3ds Max News

Call for Python tutorials

Admin — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:28:14 +0100

I've been seeing a lot of discussion about using Python with 3ds Max for quite a while now... I'd love to get some resources up describing Python - 3ds Max integration / workflow / processes. If you've got or would write a beginner tutorial or even an advanced tutorial, please share it with the community!

Some questions to get the ball rolling... What is Python? How does it compare to MAXScript? Why should someone use Python? Is Python best for end users or developers? How do you create a simple "hello world" Python script?

SoulburnScripts Updated July 18th 2008

Admin — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:02:30 +0100

(Copied from Neil Blevins' email list)

Created one new script:

polyCountSelector: Selects objects based on their facecount.

Updated several older scripts, here's the major updates:

bitmapCollector: Now searches your mappaths and local maxdir for missing bitmaps.
modifierUtilities: Added a new mode for selecting objects with uVWMapping Modifiers with a specific map channel.

ScriptSpot Updates & New Server

Admin — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:19:32 +0100

ScriptSpot has now been updated to a new version of http://www.drupal.org, is operating on a new server, has a few new features & is now open for posting!

There may be some glitches left in the server transition. If you run across anything, please use the contact link at the bottom of any page to report the problem.

Job: Technical Artist – Sports - Blue Castle Games – Burnaby, BC

Admin — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:06:07 +0100

BLUE CASTLE GAMES (www.bluecastlegames.com) is a full-service, multi-project and multi-platform 3rd party developer located in Vancouver, Canada. The studio was formed in 2005, fulfilling the desire to start a company where creativity, experience and hard work come together to create outstanding games. We are currently a 100 plus-person studio with plans to expand to 150+ in 2008. In its short tenure, Blue Castle has already developed and shipped The BIGS (published by 2K Sports in June 2007) on PS3, 360, PS2, PSP and Wii. We are well underway on three new projects – an unannounced Action title and two Sports titles.

A Technical Artist at Blue Castle Games, is someone who can proactively identify the artists needs, proposing and delivering effective tools and workflow. Extensive scripting work in MaxScript, Mel and Python will be required. You will do this by providing support to automate processes while working as a liaison between Software Engineers and the Art/Animation teams.

An equal combination of a strong creative/visual aesthetic and technical knowledge are a necessity – the job is roughly a 50/50 split in these areas. You should also be experienced in one of the following other areas – Animation, Character Modeling or Environments.

...

For more details and instructions on how to apply, view the attached PDF job description.

Alternative search...

Admin — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:19:59 +0100

FYI if you like Google you can search ScriptSpot by adding site:scriptspot.com to your query or just go here for a ScriptSpot custom search engine...

SoulburnScripts Updated May 16th 2008

Neil Blevins — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:23:14 +0100

Some new scripts and new features.

Max script update:

The scripts have now been tested in Max 2009, and everything seems
fine. So I'm adding official compatability with Max 2009. Let me know
if you run into any weirdness.

Added 2 new scripts:

VertexMapDisplayer: Toggles or turns on or off the vertex map
viewport display for all scene or selected objects.
instanceTrimmer: Takes a selection and reduces the selection to
include only a single instance from each set of instances.

Updated several scripts, here's the major updates:

scriptattack.com updated april 26

1acc — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:48:48 +0100

Scripts added:

SuperPainter R1.1
HandManipulator v1.0
Building v1.2
BlenderFluid v1.3
BipEditAnimRanges v1.0
TextureRenamer v1.2
SmartPivot v1.0

All scripts on www.scriptattack.com are freeware now.

SoulburnScripts Updated Apr 22nd 2008

Admin — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:54:24 +0100

(Copied from Neil Blevins' email list)

A bunch of fixes and new features to existing scripts.

Max script update:

IllusionCatalyst

Admin — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:03:35 +0100

From the IllusionCatalyst site:

IllusionCatalyst is a brand new set of instruments designed to increase artistic expression and productivity in Autodesk 3ds Max.

