Pick Hierarchy

21 votes
Version: 
1.0
Date Updated: 
10/25/2009
Author Name: 
Sergo Pogosyan

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.

Additional Info: 

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.

Version Requirement: 
3ds max 2008, 3ds max 2009 32-bit, 64-bit, 3ds max 2010 32-bit, 64-bit
AttachmentSize
pick_hierarchy.ms3.8 KB