Monday 7 June 2010

My Top 3DS MAX Scripts Part 1

I have been using scripts in 3dsmax now for a couple of years, I now wonder how I ever lived without out them. I am going to post up my top scripts available, some are simple and can be written by anyone some are more advance, Here are my First 3.

Classic File Menu for Max 2010

Simply, this restores the file menu which disappeared in Max 2010, its far from perfect, the recent opened files does stop working after a while but apart from that works well and is a lot quicker than the addition of the big button in the top left.

Relink Bitmaps

Relink Bitmaps is a script to easily relink all missing files (Bitmaps, VRayMeshes, Mental Ray Proxies, VRayHDRI, IES, etc) when they change directories or when you move computers, check out the short video tutorial below for more detailed information.

Unlike some other scripts of its kind, this is free! There is a small donation link within the script if you choose to donate, I will remove the nag. It is a simple licensing system, that does not force you to transfer network cards or be connected to the internet and will work with all versions of Max that are supported by the script. If you choose to donate I'll be more than happy to license multiple computers as well.

Copy and Paste Objects

It's always annoyed me that I couldn't copy objects from one instance of max and paste them into another - as I work with 2 or 3 instances of max up at a time. It's tedious to do a save selected / merge objects so this script does it for you. It's not a TRUE copy/paste via the windows clipboard - but it will let you very quickly copy objects from one file to another.


Stay posted for some more of my favourite scripts.



Am I afraid of change or is change just inconsiderate?


Ok so we have finally updated to 3ds max 2011 and I always get excited about getting the latest software, but always disappointed ( not including photoshop cs5 that was far from disappointing.)

So the basic layout change in max 2010, they introduced the massive button at the top left to fit in with how windows programs now work. It is rubbish, it is slow to drop down and that's if it even does in the first place. luckily about 3 months ago I discovered a script which put back the "file" on your task bar.

Classic File Menu Link


It lasted about a day, after a number of files the recent files did not update. Though I continue to use it to get to the merge or import menus. So it isn't perfect but why get rid of it, auto cad has updated its interface but still kept the file menu.

Now we have 2011 the drop down menu has been slightly fixed but i have installed the classic file menu (still with the same problem). Now I was told before the release that max 2011 was going to be stripped of alot of rubbish, bits people no longer use or there are newer options. This is fine but why keep something and go and hide it away in different menus and sub menus. An animation preview was needed that's all, was it where it has been for years, NO! after plenty of searching I managed to find it,

Tools/Grab Viewport/Create Animated Sequence File

It is no different and I cannot see a reason to move it to another menu tucked away. If someone does know why it has moved please feel free to inform me.

Right back to 3DS Max 2011 and find more things that annoy me but will get used to after a few weeks. Bring on the bugs in 2012.

Monday 22 February 2010

Brum-Brum SLEEP


I had originally started to make a very simple traditional bed, but I thought when I was younger I always wanted a car bed. So here we go, I have made one.

I need to work out this cloth generator or unwrap UVW to do the sheets. That will be next had a couple of goes but haven't got the hang of it yet.

Thursday 28 January 2010

Bear(able) update.


I sat down and started to model the child's bed in the bedroom, got the base and the mattress done and then just really lost interest in the bed. So I thought I would start some of the toys which are going to be left everywhere.

So I Have started a bear. The mesh of the near is very basic as I know it will be covered by the fur of the bear. I am using Vray fur to create it and have done a test render in an empty scene.

I have also placed a couple of bricks which Will be wooden building bricks, hoping to put letters on with my name or user name as a sort of signature.

Although it has not changed a large amount here is the latest render.

Friday 22 January 2010

Latest WIP Update


Ok just to keep you updated:

Tonight with the help of vino I have created a table, mirror, brief case and doors. I have also finished modelling the banisters.

I have started texturing, only because I like to mix it up to make sure I do not get bored of a project.

Need to work out why there is a strange light area in the top right, there are no lights I can see causing it.

Next up is bedroom and living room furniture.