IC.Shape: Instruments for organic polygonal modeling. Draw and erase mesh edges like tracing lines with a pencil on paper, then deform and relax the surface like shaping clay by hands.

IC.Face: Instruments for facial rigging and animation. Bring characters to life letting them express every emotion and mood with a full range of controllers. No more gummy faces allowed.

IC.Mime: Instruments for keyframing and animation. Take a step and get the other one for free, control the flow of the action and each pose more easily. Forget about motion brakes.

...

Visit the IllusionCatalyst website for detailed screenshots, feature breakdown and to download the scripts.

PolyBoost 4.1 has been released

Admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:30:16 +0100

Version 4.1 of PolyBoost has now been released with support for 3ds max 2009 and 3ds max 2009 Design. The new version includes several bugfixes and code optimization, no new features. It is also available for 3ds max9 and 2008. The upgrade is free for existing users. Visit the Polyboost website to download.

3ds Max 2009 Released

Admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:00:49 +0100

3ds Max 2009 has been released! http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=5659305

Demo videos - http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=11007364
Features & Specifications - http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=5659451

...

3ds Max 2009 Design has been released! http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=10369701

Demo videos - http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=11007421
Features & Specifications - http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=10369797

SoulburnScripts Updated Mar 31st 2008

Admin — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:00:58 +0100

(Copied from Neil Blevins' email list)

Just a quick update with a few bug fixes and small updated features.

Max script update:

Updated several scripts, here's the major updates:

splinePainter: Fixed issue that would turn the paint button off even though you could still paint. Added Surface Offset Value, to place the spline a specified distance away from the surface. Added a way to rename the splines.
objectPainter: Added a way to add a prefix to the name of the objects.
makeObjectsUnique: Added options for refining what you want to make unique. Works on instanced controllers now (note: A max bug prevents all controllers from getting uninstanced, but it does work on most controllers.)

SoulburnScripts Updated Mar 24th 2008

Admin — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:16:05 +0000

(Copied from Neil Blevins' email list )

Yes, I know it's only been 4 days since the last collection, but I wanted to get a number of bug fixes out to you ASAP, and a few new useful features. So here's the news...

Added 1 new script:

splinePainter: This script lets you paint splines on the surface of another piece of geometry.

Updated a bunch of scripts, here's the major updates:

modifierUtilities: Fixed a Defaults Loading bug.
objectReplacer: Fixed a bug when trying to remove objects from a blank replacer list.
wireBundler: Fixed a bug when trying to remove objects from the various lists. Added weights to deform objects. Increase the weight of an object to have it chosen more frequently.
splineManager: Added controls for the Rectangular Renderable Splines.
objectPainter: Fixed a bug when trying to remove objects from the 2 lists. Added weights to paint with objects. Increase the weight of an object to have it chosen more frequently. Added scatter, so now your brushsize can determine the distance an object can be scattered. Added group support.
materialMover: Added an Unused mode, so you can, for example, only move materials to the material editor slots that don't currently contain scene materials. Or you can apply materials from your Material Library to only scene objects that do not currently have a material.

3ds Max 2009 Announced

Admin — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:24:04 +0000

Interesting news if you haven't heard. 3ds Max 2009 has been announced and will be split into an Entertainment and Design version corresponding to the creative needs of the different markets. In addition VIZ is being discontinued to be replaced by 3ds Max Design.

This has created quite a stir amongst the community on CGTalk and on Ken
Pimentel's blog

...

For the latest industry news - visit MaxUnderground.

Polyboost 4.0 Released

Admin — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:10:55 +0000

News from the Polyboost website:

PolyBoost 4.0 has now been released! Almost all parts of PolyBoost have now been converted to c++ using the 3ds max SDK which means a lot for the speed and efficiency of the tools. They are now just as fast as native max tools would be! New tools in this release include Symmetry Tools, Texture Wrap, Cavity, Density, Dust and SubSurface Map, UV Space, SurfaceSelect, SymmetrySelect, StepLoop and surface offset for the PolyDraw tools. View the preview video here and read more about the update here. The upgrade is free for existing users.

For more info visit www.polyboost.com