Building generator

1 vote
Version: 
1.0 beta
Date Updated: 
04/03/2022
Author Name: 
Milan Šaffek
Additional Info: 


Description:
Building generator allows fast production of complex assets , especially those that consist from lot of repetitive patterns. It`s ideal for production assets like buildings, game levels, interiors..

It may be used for fast prototyping (building grayboxes) but also for final assets. User can edit assets similar way like in most of 3d software when working with polygons - using loop selection of rows and columns, extruding walls IN and OUT etc.

Update 18.9.2022 

-Wall preview Thumb is now embedded in Rollout (Floating option can be still enabled in preferences)

-renamed source rectangles and source nodes for more logical naming convention

-possibility of adding floor with custom height. Floor number can be specified. This feature was added after user feedback and should allow to create more realistic buildings. 

-Add custom defined height of bottom floor  (also added after user feedback)

-Now its possible to create roof  after building is done. This can be handy for example when user create building but forget to check “create roof

-Now its possible create wall from open spline

-bug fixes

 

Update 20.4.2022 

- new preview window -  this window shows block before is build, so user can quickly choose prefab combination he likes most. Using this window is optional, but it should make pipeline more convenient. 

- reorganized source scenes, organisation is now more logical and respect new preview window. 

- various bugfixes 

Installation and run :

In 3DS max go to Script \ Run Script and run building_generator_install.mzp

This  will install all necessary files.  

Then go to add icon to your panel. Go to Customize / Customize User Interface. In Category  go to Building Utils, then just drag and drop Building generator to your toolbar. 

Curent state:
Currently script is in beta stage and it`s free to use. As i don`t have use of script for myself, i can adjust some functionality regarding feedback from users, if there will be any. As i work on script only myself i would really appreciate some feedback.

Advantages:
Script is easy to use. No technical artist needed

very fast prototyping - create building in few minutes (in case source prefabs are prepared)

Easy to use GUI, no nodes. Just buttons and thumbnails. basic philosophy of tool - "Work with prefabs like with polygons." No complicated nodes, no tech-artist skills needed.

script is non destructive - it not touches source prefab geometry. ( What script is only does is moving / rotating / mirroring asset and adding slice modifier on corners )

No saving required - just use standard 3dsmax save/ load, you can always continue edit project (in case you will use script proper way ).

Not only for buildings - tool is convenient for any assets with lot of repetitive parts. For example bridge construction, railings, interior walls etc..

More info on homepage!
Betatesters needed. If you are interested in betatesting or if you have any feedback, please contact me!

Version Requirement: 
3ds max 2018 or newer
Video URL: 
AttachmentSize
building_generator_install.zip2.92 MB

Comments

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obaida's picture

i think pressing thumbnail

I think pressing thumbnail should replace selected parts directly (depending on the category of pressed thumbnail) !
and restrict the base object to be shape only with floors number spinner , (so no need to pick object - can work directly on selected shapes).
the point is to radius the option so the UI can be The Thumbnail library only, with few small buttons and spinners .
So the Whole Script will be about the Selected (Library-->Category) , and the Same buttons will do function depending on it (Add-Delete-Replace..) and Depends on the selected Parts from the scene .

milansaffek's picture

Thank you! Regarding

Thank you!
Regarding confusion with selecting prefab and then pressing correct button. I agree that there is room for improvement.. One problem is that thumbnails are located far from buttons, so user have to move mouse a lot.. This can be improved by making thumbs vertical.

Also i can also possibly add support for keyboard shortcuts..

obaida's picture

Nice Modular , Keep it up .

Nice Modular , Keep it up .
its a bit confusing "I Think" , Selecting Prefab from the library then pressing the correct button in the script ! .

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