Documentation Changes in 3ds Max 6
The following changes have been made to the MAXScript Online Documentation since version 5.1.1 (Particle Flow Extension).
- The Table Of Contents has been reorganized to provide a more logical structure and improved navigation.
New Sections
- Added a new section MAXScript Extensions for reactor. It lists all classes and interfaces related to the reactor Dynamics system.
- Added a new section MAXScript Extensions for mental ray. It lists some classes and interfaces related to the mental ray renderer.
- Added a new chapter Locating Information in this Help File containing several Topic Index pages to help you find relevant information related to typical scripting tasks:
Learning MAXScript - Topics Index
Creating MAXScript Tools - Topics Index
Developing MacroScripts - Topics Index
External File Access - Topics Index
Applying Modifiers - Topics Index
Developing Scripted Plug-ins - Topics Index
- Renamed the chapter "MAXScript Questions and Answers" to Frequently Asked Questions and reorganized it for easier topic navigation. Added more FAQ entries (see below).
Additional Examples and Information
- Added new examples to the MAXScript FAQ based on user requests:
How do I calculate the Volume of an Object?
How do I create a line between two points?
How do I change the text in a Text Shape dynamically?
How do I Get the Local Rotation of a Face?
How do I Sort a MultiMaterial By Material ID?
How do I Split a Mesh by UV Elements?
- Added new and extended existing topics in the MAXScript FAQ based on user requests:
Why does Execute return 'undefined' when accessing a loop variable?
When do I use If...Then and when If...Do?
When do I use () after a function?
What is the difference between 'undefined' and 'unsupplied' values?
What is the difference between '=' and '==' operators?
What is the differences between Arrays and BitArrays?
How do I create a multi-dimensional array?
How do I change a property in multiple objects at once?
How do I change the Shadow type of a Light?
- Added more information related to vector dot and cross products in the Point3 Values topic.
- Added new example showing ways to control SplineShape sub-object selection passing up the stack. The example connects two objects with a dynamic spline similar to a rope.
- Added new example to EditablePoly Properties topic -split polygons to elements.
- Added a set of Editable Mesh Selection Converter MacroScripts as examples to the respective Editable Mesh topics. See Editable Mesh Selection Converters
- Added comments to the GroupBox description to avoid confusion with Group.
- Added a note and an example regarding resetting local variables when a rollout or utility is opened to Accessing Locals and Other Items in a Rollout from External Code
- Added two new sample functions as possible replacement for saveMaxFile and saveNodes. The new functions check for existing files and prompt the user about overwriting.
Changes to existing topics
- Split the large topic Editable_Mesh : GeometryClass and TriMesh : Value into multiple topics. Added many new examples.
- Split the large topic Editable_Poly: GeometryClass into multiple topics for easier navigation.
- Consolidated the callback event names and callbacks.notificationParam() return values into a single list for consistency and easier navigation.
- Made slight changes to the Learning MAXScript topics - updated descriptions of MAXScript access to reflect the changes since 3ds Max 2.0, added more links and useful information to the tutorials.
- Revisited some "How To" tutorials, added more explanations and ideas for further development. Additional illustrations were added in the 5.1.1 revision.
Previously Undocumented Topics and minor fixes
- Documented an existing but previously undocumented channels parameter/property of the Bitmap Value. The property has been available since 3ds Max 3, the parameter since 3ds Max 4.
- Documented an existing (since 3ds Max 4) but previously undocumented setFocusmethod for setting focus on User Interface Controls.
- Fixed description of on <spinner> entered handler in Spinner topic - also called when spinner is released.
- Added description of initialRollupState optional keyword in Scripted Custom Attributes and Scripted Plugins.
- Added description of .creatable and .ispb2based read-only boolean properties of maxclass .
- Added previously undocumented list of filter names to the description of the setFilter() method in Interface: trackviews
For documentation changes from version5.1 to version 5.1.1 (which shipped to subscription members with the Particle Flow Extension), please see MAXScript Documentation Changes in 3ds Max 5.1.1
See Also
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