instead of writing lines of code.
Build anything
From audio and video synthesis to interactive media installations and robotics control. The sky's the limit!
Integrate hardware
Add more physicality and control to your projects by connecting almost any external device.
Terminology
Swipe through the slides to learn some basic terms you will come across when learning Max.
In-App Help Menu
Inside the Max application, the Help Menu is one of the best places to get started. Work with real patches by learning from guided lessons, or simply start exploring and manipulating objects on your own.
If you want to dig in, here's a more detailed guide about our Tutorials and Reference Pages.

Navigate to Help > Browse Lessons to launch step-by-step patch-alongs with easy to follow videos.

Help > Reference will open up the Documentation browser where you can find tutorials and guides for more detailed explanations.

Or, navigate to Help > Examples to take a look at fully functional patches. Edit any patch, or take them apart to make them your own. Copy and paste from any patch into yours.
Online Tutorials
These beginner tutorials and resources are to get you patching as quickly as possible. Vizzie and BEAP are pre-built modules in Max that allow you to play around with the patching environment right away.
Are you ready for something deeper? Check out these tutorials to dig in a bit more.
Search Sidebar
When in doubt, Max 8 features a powerful Search Sidebar to help you access thousands of resources in Max and online.
Find it by clicking on the search icon found at the top right hand side of the patcher window.

More Resources
Instructables: Intro to MaxMSP
with Amanda Ghassaei
This is a great and fun introduction to what Max/MSP can be used for. Check out handfuls of awesome demos that use Max, and then immedately get started on your first Max patch.
Youtube Series: Max 8 Tutorials
with dearjohnreed
Learn the ins and outs of Max 8 with this extensive video series.
20 Objects: A Pragmatic Method for Learning Max/MSP/Jitter and Max for Live
with Darwin Grosse
A big portion of learning Max is learning the vocabulary. Here's a great introduction to the most commonly used Max objects.
Kadenze Online Course: "Programming Max: Structuring Interactive Software for Digital Arts"
with Matthew Wright
Learn key concepts that drive Max programming through theory and principles.
Max Cookbook