IC.Shape
IC.Shape is a set of instruments designed to increase productivity and ease the modeling process. The whole toolset is driven by the 3ds Max standard painting system and tracking functions. It gives its best paired with a pressure sensitive device, since many instruments react to natural strokes. The learning path is straightforward, thanks to a clear interface and shortcuts painless to remember and handle during the modeling process. Many tools are context sensitive and perform different actions based on the artist's intent, without complex combinations of keys. No more than one key is to be hold at the same time to activate an alternaive behaviour and each modifier key gets similar results in comparable tools, like draw and erase, or paint deformation tools. The artist has more time to take care of the creative process.
What's new in version 2.0
Additions
- Paint Select Instrument
- Pick Select Instrument
- Shrink and Grow sub objects selection alternate method
- Span Select
- nGon Replace, Add to and Remove from current poly selection
- Hold and Fetch sub objects selection securely
- Set Brush Diameter and Pressure Multiplier Spinners
- Erase Collapse full Edge Rings Option
- Slide Relax Option
- Normal Drag Option
- Fixed Axis Flatten
- Tweak Instrument
- Split Ring Instrument
- Shift Loop Instrument
- Axis Project Instrument
- Geo Loop Instrument
- Slice Instrument
- Pivot Instrument
- Show Instrument Name and Information
- Detach Elements to Single Objects
- Attach Nodes to a Single Object
- Auto Base Object System Option
- Auto Activate Viewport System Option
- Frame Geo Instrument
- New User Interface
- Full support to dark UI color scheme
- Script properties restored at each start
Changes and Fixes
- Fixed Select Ring from border polys
- Draw Instruments handles inner border edges
- Draw Instrument no longer creates geometry by dragging across Surface Border
- Erase Instrument no longer deletes geometry by dragging across Surface Border
- Inflate / Deflate and Raise / Lower Instruments calculate shift vectors more accurately based on polys rather than tris
- Ruffle randomize shifts are more uniform using Quaternions rather than Point3 coordinates
- Every Instrument is fully recoded with improvements in quality and speed
Removals
- Switch to Border and Elements sub object levels
- Ignore BackFacing
- Z-Projection Module
- Transform Instrument
- Extrude Instrument
- Inset Instrument
- Turbo Smooth Modifier Parameters
- Symmetry Modifier Parameters
- Activate Editable Poly Base Object
- Show End Result
- Smoothing Groups Utils
- Material ID Utils
Full Documentation — Not available yet
IC.Shape 1.1 Documentation — Outdated
Reset Settings
User Interface position and script options status and brushes settings are stored in a file. It is located in folder:
..\Autodesk\<3ds Max version>\scripts\IllusionCatalyst\IC_Shape\IC_Shape.ini
To reset every setting:
- Exit 3ds Max
- Delete the IC_Shape.ini file
- Restart 3ds Max
- Start IC.Shape
Q: How to move IC.Shape UI? A: Click with left mouse button on header image and drag.
Q: How to collapse/expand IC.Shape UI? A: Double click with left mouse button on header image.
Q: How to dock/float IC.Shape UI? A: Click with right mouse button on header image and choose Dock/Float.
Q: How to shut down IC.Shape? A: Click with right mouse button on header image and choose Exit.
Q: How to uninstall IC.Shape? A: Click with right mouse button on header image and choose Uninstall...
Q: How to add/remove Extra Actions? A: Click with right mouse button on header image and choose Add/Remove Actions.
Q: Shortcuts work only when IC.Shape UI is open, why?A: IC.Shape detects a lot of system events, through callback functions. I want to leave the system clean when IC.Shape is not in use, so its instruments are available and use their (quite low) system share only when needed. The advice is to open UI, collapse it to minimum and leave it wherever doesn't bothers, like alongside 3ds Max pulldown menus.
Q: My model has become black and white, why? What do I do?A: That's a random issue I'm still tracking. It has something to do with viewport visualization and surface smoothing. Don't panic. Sometimes starting or restarting an instrument fix it. Almost always changing topology, like adding or removing a vertex fix the issue. In the worst case scenario, convert to Editable Mesh and back to Editable Poly.
Q: When I use some instruments the Manipulator Mode becomes active, why?A: Instruments based on mouseTrack MaxScript component make use of simpleManipulator plugin graphic function. They are more reliable and stable than their GraphicWindow (gw) counterpart. The Manipulator state is reverted as it was before the instrument activation as soon as it is turned off.
