Author Topic: Arrange / Distribute Objects  (Read 5347 times)

2021-09-15, 08:01:38

cjwidd

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Look all over, but cannot find a script that evenly distributes a selection of objects in n-rows / n-columns. MCG-Arrange accomplished this task, but is not functional in 3ds Max 2020.

It's very surprising to me that such a script does not exist(?)

2021-09-15, 08:06:01
Reply #1

aaouviz

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Damn,

That looks handy. I don't have any tips, but posting here in case someone comes up with a solution.
Nicolas Pratt
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2021-09-15, 09:58:49
Reply #2

cjwidd

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This is the best I've found so far (link)

Not as flexible as I would like, but it does evenly distribute objects between two points. I'm looking for a solution that can distribute a selection of objects into an arbitrary number of rows and columns, like MCG-arrange.

2021-09-15, 16:53:09
Reply #3

pokoy

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Hmm I guess PFlow could help here, you can specify a group as object source, and then use a grid birth operator... but controls are limited.
Maybe TyFlow provides more options...

2021-09-15, 17:56:20
Reply #4

piotrus3333

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what is missing from Array tool in 3ds max?
Marcin Piotrowski
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2021-09-15, 21:11:36
Reply #5

cjwidd

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Right, I was going to use TyFlow, but I was really hoping to avoid that; I assumed there was probably already a script floating around that maybe someone had but never shared online(?)

2021-09-16, 08:31:43
Reply #6

aaouviz

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what is missing from Array tool in 3ds max?

Honestly I don't know what's missing from it. But this - to me - is an awful tool. I have no idea what it wants, I never get the expected results.
Nicolas Pratt
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https://www.instagram.com/anotherangle3d/

2021-09-16, 10:33:44
Reply #7

romullus

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Array is a great tool and i use it a lot, but it doesn't do what cwidd wants. It can't take multiple existing objects and arrange them into some array. I need to test that mcg script - never felt particular need for such tool, but who knows, sometime it may come handy.
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2021-09-16, 10:34:34
Reply #8

cjwidd

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what is missing from Array tool in 3ds max?

Do you mean, "How does the 3ds Max array tool not suit the intended use case?"

I think the answer is just that the array tool does not perform this function; the array tool generates an array of instances (or copies) based on the transform of the selected objects, the array tool does not *arrange* objects, which is what I'm trying to do, and what the MCG_Arrange tool used to do.

2021-09-16, 10:39:56
Reply #9

Philip kelly

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Forest pro/ Rail clone?
Dell Precision T7910

2021-09-16, 10:42:45
Reply #10

cjwidd

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Forest pro/ Rail clone?

Right, I assume RailClone does do this, and ForestPack might also do this. I could look into using FP for this, but I do not have access to RC.

To be sure, I was really looking for a turnkey solution for this, thinking a script for it already existed - and it does, but not for Max 2020.

2021-09-16, 11:00:10
Reply #11

Frood

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If plugin dependency is not an issue for you:

1. there is a free version of RC
2. you might try the (also free) Clone modifier: Select all objects you want to distribute, apply modifier twice to create a grid with them. All parametric and adjustable.


Good Luck


Never underestimate the power of a well placed level one spell.

2021-09-16, 11:00:55
Reply #12

piotrus3333

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Array is a great tool and i use it a lot, but it doesn't do what cwidd wants. It can't take multiple existing objects and arrange them into some array. I need to test that mcg script - never felt particular need for such tool, but who knows, sometime it may come handy.

create an array and replace objects with simple replacer script.
Marcin Piotrowski
youtube

2021-09-16, 11:14:12
Reply #13

cjwidd

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If plugin dependency is not an issue for you:

1. there is a free version of RC
2. you might try the (also free) Clone modifier: Select all objects you want to distribute, apply modifier twice to create a grid with them. All parametric and adjustable.


Good Luck

Thanks Frood, looking into this +1

2021-09-16, 12:36:26
Reply #14

clemens_at

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also highly recommended: AdvArray