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Category: csTools

csGPUhittest

changsooeun
Download

This script allows you to toggle GPU hit testing on or off. You can create a toolbar button that displays the current status of GPU hit testing and enables you to switch it on or off.

It is under “csTools”

So, what the heck is GPU hit test?

When navigating the 3ds Max viewport, 3ds Max often needs to determine what is underneath the cursor.

For example, in 3ds Max, when you hover over an object, it shows the object’s name under the cursor. When zooming or panning, 3ds Max must calculate the cursor’s 3D position. Similarly, when selecting an object or sub-object, 3ds Max needs to determine what is underneath the cursor.

This process is called hit testing. 3dsMax cast a ray from the cursor point and detect that the ray hits. So, as you can expect, the more object and polygon you have, the more time. If you have ever experienced a hiccup for slight delay when you start zoom, pan or select object. That could be caused by the hit test time.

Around 3ds Max 2014, when the development team was focused on improving hit testing performance, they created a GPU-based version of hit testing. However, this approach had some issues, and since 3ds Max still had a software driver mode that relied on CPU hit testing, the team decided to improve the CPU version instead. Eventually, they achieved similar performance with the CPU, and the GPU version was gradually forgotten.

However, the code for the GPU version was still present, and it could be enabled using Maxscript.

nitrousgraphicsmanager.HardwareHitTestEnabled=true

But, help clearly warns you. 🙂

Now, in 3ds Max 2025.2, there is a bug in CPU hit testing, and enabling the GPU version can be used as a workaround. Interestingly, after a decade of GPU advancements, it also appears to deliver better results.

This is a comment from Ash JJ VI on Facebook Stack group.

I’ve talked to some of my colleagues and most of them have massive viewport performance gains with this enabled. On average they have high core count CPUs (but lower Ghz ~= 3Ghz) but quite beefy Nvidia cards. But indeed it comes with some drawbacks, so far I (only) found that:
You can’t select the PhysicalCamera object unless it’s targeted (then you can select the target line, but even that is wonky and works only with region selection) or also works if you select with a big rectangle around it so you select the (invisible) cone as well, no problem with the other camera objects.
ForestPack, RailClone, if disabled or not generating anything can only be selected with region selection.
Most of the Forces and Deflectors can only be selected with region selection.
I have no problems with splines, lights, meshes, or selecting any of the subobjects in both low or high poly objects, in a mix of scenes.
I found so far that, I have far better accuracy when selecting objects in my scene. No more selecting objects behind the view for instance, some objects were hardly selectable in some cases, I don’t have that anymore. In some scenes (didn’t have to be big or complex even), there was always one second delay before panning or orbitting, this has completely vanished as well as a higher FPS in viewport 2-3x sometimes, and a lot snappier navigation.

 

With the script, you could easily switch between CPU/GPU hit test as you need.

csSyncPersToCam

changsooeun

!!! Updated to 1.1 If you have downloaded 1.0, please download again !!!

This is a simple script that syncs a camera with an active perspective view. If you want to control a camera view just like perspective view navigation, this is the script for you.

How to use is simple. Select a camera to sync from drop down and turn on Sync. If you turn off the button or close the dialog, the sync will stop.

A few things to remember!

  • It can’t support targeted camera. Use Free camera or turn off “Targeted” for a Physical camera.
  • It controls “fov” parameter. So, as long as the camera has and is set to control with “fov” parameter, it would work. THis also means you must turn on “Specify FOV” for Physical camera.
Download csSyncPersToCam 1.1

 

Substitute modifier mini tutorial and csStackCache

changsooeun

Substitute modifier is one of the most underrated modifiers in 3dsMax and one of my favorite modifiers. As the name suggests, this modifier replaces the object’s mesh/poly. How to use is very simple. Just apply the modifier, turn on “Pick Scene Object” button and pick an object in the scene to substitute.

You can choose to use the substitute mesh only for viewport or render.

You can also choose to use an object from another max file.

We can think about a few useful situations such as…

  • I already have a big stack and animation started from Box. Now I wanted to start from ChamferBox instead of Box.
  • I can substitute highres objects with low res ones only for viewport to make viewport faster.
  • I can have low res placement holder objects in the scene and substitute with highres objects in another max file.
  • You can have multiple versions of mesh in an object while keeping all the connection to other portions of 3dsMax.

BUT! That’s not all. Substitute modifier has more super powers.

It automatically disables the evaluation of all the modifiers under it

It makes sense since the Substitute modifier provides a mesh from the stack point. Whatever at the below of the stack doesn’t do anything in any way. The best part is that you don’t have to set anything manually. This modifier just does it. Combined with the feature that allow to use Substitute modifier only for viewport display, this provide a great work around to improve the scene performance when you have a lot of hires animated meshes.

