01 March 2003 (Saturday)- Day 12

 

I haven't done any work on the dragon in a few days (seeing as I've been so busy at work), but I have been busy writing scripts. I finally finished the "SmoothClone" script today (version 1) so I've made that available for download here seeing as it goes hand-in-hand with this diary thing.

 

 

 

 

click on image to download SmoothClone

  

 

Smooth Clone v1.00 - 3DS Max 5.1

Installation:

Smoothclone is a macroscript - copy the script to the ui/macroscripts folder in Max. You can now find the script in the [Customise User Interface] menu under the vertex tools category. Just add the script to a keyboard shortcut/menu/whatever.

Usage:

The script automates the setup of the workflow I usually use for modelling organic shapes in polygons. Select a low polygon base object and run the script. While it remembers the layout you were using it splits the screen into a 2-pane side by side view and references the original object into focus in the right view. The level of smoothness is configurable (up to 3; I don't want to be responsible for machine lockups!) and changeable on the fly. The objects are also temporarily renamed, but as with the layout; they're restored when the [clear reference] button is pressed.

I would recommend a solid+wireframe in the left panel and a solid smooth in the right. I can't currently figure out how to change the viewport shading (properly) within the script, but that may be a subject for a later revision.

- enjoy :)

 

 

At first I found the prospect of learning scripting a little daunting (that's why we have programmers¹) but I rather enjoy it now. I've always been curious about the way things work², and scripting is similar. A sense of control as well- it's always nice to know what goes on behind the scenes.

Anyhoo- it's saturday night and we've got company at the Holmes house. 'Raay! we're all off to the pub!!. I wonder if I'll fall over tonight? I'll certainly try...

 

 

¹ Codemonkeys

² They often don't work any more by the time I've found out how they were working. God only knows why my car's still running ...or how the hamster still squeaks.