Q: When some instruments show a preview and I pan the viewport, the drawings don't follow geometry, why?A: It is a side effect of using simpleManipulator plugin graphic functions. Viewport is not redrawn on pan. This solution anyway looks better than seeing all previews with heavy flickering on mouse move.
Q: Some instruments can be turned off by right clicking a few times, other can't, why?A: Instruments based on thePainterInterface MaxScript component like Draw, Inflate, Relax, cannot detect right clicks. The only way to turn them off is to run them a second time, like a switch. Instruments based on mouseTrack MaxScript component like Tweak, SplitRing, AxisProject, can detect right clicks, but ignore keyboard keypresses.
Q: Some instruments allow to undo while active, other don't, why?A: Instruments based on thePainterInterface MaxScript component like Draw, Inflate, Relax, can detect keyboard keypresses, and allow to undo while in use. Instruments based on mouseTrack MaxScript component ignore keyboard keypresses. The only way to undo is to use the Main toolbar Undo button or exit the instrument and press ctrl+Z.
Q: I made wonky settings or the IC.Shape UI is out of reach. How do I reset everything?A: Close 3ds Max and delete IC_Shape.ini file located in "..\Autodesk\<3ds Max version>\scripts\IllusionCatalyst\IC_Shape\"
Q: I'm on 3ds Max 9, Pivot instrument leaves a tripod Point Helper, why?A: 3ds Max 9 doesn't support Working Pivot. The idea behind leaving the tripod Point Helper is to have a pivot to snap to for local transformations. The steps are as follow:
- Select sub objects to transform
- Lock the selection
- Activate Snap in 3D and set it to Pivot
- Choose the transformation type: Move, Rotate, Scale
- Set from Use Center flyout: "Use Transform Coordinate Center"
- Set from Reference System: "Pick" and pick the tripod Point Helper
- Perform the transformation
These are standard steps to accomplish such task in 3ds Max 9. Quite messy, but better than nothing if you need it.
Q: I'm on 3ds Max 9, Frame Geo is always grayed out, why?A: 3ds Max 9 doesn't support direct viewport matrix transformations. Frame Geo is available on 3ds Max 2008+ only.
Q: Sometimes an instruments doesn't start on button pressed, why?A: It is an issue still under investigation. If anything doesn't behave as expected, please close the script and restart it. If the issue is still there, please submit a bug.
Known Issues
Major Issues
- Incompatibility with digitalRaster Switcher. Many major and subtle issues when the plugin is active. Please check if IC.Shape works properly after disabling Switcher. If it doesn't, please submit a bug.
Minor Issues
- When manually switching from a Modifier in the Stack to a Sub Object Level of the Editable Poly the Selection section user interface isn't updated. Still looking for a workaround because the standard 3ds Max callbacks don't provide usable data.
To force the update, please switch to another Sub Object Level then back to the desired one.
Download
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IC.Shape — version 2.0 beta 10 — 2010.07.20 — 743.898 KBytes | total downloads:
1678
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DOWNLOAD NOTE: Some internet browsers, like Opera, don't recognize the mzp format. If the downloaded file has a different extension than .mzp, please rename it to: IC_Shape.mzp then drag and drop it over a 3ds Max viewport to start the installation.
UPGRADE NOTE: To keep shortcuts from a previous version, just start the installation of the new one. They should be preserved.
Version History
Version 2.0 beta 10 - 2010.07.20
Fixes
- Fixed a bug in uninstallation. Accessory script for code encryption introduced an error in functions that handle script uninstallation. Uninstallation and possibly installation could have been compromised. Please use this release to clear your system if needed.
Version 2.0 beta 9 - 2010.07.19
Fixes
- Fixed a bug in Editable Poly Object with active NURMS Display. NURMS subdivision is now turned off on instruments start and restored on stop. Even if NURMS works as is meant, it is highly recommended to use Turbo Smooth, which is way faster.
- Fixed UI issues in 3ds Max 2010 and 2011. Due to changes in user interface handling in latest 3ds Max releases, IC.Shape UI docking and floating caused elements misalignment. Dark UI weren't properly loaded by default and on interface switching.