For example…

  • if you substitute an animated tree with a static low res tree, this modifier blocks the evaluation of animation.
  • If you have an animated alembic cache object, this modifier will stop loading the alembic file every time when you scrub through. In the following image, I snapshot a frame and used that for display using Substitute modifier. You can see alembic object stopped loading  the cache file.
  • Turn off VRayVolumeGrid preview which will load files and update every frame. Make a preview mesh and use Substitute modifier to display it. This will allow you to directly place vdb without waiting for every singler cache file loading.

It can embed the replacement mesh data in the modifier

This is a really really powerful feature. After you pick an object from the scene, you can delete the object. Then, the modifier will hold the mesh information in itself which essentially act as a cache modifier.

This means that you can collapse the stack while keeping all the history. l Some of you probably have been duplicating objects and collapse in the scene and save a copy in another max file for future use. You don’t need to do that any more. Everything can be just stored in the same scene

one of the benefit of caching a big stack is to improve max file loading time. I want to cover this topic in depth some day. In short, 3dsMax file doesn’t save the result of stack in the .max file. If you make a Box and apply Bend modifier. 3dsMax just stores the class(Box, Bend and its parameters. Then, when the file is loaded, it evaluates all the classes and generates a mesh. This means if you have very big stack or very calculation intensive modifiers. The file opening can take a long time. That’s why some modifiers like Boolean, Conform or Retopology have own caching mechanism. With Substitute modifier, you can cache any objects with modifier in the scene if you want. Obviously, it has a trade off. It will increase the max file size. You gotta pick your poison.

Another benefit is that it can be used as a countermeasure for possible mesh corruption. As a procedural evaluation system, if anything goes wrong in the middle of the stack, the above of the stack would produce an unwanted result. For example, Edit Poly is an awesome and powerful modifier. But, it can be fragile with certain operations. In fact, Edit Poly never stored the result of change in the modifier. It is actually a mini stack in a stack. It stores every operation you did and re-execute then you open the file. So, even tho it is slim, there is a chance that one of hundreds of operations, especially one that removes or adds sub-objects, could go wrong. For that case, you can use Substitute modifier to lock/freeze the status of stack.

csStackCache

So, I made a small script called csStackCache to take advantage of Substitute modifier’s super power. You can find from csTools > csStackCach in the Customize UI dialog.

How to use is simple.

  1. Select objects that you want to cache.
    • All – all geometry objects
    • Selection – Selected objects
    • Selection Set – the chosen selection set
  2. Press “Cache”.
    This script will add a Substitute modifier named “csStackCache” just above of the first viewport enabled modifier. In the following image, It is added under TurboSmooth because it was set to Off in Viewport.

    If you already had “csStackCache”, it will use the position. So, if you need to add “csStackCache” at certain position. Use the “Add Cache” button to add and move around it. Then, Cache them. For example, if you have any animated modifiers, you will need to cache blow the modifiers. If you cache above them, it will freeze animation.
  3. If you want to remove “csStackCache”, select objects in the same way and pres “Remove Cache
You can download csStackCache from here.

BUT! I want really want to set a built-in “Cache” button in this modifier. That will be much faster than my scripted solution. So, please visit here and vote for me!
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/3ds-max-ideas/add-quot-cache-quot-button-in-the-substitute-modifier/idi-p/12470220

 

csSetClippingPlane

changsooeun

There has been many requests for providing a way to adjust clipping plane by numbers.
Your voice was heard. 3dsMax 2024.2 bring MXS exposure for the clipping plane.

vpSetting = NitrousGraphicsManager.GetActiveViewportSetting()
vpSetting.ViewportClippingEnabled = true
vpSetting.ViewportClipNear = 0.05
vpSetting.ViewportClipFar = 0.8
vpSetting.ResetViewportClipNearFar()

Note: Same as UI, the allowed range of near/far is [- 0.1, 1.1], and the specified value should obey the rule: near < far

Of course, I know there are many who don’t/can’t script. So, I made a script for you which you saw in my video.

Download csSetClippingPlane here!

csMakePreview 1.21

changsooeun

csMakePreview is a scripted UI of the newly improved MXS createPreview function in 3dsMax 2024. For the details, please check this post. Now it has been updated to 1.21 with a few new features including the new Mini mode.

Download csMakePreview 1.21 Here   Download csMakePreview 1.21 Application Package Here

Mini Mode

  • Press Mini Mode button to change to Mini mode.
    Mini mode on.off status will be saved in the settings file which means it will be kept across max session.
  • Only few options are exposed in Mini mode.
    The intended workflow is making presets using full mode and use for Mini mode.
    .
  • If you want to return to full mode, click “Mini” button.

Other new features

  • Custom resolution by pixel. Turn on the “Resolution” button and set the preview resolution as you want.
  • <version> token.
    It’ll add 3 digit padded version number.
    This value is saved for each scene file. So, you will know which version you used last time for the scene.
  • Preview path preview button
    This button will show the preview of the resolved preview path. If you press button, the preview path will be printed in the listener.
  • Open/P{lay button will be disabled then there are no files in the preview path.
    When button is disabled, the line color will be slightly darker(left).
  • Quality Override for the temporary override of ShadowMap size and Anti-Aliasing setting.
  • Play When Done moved to Settings dialog.

