● Maxscripts for Gmax ●
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What is Maxscript anyway? 3D Studio Max offers users the ability to program custom functions via a C++ like programming language called Maxscript. Gmax does as well, but with a slightly reduced core set of commands for the user to utilize. Most Maxscripts for 3DSM 4 and higher ( that are pure script, that is no .dll or .dlu files) will operate within gmax. Specialized gmax scripts are available, and the library is growing as gmax is being adopted by the mod community. Listed below are maxscripts that will extend the functionality of the base gmax software. Installation is easy... just download, unzip, and place the .ms file in the scripts folder inside gmax. When you want to use them, press the utilities tab, then 'Maxscript'. Now press "Run Maxscript" and browse to the maxscript folder and click on the script you want to run. Remember: These scripts are NOT officially verified and tested for use in gmax, so you may encounter a few problems along the way. I've tried to note whatever strangeness I've discovered about the scripts, so read the script notes before you download. As always, if you like the scripts please write the authors and tell them.
● Current scripts ●
Circle Stairs, Spiral Stairs, Regular Stairs, Tree Maker, Particles, Planet generator, Spline to Boxes, Gears, Hair, Spray and Texture Manager.
Stairs: If you load these two into the Scripts>Startup folder, they will available all the time from the create tab, under WWC parts. These scripts work pretty much flawlessly.
There's a whole bunch of modelers out there that are concerned with making realistic, yet low poly plants and trees easier to do. This is because the creation of convincing trees can be tough and time consuming. This little script makes it a bit easier. Press 'generate branches', then 'generate connections' and there you have it! Plus you can totally adjust all sorts of options to create something unique. A word of warning: The script will build branches and connectors without any problems, but NOT leaves! If you tell it to make leaves it's going to crash.
Gmax Particles : Yes, it's true.
It makes them from a base unit ( triangle, sphere or cube) , calculates and creates the stream along an animation length of your choice. You control count, speed, spin, gravity and much more. All in a nice maxscript with a simple interface. Screenshots don't do it justice, but...
Here's frame 10... and frame 45.
This maxscript is a little buggy, but not impossible. Download, unzip and place the script in the scripts folder. Fire up gmax, and press open up the script. Here's where it gets buggy: Sometimes I'll open the script, run it, and it will work great. Other times, I'll get the little error in the image above. If you see this error too, try this: Press open maxscript, then navigate to and select the particle script. Press file>evaluate all, then reselect it from the maxscript rollout and run it. so far, this has ALWAYS worked.
Planet Generator : This is a fun script that creates a planet for you, complete with water, land, ice, and so on. You can choose the colors of your terrain, so it can look like whatever you'd like. Just perfect for those 'flying through space' scenes.
When you run the script, you'll see this error.
Just press the 'ok' button, scroll down to the new rollout and set up your planet. You control the generation seed, size, #segments and more. Here's what a quick 555 seed did for me.
Spline to boxes: This script may come in very handy for gmax'ers looking to quickly build interiors for their games. All you do is draw a straight spline, run the script and presto! Walls that are ready for tweaking, mapping or export.
Here's a new one that creates gears for you. It installs easily and runs without errors.
Download it by pressing here.
Better than Rogaine, it's Hair! This cool little script runs without errors and generates hair ( or grass, or wheat ) along the object or face of your choosing. You can also add randomness to it, and apply wind. Download here.
Got some objects you want to randomly place around your scene? Try using Spray. You reference the object, tell it what surface to place it on ( you can exclude surfaces too) and roll your mouse. Where you click, the mesh goes. Download it by pressing here.
Texture Manager gives you some workflow options by preloading textures from your hard drive in a viewport for easy access. It handles bmp, tif, psd, jpg and other formats. Be sure to click on the HELP button for some instructions on how to use it. I've noticed it causes a lag in my PC while loading textures, so it might be looking for some beefy ram on your system to really run well. Your mileage may vary according to your system specs. Download it here.