Additions
- Ring / Loop tools now select spans as well. If selection is made of two separate elements laying on a Ring or Loop, the included span is selected. [Leonarce "elte" Tan]
Changes
- Quick switching to Relax mode by pressing SHIFT in Paint Deformation instruments now keeps the painting gizmo radius fixed and gets stored pressure multiplier from Relax setting. [Greg "PolyHertz" Gardners]
Known Issues
- IC.Shape can cause incompatibility issues with .dds image format in DirectX shaders. The problem is still under investigation.
Version 2.0 beta 8 - 2010.04.23
Fixes
- Fixed a bug in actions for "T/M Smooth" and "Symmetry". The shortcut versions were enabled only if current selection was an Editable Poly or an Edit Poly Modifier. They are now enabled for any kind of node, and disabled when IC.Shape interface is shut down or selection is empty.
- Removed some debugging code left that printed object status on selection change.
Additions
- Added missing action to associate shortcuts to "T/M Smooth" and "Symmetry" to set all modifiers On or Off.
Version 2.0 beta 7 - 2010.04.21
Fixes
- Select tools didn't store an undo step. When undo was performed after using them, the object state was reverted to two steps before the selection command. It is now fixed.
- Deleting Edit Poly Modifier threw errors because the callbacks ran a function with illegal parameters. It is now fixed.
- Sometimes pops up the error message: '-- Unknown property: "tessTension" in undefined', when selecting an object or changing active modifier in the stack. Several new checks have been added to prevent this issue.
- IC.Shape user interface didn't properly refresh when switching from a modifier directly to an Editable Poly Object or Edit Poly Modifier sub object level. It is now partially fixed, it still doesn't work when current Tool Mode is set to Select.
- Solved an issue in Geo Loop introduced in beta 6. The instrument didn't work on Edit Poly Modifier when used preserving the position of a reference vertex.
- Fixed an issue with "Invert Sub-Object selection visibility" introduced in beta 6. The action for shortcut association didn't work due to a bad function call.
- Fixed an issue with "Clear Sub-Selection Held" introduced in beta 6. The action for shortcut association didn't work due to a bad function call.
- Fixed an issue with "UnHide Sub-Selection" when in Edge Sub Object Level. Unhidden edges were not selected when faces formed a quad strip.
- Fixed an issue with "Lock Borders". The action for shortcut association didn't work due to a bad function call.
Additions
- Added missing action to associate shortcuts for Axis Project.
Version 2.0 beta 6 - 2010.04.18
Fixes
- Fixed Geo Loop on Edit Poly Modifier. The instrument didn't give any preview and failed if Reference Coordinate System was set on Local.
- Fixed Split Ring with snap set to Center of the Edges. The instrument didn't create any edge loop but added vertexes on the reference edge.
- Fixed an error in Expiration Warning dialog. It now shows how many days are left.
- Fixed an issue in Pivot instrument. The Working Pivot matrix wasn't right when set normal to first selected point (option Shift+Drag).
- Caught an error popping up when Detach Elems was run on an Edit Poly Modifier made by a single element.
Changes
- Fetch sub-selection tool. Now "Clear Sub-Object Selection Held" is bind to SHIFT and no more to CTRL.
- Revised MacroScript for Hold / Fetch sub-selection tools.
Additions
- Extended support for Edit Poly Modifier. Almost all Selection tools and Form instruments not implying real time geometry deformation now support Edit Poly Modifier:
- Select Instruments
- Pick
- Shrink / Grow
- Ring / Loop
- Span
- nGon
- Hide / Unhide
- Hold / Fetch
- Form Instruments
- Split Ring
- Shift Loop
- Axis Project
- Geo Loop
- Slice
- Pivot
- New behaviour in Grow. It is now possible to grow a sub-selection checker-like. [Greg "PolyHertz" Gardners]
- New behaviours in Hold and Fetch. It is now possible to perform addition and subtraction to current sub-selections and to sub-selections held.
- New behaviours in T/M Smooth and Symmetry toggles. It is now possible to turn on/off all modifiers in selected object no matter what is their current state.
Version 2.0 beta 5 - 2010.01.24
Fixes
- Fixed an issue with Command Panel in Expert Mode. Beta 4 introduced a bug when working in Expert Mode. It made the Command Panel appear and disappear every time an Editable Poly object was selected, or an instrument started. It is now fixed. [Greg "PolyHertz" Gardners]
- Fixed an issue with Auto Base Object. From beta 4, when Auto Base Object is active geometry parameters cannot be edited upon creation.
- Preserved the installation of Extra Actions upon script update.