Other features

csMakePreview looks similar and based on 3dsMmax MakePreview. But, it has a few additional features.

  • Use Current Viewport Settings check button
    If this button is on, the current Viewport Preset/Stylem Edges Faces and Texture settings of the active viewport will be used. Basically, it will make a preview as you can see in the viewport. This is on by default.
  • The output path textbox is editable.
    You can directly type/edit in the textbox.
  • Token support!
    It supports all tokens in “Name Template”.  You can also use any global variable or global function.
    For example, you can make a  setPrefiewPath global function and set <setPrefiewPath> as path. This script will run the global function and use the result as the output path.
    Ot, If you want to add fps in the name, you can use <FrameRate>.
  • mpt4 support via ffmpeg
    You need to download ffmpeg by yourself and set the path in the Settings dialog. Eventually.
  • Ramplayer, ChaosPlayer, Custom player support.
    To use a custom player, you need to make csPlayPreview global function with 4 arguments [output path], [fps],  [start], [end].
  • Play Preview button
  • Open the preview folder button
  • Presets
     you can save/load as many as presets you want.

 

cs_sme_drop

changsooeun

It seems everybody loves the new multiple image drag and drop to Slate material editor in 3dsMax 2024.1.

As I mentioned in the video. You can make own function for the new callback. Here is an example script that supports VRay, Corona, Arnold and OSL map. You can add this as a startup script folder. It will auto-detect VRay, Corona, Arnold, FStorm, Octane, Redshift and make a native image loader for each renderer. If you edit as “local useOSL = true”, it will generate OSL UberBitmap.

Here is the download Download - Updated to 1.2

Here is the code.

-- cs_sme_drop v1.1
-- by Changsoo Eun
-- www.changsooeun.com
(
local maxver = (maxversion())
if maxver.count > 7 and maxver[8] > 2023 and maxver[5] > 0 then (
fn cs_sme_drop test urls pos = (
if not test then (
for f in urls do (
-- Set this to true if you want OSL UberBitmap
local useOSL = false
local amap = (bitmaptexture())
amap.filename = f
if useOSL then 
(
amap = (osl_UberBitmap2b())
amap.filename = f
)
else
(
if Corona != undefined and ((classof renderers.current) == Corona) then (
amap = (CoronaBitmap())
amap.filename = f
)
if vray != undefined and (matchpattern (renderers.current as string) pattern:"*v_ray*") then (
amap = (vrayhdri())
amap.HDRIMapName = f
)
if (matchpattern (renderers.current as string) pattern:"*FStorm*") then (
amap = (FStormBitmap())
amap.filename = f
)
if (matchpattern (renderers.current as string) pattern:"*octane*") then (
amap = (RGB_image())
amap.filename = f
)
if (matchpattern (renderers.current as string) pattern:"*redshift*") then (
amap = (RS_Bitmap())
amap.tex0_filename = f
)
if Arnold != undefined and ((classof renderers.current) == Arnold) then (
amap = (ai_image())
amap.filename = f
)
)
if useOSL then (
pos.x += 100
)
else(
pos.y += 100
)
amap.name = (getFilenameFile f)
(sme.getview sme.activeview).createnode amap pos
)
)
true
)
sme.fileDropCallback = cs_sme_drop
)
else (
messagebox "3dssMax 2024.1+ is required"
)
)

 

csMakePreview

changsooeun

3dsMax 2024 bring a lot of new features. Some of them are hard to show in a video. This is one of those features.

I always have wanted to have a modified version of Make Preview. For example, if you are a pipe guy at a studio, you probably would not want to give assess to the output path to artists. How about forcing some consistent studio-default options?

I have used UIAccessor in the past. I also know some studio just made their own make preview utility. But, with the update in 3dsMax 2020, I really wanted to use Max’s own Make Preview engine since it can make bigger than screen size preview.

There is a MXS command, createPreview. But, it didn’t have all the functionality of UI version. Especially, there was no way to control viewport settings. Finally, the 3dsMax 2024 createPreview function exposes every single UI option to MXS function.

So, I re-created Make Preview dialog as a script for the following reasons.

  • I wanted to check if it still misses anything compared to UI.
  • I wanted to give a template implementation for other users.
  • I wanted to add some of the features that users wanted
Download csMakePreview from here.

The added features

  • Use Current Viewport Settings checkbutton – If this button is on, the current Viewport Preset/Stylem Edges Faces and Texture settings of the active viewport will be used. Basically, it will make a preview as you can see in the viewport. This is on by default.
  • The output path textbox is editable. You can directly type/edit in the textbox.
  • Token! It supports all tokens in “Name Template”.  You can also use any global variable or global function.
    For example, you can make a  setPrefiewPath global function and set <setPrefiewPath> as path. This script will run the global function and use the result as the output path.
    Ot, If you want to add fps in the name, you can use <FrameRate>.
  • mpt4 support via ffmpeg – you need to download ffmpeg by yourself and set the path in the Settings dialog. Eventually.
  • Ramplayer, ChaosPlayer, Custom player support.
    To use a custom player, you need to make csPlayPreview global function with 4 arguments [output path], [fps],  [start], [end].
  • Set default button –  you can save default settings per user.
  • Play Preview button
  • Open the preview folder button
  • Presets – you can save/load as many as presets you want.

