This is a new Helper for 3DS Max, that does the same as the Array tool does, but with some more features and more importantly, the settings can be adjusted on the fly, so you can always change the spacing, rotation, scaling between the array objects, or use splines for either 1D, 2D, 3D position. Also feature an randomize addition that can randomize spacing, rotation, scaling.
Update (v0.83):
Converted the modifier into a Helper, and added an update Array3D script, to update scenes already made with the old version of the script. See full list of changes in the version log. Hopefully I haven't made too many new bugs. :)
To use, just add an Array 3D modifier to a dummy (or any object for that matter), and then select 1+ objects in the list to use in the array. It will remember your array settings and you can then change them whenever you like.
If you want to add some randomizing into position/rotation/scale, just add an Array Randomize to the dummy as well, and select the Array 3D modifier you want to randomize.
Main features:
Select one or more objects for the array
Create array in 1D, 2D or 3D dimensions
Adjust the position/rotation/scaling in 1D/2D/3D per object or as total value
Create array using 1-3 splines
Array group of objects or randomize the objects in the array
Add randomize values to the position/rotation/scaling
Turn freezing and bounding box on and off
Change wireframe color to source color, custom color or a gradient from x,y,z
Linking the array objects to dummy or custom object
Offset the array from the dummy
Convert and rename generated objects and group them
Adjust any value on the fly
Download newest version, Array 3D v0.83 for 3DS Max as ZIP file. Just unpack the files into 3DS Max's /Scripts/ folder and restart Max. The file contains a small quick start guide and install/uninstall instructions if needed. If you have any questions or bugs to report, send a mail to scripts@mcgreed.dk
IMPORTANT! READ THIS IF YOU ARE UPDATING FROM OLD VERSION WITH EXISTING SCENES!
If you have scenes already using an older version of Array 3D, you need to take these steps to
update your scene, as the Array 3D Modifier has changed into a Helper:
Install the script as usual
Load your scene with the Array Modifiers
Go up to MAXScript / Run Script... and find the script UpdateArray3D.ms in /scripts/Array3D/
Run the script and you get a update dialog window. Follow the instructions there to update and convert the Array 3D modifiers to Array 3D Helpers.
When you have updated all your scenes, and you don't need the old version of the script, feel free to delete the folder /ArrayModifier/ from /Scripts/. The new version is located in /Scripts/Array3D/ and the file ArrayModifier_startup.ms from /Scripts/Startup.
If you don't want to remove it, please note that you will have two different randomize modifiers in your list, the old Array Randomize and the new Array 3D Randomize.
The script is freeware to use, but please do not publish it as your own. However if you like this script and want to show your appriciation, please donate whatever you like to my paypal. :)
CHANGED: Converted the Array 3D modifier into a Helper
CREATED: Update Array Script for updating scenes made with old script version
ADDED: Option to show frozen in grey
ADDED: Option to Rotate by Spline path
ADDED: Option to Rotate Array Incrementing
ADDED: Character string check on prefix (avoid illegal characters)
ADDED: Option to link used splines to selected link parent
FIXED: Generel bugfixes
CHANGED: Rewrote a lot of the code, to make it work with incrementing and in the process the script should also have become faster. Also cleaned up the code
CHANGED: Activated the animation parameter for those who wants to try to use the script with animated parameter, though the script hasn't been tested with it. Only fields that doesn't create new objects will be animated (so fields like Amount will not be animatable). Recommend to set Creation to Modifiy to avoid creating/deleting objects when animating.
CHANGED: No encoding! Yeah, my code isn't so messy now, so you can see it now. :)
This is a new Helper for 3DS Max, that does the same as the Array tool does, but with some more features and more importantly, the settings can be adjusted on the fly, so you can always change the spacing, rotation, scaling between the array objects, or use splines for either 1D, 2D, 3D position. Also feature an randomize addition that can randomize spacing, rotation, scaling.