Version 2.0 beta 4 - 2010.01.07
Fixes
- Fixed an issue with nodes selection. When switching selection between two objects with an Edit Poly Modifier on top, it threw an error.
- Rewritten part of code for instruments initialization. It could solve the crash issue when switching SubObject selection levels with an active deformation painting instrument.
- Fixed an issue with user interface docking status. The main panel didn't save the docked right status and switched to left side. [Greg "PolyHertz" Gardners]
Changes
- Auto BaseObject now has a less "aggressive" behaviour activating the Node base object only on selection change and not on every Modifier Stack modification. [Greg "PolyHertz" Gardners]
Additions
Version 2.0 beta 3 - 2009.12.14
Fixes
- Fixed issues with user interface Actions enabled and disabled status. Toolbar buttons didn't update when IC.Shape UI was closed.
- Draw threw a code error when connecting vertices.
- Geo Loop could have given incorrect results with Edit Poly Modifier.
- Attach Node threw an error when selection didn't include an Editable Poly. [Greg "PolyHertz" Gardners]
- T/M Smooth and Symmetry toggle didn't update light bulb status in Modifier Stack. [Greg "PolyHertz" Gardners]
Changes
- Pressure Multiplier limit for Inflate/Deflate and Raise/Lower instruments has been increased to 99.9. [Benoit "Bal" Stordeur]
- Attach Nodes rewritten: it now runs from twice to several times faster than standard Attach List and provides feedback in mini listener.
- Detach Elements rewritten: it now runs more than four times faster than previous version and provides feedback in mini listener. Test results in seconds on an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+.
Editable Poly
Boxes |
Standard
Attach List |
IC.AttachNodes |
|
IC.DetachElements |
|
| 100 |
0.9 |
0.45 |
2 times faster |
2.8 |
|
| 1000 |
4.8 |
2.0 |
2.4 times faster |
21.7 |
|
| 10000 |
412.5 |
20.9 |
19.7 times faster |
188.4 |
|
Additions
- Geo Loop gets edge chains from current selection when started in Polygon or Element level. [Greg "PolyHertz" Gardners]
- Geo Loop provides feedback in mini listener about current calculation status.
- Added Actions for direct access to secondary instruments options. [Tom "Yozora" Poon]
- Draw Edge Loop | Draw In Center
- Collapse Edge | Erase Edge Loop | Collapse Edge Ring
- Deflate
- Lower
- Stress | Slide Relax
- Stretch
- Smudge | Normal Drag
- Ruffle | Constant Axis Flatten
- Normal Tweak
- Split Ring Constant | Split Ring Centered
- Shift Loop Constant | Shift Loop Centered
- Axis Project by Reference
- Slice by Axis
Version 2.0 beta 2 - 2009.12.04
Fixes
- Drag instrument threw errors when Step mode was active. [Greg "PolyHertz" Gardners]
- Major issue in Drag/Smudge instrument algorithm could make the geometry disappear.
- Deform painting instruments threw errors when Ignore Backfacing was active.
Changes
- T/M Smooth and Symmetry Toggle now work on every kind of supported nodes and allow multiple selections.
- All tooltips revised.
Version 2.0 beta 1 - 2009.12.01
License
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IC.Shape 2.0 script is cost-free and can be used in production environments, but cannot be sold, included or distributed within any type of retail sales product.
For any further question, please contact the author.
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Disclaimer
of Warranty |
THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE PROGRAM, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE PROGRAM PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.
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Limitation
of Liability |
IN NO EVENT UNLESS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW OR AGREED TO IN WRITING WILL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU OR THIRD PARTIES OR A FAILURE OF THE PROGRAM TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS), EVEN IF SUCH HOLDER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
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| Copyright |
© 2007-2010 Enrico Gullotti |
Installation and Uninstallation
IC.Shape is distributed as mzp archive, a 3ds Max auto executable file.
Before proceding with installation, please be sure to have
administrator rights on your machine.
If drag and drop procedure fails, choose "Run Script..." form menu "MAXScript" and select IC_Shape.mzp file.
Installation/Uninstallation Wizards
How to install IC.Shape
- Start 3ds Max.
- Go to the menu: MAXScript > Run Script... and choose the file IC_Shape.mzp. Or drag and drop the file on 3ds Max viewports.
- A wizard will appear to manage the installation process.
- After completing the installation process, IC.Shape is available from menu: Customize > Customize User Interface...