SmartExtrude Toggle

changsooeun

Smart Extrude is awesome. But, I know sometimes you want to be not so smart.
Good news. There is a maxscript property which you can turn on/off “Smart”.

Editable_Poly and Edit_Poly has #enableEnhancedHotkeyExtrude property, and as you expect, it turns Smart Extrude on/off.

For your convenience, I made a simple macroscript. Unzip and drag and drop to a viewport. Since it is a macroscript, you can make button or assign to a hotkey or add to the quad menu and etc.
Download

Because this is a property of Editable Poly and Edit Poly modifier, each Editable Poly/Edit Poly will remember the on.off status.

If you want to turn off all the time, you can use DefaultParamInterface or CustomDefaultParamManager or just run the following code to set off by default.

DefaultParamInterface.SetDefaultParamValue Editable_Poly "enableEnhancedHotkeyExtrude" false persistent:true
DefaultParamInterface.SetDefaultParamValue Edit_Poly "enableEnhancedHotkeyExtrude" false persistent:true

 

 

csArrayMaker

changsooeun

3dsMax 2023.2 has been released with the new feature-packed Array modifier.

This is an array/tile “rigger” based on the new Array modifier. I originally wanted to make a series of tutorials. But, I had to admit that typical Max users are too lazy to follow all the steps. So, I just made this script. I still hope to have some tutorials. But, you can just use this meanwhile.
Download

 

The generated object is “rigged”. If you change the base object size, the array/tile will adapt to it.

  • 4 geometric patterns – Circle, Diamond, Triangle, Hexagon
  • 4 tile types – Herringbone, Chevron, Wood Strip, Basker Weave
  • Option to make Chamferd/Non-Chamfered version
  • Initial Size option
  • Clone UV ID
  • 5 Material presets
    • Bitmap projection
    • Random Color MTL – random color between 2 colors per clone.
    • Random Switcher MTL – randomly chosen colors per clone among 5 given color. You can change the amount of color.
    • Random UV Offset Bitmap MTL – randomly offset UV transform and color for a bitmap.
    • Random Advanced Wood MTL – randomly offset UV 3D transform and Advanced Wood material

3dsMax 2021.1 Custom Default Parameter – and the manager!

changsooeun

3dsMax 2024.1 added a way to set the custom default with right click menu. Therefore, you wouldn’t need to use this script anymore for most cases.

Updated to 1.11! 11/29/2021

3dsMax 2021.1 has been released today. There are many fixes and nice improvement.
One of a new feature is the custom default parameter using Maxscript by DefaultParamInterface. Click here for details. This new feature allows you to have custom default for most areas of 3dsMax as long as it is a class.

The simplest  example would be the height segment of Cylinder. The current default is 5. Id you change it, whatever that value becomes the default for the session. Now you can set your own default  height segment using Maxscript DefaultParamInterface. It is not limited to object and modifiers since it is supported for all classes. You can also use this to set your own renderer default include 3rd party plugins.

The custom defaults will be saved in C:\Users\[username]\Autodesk\3ds Max 2021\User Settings\DefaultParameters.ini. Next time when you update to 3dsMax 2022. You just need to copy that file to the corresponding 3dsMax 2022 folder.

BUT, you would wonder… “why do I have to use Maxscript?”. I think setting the custom default using UI will come in the future. There was some prototype for UI in beta. But, it was removed from release because it doesn’t cover some cases.

So, that’s why I made this Custom Default Param Manager script. This script give you a UI to search a class and parameters and allow you to set default value.

Download 1.11

Download, unzip and drag and drop the script into the viewport. It will be nder csTools > CustomDefaultParamManager. Or simply type X > CustomDefaultParamManager.

This is the UI.

On the left, you can choose a class. On the right, you can choose a parameter name. Then, you will see the spinner of checkbox to input the new default.
Then, just press Set button.
Persistent checkbutton is on by default. To make the default for the next session, you need to check this. So, don’t turn off.
The last 3 buttons are to remove the custom default. You can clear custom default for selected parameter or restores to the factory default. You can also remove everything you set.

Have you heard about renderStacks? The smarter way to render? Let’s click here and check it out!

 

simpleMapBaker

changsooeun

3dsMax 2021 has been release. One of the new feature is the brand new BakingToTexture tool. This tool is written from scratch and the replacement of legacy Render to Texture tool. This is the first iteration of this tool and still in active development.

Along with this tool, now 3dsMax provide the full support of MikkT tangent space from baking to rendering , viewport and SDK.

simpleMapBaker is a simplified front-end of new BakingToTexture. It allow users to bake certain utility map with one click. Also it was used to test the maxscript exposure of BakingToTexture tool.

