Quick Parent

8 votes
Version: 
1.4
Date Updated: 
10/25/2004
Author Name: 
Stefan Kubicek

A script for 3dsMax 5 - 2013 eliminating the need for the native link tool by replicating the classical Maya workflow: Select objects and execute script (e.g. by pressing the P-key on the keyboard - in case you choose to define P as it's shortcut). All selected objects become parented to the last selected object.
Quick and clean, no guesswork by dragging links over the viewport and hoping that the correct object under the mouse was recognized when released. Has some advanced error checking for the correct handling of groups (closed or open) - Biped class objects (Character Studio) and avoidance of dependency loops (was fixed in V1.4)

Limitations: Does not work when objects get selected through the select by name dialog or floater (these don't honor the order of selection - blame Autodesk ;-)

Additional Info: 

Installation:

- Copy the file Macro_tidbit_Quick_parent.mcr to //UI/MacroScipts of your main 3DMax installation folder
- Restart Max.
- The macro can be found under the tidbit tools category of the customize user interface dialog.
- Map the macro to one of your keys or quad menu entries or button on a toolbar. I prefer mapping it to the 'p'-key on my keyboard.

Usage:

- Select two or more objects and execute the script. The last object in the selection will become the new parent of all other objects in the selection. The new parent remains selected after the operation. This is a very fast and convenient way of linking objects - no pressing buttons necessary - and you won't ever miss the parent object again when you drag Max' native link tool over the viewport.
- First-level dependency loops are handled correctly (parenting an object to one of it's first-level (direct) children). Link operations resulting in lower- level dependency loops (parenting an object to a child of a child of it) are reported as errors and skipped.

Version Requirement: 
3dsmax 5 - 2013

Comments

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jsrocha's picture

Nice script, thanks! Jsrocha

Nice script, thanks!

Jsrocha

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