Max Scripts and Scale; Absolute controls

[lionheart]

Hey guys,


I was just wondering if its possible to write a Max script for Gmax that will cause all parts to have their scale reset?

Sometimes this cannot always be done with some parts when using 'Hierarchy/Scale/Reset'. But I am wondering if its possible to have a script 'overwrite' all Scale issues.

I know nothing about writing Scripts, so I thought I would ask.



Bill

 

[YohanNaz]

Gmax already has this and it's called "Reset XForm" (located on Utilities Tab). Always remember that this action is not undoable so save before applying. It will reset all pivots/scale and vertice coordinates sometimes resulting in flipping normals. You can use the "Normal" modifier to flip the normals back on one or multiple objects.

Reset XForm should always be done prior to any rigging, animating, or skinning or you will want to punch something.

A good example of why you need to use ResetXForm would be mirroring objects. Create a box, mirror it then reset the XForm, you'll notice the normals all get flipped. Typically, what I've seen in certain games is that without the ResetXForm, these objects would appear with their normals flipped in game.

Hope this helps.

JonP

 

[n4gix]

...or avoid the flipped normal issue entirely by simply not using the "Mirror" tool at all...

Instead, add a "Mirror Modifier" to the stack of a cloned object. It's the safest way...

The Utilities Tab/Reset XForm only affects a selected object. Attempting to Select All then Reset XForm doesn't work in GMax.

BTW, selecting all objects and then adding a "Reset XForm Modifier" to the stack doesn't always eliminate the transform scaling errors when Exporting to FS either.

As a result, I've simply developed a habit of applying Reset XForm to any object which I've scaled at the macro level immediately.

Better still, don't scale any object at the macro level, but rather scale after selecting everthing in any of the sub-edit levels! Then you don't get the problem to begin with!

 

[YohanNaz]

The Utilities Tab/Reset XForm only affects a selected object. Attempting to Select All then Reset XForm doesn't work in GMax.

Better still, don't scale any object at the macro level, but rather scale after selecting everthing in any of the sub-edit levels! Then you don't get the problem to begin with!

I have no problem adding an XForm from the Utilities Tab to multiple objects in Gmax, works every time. Only issue I saw is that while in the edit tab with an object that has an XForm mod applied, I couldn't select other objects until I went to a different tab like "Create". Otherwise, with the XForm on multiple objects, select them all then convert to poly. Works like a charm.

Exactly, if you need to scale an object, entering vert sub-object edit mode selecting all and scaling is the best way.

As a result, I've simply developed a habit of applying Reset XForm to any object which I've scaled at the macro level immediately.

Couldn't agree more, this is a good habit to have and one I have as well.