Download simpleMapBaker

You can bake the following maps.

  • Curvature
  • AO
  • Position
  • World Normal
  • Vertex Normal
  • Material IDs
  • Normal

simpleMapBaker utilize the new override map feature to render most maps at once. Also it uses Arnold’s Curvature and AO shader. Therefore, it will save render preset of the current render.Therefore, it will switch to Arnold for all maps other than Normal map. For normal map, it will switch to Scanline renderer(This is temporary workaround until Arnold normal baking is ready). After baking, the renderer will be reverted to back.

Select objects, and just turn on the map buttons to render and press the big Bake button.

You can set up parameters for some maps and output parameters that BakingToTexture supports.

After bake, it will show all baked maps in the dropdownlist at the bottom. If you select a map there, it will use viewport override for preview baked map.

For normal map, it is using the new MikkT tangent space.

If you want to preview the previously baked maps, select object and press Reload button. It will search the maps and show preview if it finds the map.

Installation
  1. Download simpleMapBaker zip file
  2. Unzip
  3. drag and drop .ms into a viewport
  4. csTools > simpleMapBaker

thanks!

renderStacks can also make your work a lot simpler. Click here and check it out!

 

 

csMergeBy – powered by 3dsMax 2019 Custom Scene File Data Stream

changsooeun

One of the hidden gem of the new 3dsMax 2019 feature is the Custom Scene File Data Streams. This allows uses attach custom strings to your max and access from outside of 3dsmax. It is not only eliminate the need of companion external file for such data but also opens up accesing of .max file related data to any program or language.

For more details, check the help.

To show the power of this feature, I made a sample implementation of this feature. csMergeBy script. It allows users to merge object from other .max file by Layer, SelectionSet, ObjectID and Material name.

Download CsMergeBy 1.0

There are 2 files in the zip file. The first one is csMergeBySave.ms which registers post save callback to save the scene data as xml and write to Custom Scene File Data Stream. You need to drop this into your startup script folder or one of plugins folder to run this script automatically everytime when you launch 3dsMax.
For exmaple, C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2018 – 64bit\ENU\scripts\startup

This script would increase file saving a littlt bit. When I tested it, it took 0.1 sec for for 1,000 objects. BUT, I also have an extreme case of 29,769 objects which add 4.5 sec for saving. Considering the file saving itself would take some time, It was not noticable. But, I still want to give you heads up for the possible saving time increase.

The second file is csMergeBy.ms. This is actually a macro script. Just drag and drop this file into iewport. It will make csTools > csMergeBy action. This is the merge dialog.

How to use is simple.

  1. Select a max file which you want to merge from using the top button

2. Choose “Merge By” method from dropdownlist. You can use…
Layer – with hierarchy
Layer – no hierarchy
SelectionSet
ObjectID
Material name

3. Choose items in the left list. You can CTRL+click to select multiple items. CTRL+click also deselect item.

As you choose item in the left list. Preview object list will be updated.
By default, all objects in the preview will be selected. But, you can only select the objects you want.

If you have a lot of objects(1000+), it might take a while to update the object list. Then you cah turn off Preview object names chekbox to not to show the object list. Then all objects in the selected items will be merged.

4. Then press Merge.

5. All megered object will be in “JustMerged” selection set for your convinience.

3dsMax 2019 – OSL shader pack 1

changsooeun

You don’t need to download this shaders anymore. 3dsMax 2020 has a better version of all these shaders built-in.

While I was beta testing 3dsMax 2019, I made a few OSL maps. Nothing spectacular. Most of them are just “artist-friendly” pre-made setups to save some nodes.

Download OSL shader pack 1 or at http://UncleBobsShaders.com. Make sure to visit Uncle Bobs Shader Emporium for cool OSL shaders!

UVW > MatCapUV

This is a renderable version of my superClayMode script. Plug into the UVW slot of Bitmap Lookup.

Value > Color by Colorspace

You can conver to a vector value of other color space to RGB.

Math\Color > RGB to Other(Color)

You can convert a color from RGB to other color space. Output value is vector. after you process it, you can convert back to RGB with Color By Colorspace

Switchers > Random Index by Number/Color

It generates random integer index by number or color input. When you need to randomize something by Object ID, Materaal ID, Node Name and Node Handle, this map will be very handy. Of course you can also do the same thing by assembing a few other maps. I just made as one map for your convinience.

Math\Float > Sine wave function of frames

You can generate sine wave of time. It supports amplitude, period, phase value and square wave option. Check my sample animation. This map is very handy when you need to make some cyclic map animation.

!!! You DON”T need to connect Frame Number input. It already has float expression controller assigned. !!!

Scene > Normal

You can get normal value of pixel in various spaces.

Falloff

Falloff map OSL version. It supports Perpendicular/Parallel and Towards/Away.

BlendModel

Legacy Composite map OSL version. It supports all bklending mode in legacy Composite map. I was trying to support all Photoshop mode. But, I gave up on Vivid Light and Linear Light.

