Pick Hierarchy

Since I prefer point-based hierarchies to groups I was thinking about the way to select hierarchies quickly in viewports.

This script lets you select whole hierarchies by picking one object
in viewport which is belongs to that hierarchy. It's very handy to
select open groups as well.

Usage:

Run script and pick some object in viewport. If object belongs to
some hierarchy whole hierarchy will be selected. Use CTRL and ALT keys
to add objects to current selection or to remove them from current
selection. When you are in picking mode Prompt Line displays "pick
object to select its heirarchy". In this mode besides picking objects
all other (afaik) commands work as expected - for example Isolate
command or Invert Selection. Although, since it's not precisely the
Selection Mode, you can not select objects by region. At this moment
only picking supported.

Installation:

Run downloaded script with Maxscript -> Run Script command from any folder on your hard drive. Resulting command 'PickHierarchy' will be availlable in 'Sergo Pogosyan'
category. You can assign hot key or toolbar button to this script. Hot
key is more handy, from my point of view. I've assigned CTRL+Q to it.