How can I distribute onyx flowers in an area inside 3DS Max?

Lino: Ive done this TONS of

Lino:

Ive done this TONS of time - and the thing that Ive always found is that there isn't a script or module in Max that can do this type of setdressing well.

My recommendation:

1. In Onyx - use the "Random Seed" to make yourself 3-4 versions of the same flower.

2. Bring these 3-4 meshes into max

3. Arrange the 3-4 flowers together, Clone-->Instance to make 4 more - arrange these with the other 4 (now 8 total).

4. Rinse, Wash, Repeat. Pretty soon, you'll have a generic form of hundreds of plants that you can use to drop onto a boundary or in a shape. Delete out objects you don't need anymore if there is overlap.

5. Use scripts like "Glue" (itoosoftware), Move to surface (Maxscript Help) to place the meshes (or proxies if you have alot) onto the surface. Use Blurscripts (free download at Neil Belvins site) to adjust pivots as necessary, and the random X-Forms script will allow you to vary scale and rotation of the objects, making the original 4 meshes (and the subsequent instances) look like many more.

Granted, This method is a bit more tedious than using a "scatter" method - but it gives more control over the final look/feel and it "reduces" the tendancy of 3DsMax to crash, and is still quite quick.

Just my 2 cents...