Here is a QC image that shows this map and legacy Composite map are producing the same result.

How to Install

1. Make “OSL” subfolder in any plugin folder
2. Unzip and copy *.osl files into the folder

A sample max file

Here is the shader tree for the animation. I used the distance from local center and random sin wave as the light intensity. No keyframes al all. The max file is included in the shader pack .zip file.

MaxFluids PRT Export Channel Setup

changsooeun
Download MaxFluidsPRTExportChannelSetup

3dsMax 2018.4 has been released today.
https://area.autodesk.com/blogs/the-3ds-max-blog/meet-3ds-max-2018-4/

One of the feature is the full BiFrost channel support for PRT export.
You can export all BiFrost channels even with custom channel names.

As of now, export channel setup is only exposed to Maxscript.
So, I made a UI for that.

You can turn on/off channels and rename channels.

Installation is simple.
Download the zip file and drag and drop to your viewport.
You can find the script in csTools > MaxFluidsPRTExportChannelSetup.
It is a macroscript so you can make button, menu or shortcut.
It will also show up in Global Search(X)

As always, it is free!

SuperClayMode v1.1

changsooeun

superclaymode

 

Download : SuperClayMode

 

Some background information about the new viewport override

3dsMax 2017 introduced the new viewport material override. As you cans see from viewport menu, there are three override modes.

viewportmaterialoverride

UV Checker

This mode uses self illuminated Standard material with UV Checker map.
This material is defined by uvchecker_override_material.ms script.
This files is in [maxroot]\scripts\Startup\ folder.
Usually C:\Autodesk\3ds Max 2017\scripts\Startup\uvchecker_override_material.ms
In that file, you can see the script is using [maxroot]\maps\uvwunwrap\UV_Checker.png.
Therefore, if you want to change the texture of the default UV Checker, you can 1)edit startup script or 2)replace the default bitmat file.

Fast Shader

This a specially designed build-in shader for faster viewport display. “Performance” mode preset is using this shader overide.

Rendering Setting

This is a mode for custom override shader.
You can use any material for viewport override by using this maxscript.

nitrousgraphicsmanager.OverrideRenderSettingMtl = yourMaterial

SuperClayMode is a script which mimics built-in clay mode with custom matcap texture by utilzing this Rendering Setting mode.

This script makes a ShaderFX shader with matcap uv on the fly and assign the material as override material and turn on Rendering Setting mode. It is designed as a toggle mode. Therefore, you should make button or assign shortcut for this script.

If you want to know more about matcap. Check the following links.

http://wiki.unity3d.com/index.php/MatCap

https://pixologic.com/zbrush/downloadcenter/library/

This script doesn’t contain any matcap material. You can easily search google for texture.

How to use
  1. Unzip the downloaded file
  2. Just drag and drop to viewport.
  3. Go to Customize User Interface. You will see SuperClayMode in csTools category.
  4. Make button or assign to shortcut.
  5. Run script while pressing SHIFT. It should open matcap file selection dialog.
  6. Choose a matcap texture.
  7. Toggle the button/shortcut.

When you assign matcap texture, it stores the file path in plufcfg. You don’t need to assign texture every session.

csWorkPlane 1.52

changsooeun

This is a collection of macro script relate to construction plane. It started as an implementation of Modo’s work plane. It includes the following four scripts.

Download csWorkPlane 1.52

 

1.52 UpdatecsWorkPlaneUI

First of all, Special thanks to Fausto De Martini for all great feedback.

LockWorkPlaneToView

It is similar to LockWorkPlaneToOrigin except this aligns construction plane to view.

Place Grid

autoAutogrid renamed as Place Grid

csWorkPlaneUI

a small floating dialog for csWorkPlane funtions. It is dockable. To undock, just rightclick any button.

 

PlaceGrid(autoAutogrid)

It allow you create a grid object. After the grid is made, the grid will be automatically activated, and all transform coordinates will be set to Grid.

The core functionality of this script has been in 3ds Max for long time. AutoGrid, Grid object, Grid coordinate. I just make more streamlined workflow.

If you want to go back to the default coordinate, Run this script again while pressing SHIFT.

LockWorkPlaneToOrigin

If you turn on this mode, the plane which face to camera will automatically become the construction plane.

If you want to go back to the default coordinate, Run this script again while pressing SHIFT.

AlignWorkplaneToFaceSelection

1) Select an object

2) Select face(s)

3)Run this script.

This script will make a grid object at the center of face and activate it. The ZAxis will be aligned to face normal.”

RemoveWorkPlane

Turn off workplane by deleting the workplane from the scene. It is same as SHIFT+LockWorkPlaneToOrigin

 

How to install

1) Unzip!

2) Just drag and drop csWorkPlane_1_52.ms into viewport.

3) Make button or shortcut.  This script will show up in “csTools” category.

 

MCG:CollapseSW + MXS

changsooeun

Download MCG:CollapseSW

CollapseSW_UIThis MCG and Msxscript combo will allow you to collapse/pointcache object with spacewarp(s) while preserving pivot and hierarchy.