- IC.Shape is filed under Category: IllusionCatalyst.
How to uninstall IC.Shape
- Start 3ds Max.
- Right click on IC.Shape user interface header and choose Uninstall...
- A wizard will appear to manage the uninstallation process.
- Delete any button associated to IC.Shape and restart 3ds Max.
Installed Files List
Installed Files ..\Autodesk\<3ds Max version>\Scripts\Startup\
..\Autodesk\<3ds Max version>\Scripts\IllusionCatalyst\IC_Shape\
- IC_Shape_Macro_Core.ms
- IC_Shape_Macro_Extra.ms
- IC_Shape.mse
..\Autodesk\<3ds Max version>\Scripts\IllusionCatalyst\IC_Shape\light\
- IC_Shape.bmp
- IC_Shape_12x16_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_22x22_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_33x20_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_33x24_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_66x1_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_66x16_I.bmp
..\Autodesk\<3ds Max version>\Scripts\IllusionCatalyst\IC_Shape\dark\
- IC_Shape.bmp
- IC_Shape_12x16_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_22x22_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_33x20_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_33x24_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_66x1_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_66x16_I.bmp
..\Autodesk\<3ds Max version>\Scripts\IllusionCatalyst\IC_Shape\alpha\
- IC_Shape_33x20_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_33x24_I.bmp
- IC_Shape_66x16_I.bmp
Files generated by IC.Shape..\Autodesk\<3ds Max version>\Scripts\IllusionCatalyst\IC_Shape\
Files generated by 3ds Max — Paths may differ ..\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\3dsmax\<3ds Max version>\enu\UI\usermacros\
- IllusionCatalyst-IC_Shape_*.mcr
Configuration
Wacom Tablet Setup
IC.Shape gives its best paired with a pressure sensitive device like a graphic tablet, since many instruments react to natural strokes. The following configuration takes advantage of the
standard 3ds Max shortcuts, the only effort required is to associate the middle mouse button to a pen button.
- Open the Wacom Tablet Properties panel in Windows from Start > Programs > Wacom Tablet > Wacom Tablet Properties (default Wacom Driver installation).
- OPTIONAL: To change the Wacom Pen setup for 3ds Max only. Start 3ds Max. In the Wacom Tablet Properties panel, at the right of the Application stripe click the "+" button. In the Currently Open Application list select 3dsmax and press OK.
- Choose the Pen panel, and select Middle Click in the drop down list associated to the topmost pen button.
3ds Max gives the opportunity to utilize an empty Quad Menu called "Custom" that can be invoked by pressing Shift+Ctrl+Right Mouse Button. This is the best available Quad Menu to store IllusionCatalyst instruments.
- Start 3ds Max.
- Go to the menu: Customize > Customize User Interface...
- Choose the Quads panel, and select IllusionCatalyst in the drop down list named Category.
- Select Custom [Shift+Ctrl+RMB] in the drop down list on the right side of the panel.
- Drag from the Action list on the left the commands needed to the list on the right composing the Quad Menu.
- Name each Quad by filling the Label field.
- Check Show All Quads to make the Custom Quad to behave like standard 3ds Max Quads.
- Experiment.
IC.Shape actions can be associated to keyboard shortcuts for the fastest access.
- Start 3ds Max.
- Go to the menu: Customize > Customize User Interface...
- Choose the Keyboard panel, and select IllusionCatalyst in the drop down list named Category.
- Select the Action to associate to a keyboard shortcut in the left list.
- Click on the textbox named Hotkey, then press the shortcut you want to associate to selected Action.
- Press the Assign button to set the new shortcut.
Script Enhancements
- SplitRing - Insert an Edge Loop following surface curvature [Jason "JMYoung" Young]
- nGon - Full set of selection criteria
- Keep Quads - Handle more cases
- Convert sub objects selection through levels with preview
Standard Tools Enhancements
- Extrude / Bevel / Inset preserving Smoothing Groups
- Connect / Chamfer dialogs with presets and custom stored settings
New Instruments
- Expand Surface [Pior "pior" Oberson] - in progress as standalone instrument
- Cut with accurate snap to sub objects
- Transform / Extrude
- Create / Delete geometry by border drag
- Axis Orient
- Select next element in quad pattern [Neil "soulburn3d" Blevins]
Other Tools
- Surface normals rebuilder according to curvature
Forums
Links to relevant threads in the major computer graphics discussion forums.
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