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currently working for the Media and Entertainment group within Autodesk Developer Network supporting 3ds Max customization and programming. email: kevin.vandecar@autodesk.com
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MAXScript
What is MAXScript?
The 3ds Max scripting language Simpler and easier to use than C++ Interpreted scripting language
Use to drive 3ds Max Not to be confused with plug-in development
MAXScript
Why use MAXScript?
Customize the user interface Automate repetitive tasks Provide algorithmic traits to geometry/animation Save Time and Money $$$$
Consider Investment of time to develop customization
Programming now involved so need more skill
MAXScript - Functionality
Almost anything 3ds Max does, MAXScript can automate! Including, but not limited to:
User interface Geometry Cameras Lights Helpers Particles Modifiers Animation Controllers Trackview Renderer Materials Batch process files Batch process objects Import/Export
MAXScript
How to use MAXScript
MAXScript is built-in Listener and Editor windows Visual MAXScript Plug-in
MAXScript
Demonstration
MAXScript
Resources:
Maxscript.chm: included with 3ds Max Book: 3ds Max (2011) Bible: Chapter 49, Automating with MAXScript Book: 3ds Max MAXScript Essentials Web resources (see end) ADN DevTech Sample files
Can use managed languages like: C#, VB.NET, C++/CLI (managed C++)
Interfacing with other .NET API components At the moment, it has the least amount of exposure into Max internals.
MAX Sharp is a prototype work in progress that can be used by ADN members only at this point.
If interested in this contact me.
Reference assemblies
MAX SDK
What is MAX SDK?
Used for plug-in development Object Oriented, Set of C++ libraries (and headers) Requires knowledge of C++ (but many, many resources available)
MAX SDK
Why use MAX SDK?
Functionality for nearly everything
Flexible Modify existing behaviors Provide new functionality
MAX SDK
Why use MAX SDK?
Commercial Plug-ins for resale
Pure compiled language and associated binaries Time to develop versus selling in volume makes good business sense Seriously consider joining Autodesks partner programs (ADN technical and marketing)
MAX SDK
Why use MAX SDK?
Internal use for task automation, proprietary internal features, etc.
Time to develop versus functionality needed:
Would it be easier/faster to develop with CUI, .NET API, or MAXScript? Already know C++? Huge advantage if so, but still time consuming. Consider maintenance over time
MAX SDK
How to use MAX SDK?
Install from 3ds Max media. Both win32 and x64 supported Visual C++ 9.0 (Visual Studio 2008)
Service Pack 1 with the July 28, 2009 security patch installed. Either VS2008 or VS2010 IDEs will work (but for VS2010 must use VC90 toolset)
Auto-loading and Delay loading supported Debug build provided with symbols to help your development efforts
MAX SDK
Demonstrations
Plug-ins that ship with the SDK
Object plug-in Modifier plug-in
MAX SDK
Resources:
Maxsdk.chm included with MAX SDK Web resources (see end) ADN DevTech
MAXScript
Easy to get started and low investment of time/money
.NET API
Useful for UI and/or consumption of other .NET Framework functionality
MAX SDK
Requires serious programming skills, but the most powerful and flexible
gamedev.net
customization and programming forums
www.autodesk.com/joinadn
Kristine Middlemiss - Toronto, Canada Kevin Vandecar Manchester, NH US Cyrille Fauvel Brest, France Manager ADN M&E DevTech Akira Kudo - Tokyo, Japan Santosh Kumar Bangalore, India
Q+A