The main calculation engine is CollapseSW MCG object. This MCG object converts vertex position from world space to local space.

Accompanying Maxscript calculate a new mesh using this MCG object and either replace original object with the collapse object or generate point cache and apply to the original object.

This MCG shows a few benefits of MCG.

1) The node based nature of MCG and the large amount of built in functions and Auto UI generation allow fast development. It took less than 5 minute for me to make this MCG object.

2) All MCG parameters are automatically exposed to Maxscript.

 

CollapseSW macroscript

 

To provide a complete workflow, I made CollapseSW macroscript. It is easier to make script than trying to explain in English for me.

The parameters are self-explanatory.

1) Select objects to collapse/pointcache. you can select multiple objects.

2) Choose what to do with Collapse/PointCache.

3) If you want to collapse, you don’t need to set anything. If you want to point cache, you need to set parameters for point cache and assign out file name.

4) If you select multiple objects and point cache, this script will only use the path portion and use object name as point cache name. If you check Make SubDir Per Obj, it will create a sub folder for each object automatically. If you choose to use One File Per Frame, you probably want to check this.

* Currently MCG mesh building is a little slow for high polycount mesh. It might take a while to point cache.

 

How to Install

 

CollapseSW.zip includes two files.

CollapseSW.mcg is the MCG package.Install this package through Scripting menu > Install MCG package..

csTools-CollapseSW.mcr is macroscript. Just drag and drop to a viewport. Then you will see Collapse/PoinrCache SW in csTools category.

CollapseSW_CustomizeUI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

csLayerExplorerExtension v1.0

changsooeun

Finally 3ds max 2015 introduced nested layer and Scene Explorer based new Layer Explorer.

I think it is one of the the most important update for years. Of course being the first version. it has some rough edges. I hope this script smooth out the rough edges a little bit.

Some of scripts are for old layer manager functionality. Some of scripts are for nested layers. Some of scripts are for frequent user request items.

  • Delete Selected Layer and All Children
  • Delete Unused Layer
  • Hide/Unhide Child Nodes
  • Select Nodes on Selected Layer
  • Unhide Nodes on Selected Layer”
  • Unfreeze Nodes on Selected Layer
  • Hide/Unhide All Layers
  • Freeze/Unfreeze All Layers
  • Hide Visible Icon[+Shift to Show]
  • Turn off SyncSelection [+Shift to turn on]
  • Unhide Selection
  • Unhide Nodes on Current Layer

How to install

Installation is simple. Download csLEextension.zip file. Unzip and drag-and-drop csLEextension.ms file into any viewport.

You will have 12 macro script in “Layer Explorer Extension” category.
Go Customize User interface > Quads tab > Layer Explorer Quad.
Add the macro script to the quad menu.

cui

Some of script must be in Layer Explorer Quad since it need to know what currently selected layers are.

Scripts

This is format for details.
ScriptName
Name in CUI window
Name in quad menu.

 

csLEextDeleteSelectedLayerTree
“Delete selected layer(s) and all child layer(s)/node(s).”
“Delete Selected Layer and All Children”

You can not delete a layer if the layer is active or has a node. 3ds max also does not delete the children layers. It only delete the layer you selected.

This script will delete all the selected layer(s) and their children layer(s)/object(s).

Since what this script does is very dangerous. It will confirm you action before it delete layer. It also confirm one more time if there is children objects.

csLEextDeleteUnusedLayer
“Delete Unused Layer”
“Delete Unused Layer”

This script will delete all empty layer while preserving nested layer hierarchy.
Therefore, it would not delete the layer if it has any children objects even though the layer itself is empty.

csLEextHideUnhideChildren
“Hide/Unhide all the child nodes on the selected layer”
“Hide/Unhide Child Nodes”

This is same as using “Select Child Nodes” quad command and hide/unhide those selection.
The advantage of this script is 1)one-click less and 2)can be faster since it does not need to show selection in the viewport.

If there is ANY unhidden object Among children, this command hide all children.
If ALL children are hidden, this command unhide all children.
This is the same behaviour as “HideUnhideAllLayers” and “FreezeUnfreezeAllLayers” which come from old Layer Manager.

csLEextSelectAllNodesOnSelected
“Select all the nodes on the selected layer”
“Select Nodes on Selected Layer”

csLEextUnhideAllNodesOnSelected
“Unhide all the nodes on the selected layer”
“Unhide Nodes on Selected Layer”

Shortcut for csLEextSelectAllNodesOnSelected > Unhide.

csLEextUnfreezeAllNodesOnSelected
“Unfreeze all the nodes on the selected layer”
“Unfreeze Nodes on Selected Layer

Shortcut for csLEextSelectAllNodesOnSelected > Unfreeze.

csLEextHideUnhideAllLayers
“Hide/Unhide all Layers”
“Hide/Unhide All Layers”

Same as the same name command in old Layer Manager.

csLEextFreezeUnfreezeAllLayers
“Freeze/Unfreeze all Layers”
“Freeze/Unfreeze All Layers”

Same as the same name command in old Layer Manager.

csLEextToggleVisibleIcon
“Hide Visible Icon[+Shift to Show]”
“Hide Visible Icon[+Shift to Show]”

In Layer Explorer, there are two way to see object’s hidden/unhidden status.
One is Visible Icon next to name.
Another is “Visible” column.
You can turn off Visible Icon with this script if you just want to use Visible column.
Shift+Click will show icon.

csLEextToggleSyncSelection
“Turn off SyncSelection [+Shift to turn on]”
“Turn off SyncSelection [+Shift to turn on]”

This is same as old “SyncSelection” command” which is not available in 2015.
If you turn off “SyncSelection”, the selection in Layer Explorer would not select object in the scene/viewport.
Shift+Click will turn on SyncSelection.

csLEextUnhideSelection
“Unhide Selection”
“Unhide Selection”

Long waited, unhide selection!
This script would work everywhere in 3ds max.

csLEextUnhideAllNodesOnCurrent
“Unhide all the nodes on the current layer”
“Unhide Nodes on Current Layer”

This script unhide all the nodes on the current/activated layer”

 

I hope this scrips are helpful.

Thanks.

animBoost v0.8

changsooeun 0 Comments
What is it

animBoost is a set of maxscript that boost viewport performance for animated mesh.

What it does

Recently I found out that 3ds max still evaluates an object’s modifier stack even though the object is hidden. I always assume that’s not the case. For a non-animated object, this is not a problem, since 3ds max internally caches the final result of modifiers stack. But, if a hidden object is deforming over time, 3ds max wastes a lot of resources for this invisible object. For example, a typical character rig would have a low res proxy for faster playback. But, it becomes useless, since skinned hi-res mesh will be calculated anyway.

animBoost is an workaround for this problem. animBoost keeps monitoring scene and selectively turns on/off modifier when object is unhidden/hidden.

animBoost supports 3ds max 2009+

How to install

Download animBoost zip file. You will see two folders(Scripts/UI) after unzip the file. You need to copy those two folders into your 3ds max’s Scripts/UI folder.

Each 3ds max installation may have different folder location. To find your scripts and ui folder.
Copy and paste the following two line into your Maxscript Listener and press Numpad Enter. It will tell you where your script and ui folder is.

getdir #scripts
getdir #ui

*** installation for 3ds max 2013 ****

Since 3ds max 2013, 3ds max folder structure has been changed. Now “usermacros” folder is not in the “ui” folder anymore.

Threrfore, after you unzip the package, you need to go in “ui” folder and copy “usermacros” folder to user “usermacros” folder. To find your “usermacros” folder location. You can use the following maxscript command.

getdir #usermacros

How to use

Launch 3ds max. “Go to Customize User Interface”. Select “animBoost” category. You wil have 3 new actions. Make buttons or assign shourcut.

“turn on animBoost” will show up as “animBoost_On” button. “turn off animBoost” will show up as “animBoost_Off” button. “animBoost manual mode” will show up as “animBoost_Manual” button.readme

Now all you need to do is click “animBoost_On” button. Now animBoost is monitoring your scene and invisibly turns on/off modifiers when you hide/unhide objects.

WARNING!

If you have a lot of modifier heavy objects, THERE WILL BE DELAY when you hide/unhide objects.

If you have any problems with this script, you can always click “animBoost_Off”. Then animBoost will be removed from memory.

animBoost also support a “manual mode”. Instead of using “animBoost_On”, if you use “animBoost_Manual” button. You can run animBoost routine manually. If your system is really slow or you dont like the delay, you may use this.

v0.8 Update

bugfix – If you turn on/off with Layer, eveything is OK. But, when you hide/unhide each nodes, animBoost forgot to turn on Mesher/SuperMesher/XMesh. This has been fixed.

v0.7 Update

Support SuperMesher

Support Frost

Support Mesher

A few things to remember

– animBoost uses “Off in Viewport” to turn off modifier. Anytime when you hide/unhide an object, animBoost will reset “Off in Viewport” of ALL modifiers in the scene. If you want to turn off a modifier all the time, use “Off”. animBoost will skip any modifier that set to “Off”.

– animBoost will stay in memory until the current session ends(in other word, until you close 3ds max.). Evey time when you launch a new instance of 3ds max you need to run “animBoost_On” to use animBoost.

– After using animBoost, if you need to give the file to someone, make sure turn off animBoost before you save the file so all hidden modifiers can be turned in the file.

– If you use Thinking Particles, animBoost does not detect the source object that used for Thinking Particle Geom Instance. Therefore, if you hide the source object, animBoost will turn off the modifiers on the source objects.

any comment, bug report, English proof read to cganimator@cganimator.com

animBoost is a replyware. If you use it, you are obligated to send/reply comment, bug report or English proof read. 🙂

Changsoo Eun(c) 2011.