MaxIMML Overview¶
What is MaxIMML¶
MaxIMML is a set of 3ds Max scripts for generating IMML for use in VastPark.
Plugins¶
MaxIMML includes scripted geometry and helper plugins for the following scene elements:
- Box (GEOMETRY)
- Plane (GEOMETRY)
- Cone (GEOMETRY)
- Cylinder (GEOMETRY)
- Sphere (GEOMETRY)
- Portal (HELPER)
It also supports 3ds Max's Target and Free Camera's, and the standard Omni lights.
Exporter¶
The MaxIMML exporter generates an IMML file from the VastPark primitives, helpers and supported nodes and settings in the 3ds Max scene.
Installation and Usage¶
Once the setup is complete, you will need to restart 3ds Max if already running. To launch the MaxIMML Exporter, it first needs to be added to a Keyboard Shortcut, Toolbar, Menu or Quad, which can be done via Customize - Customize User Interface. MaxIMML can be found under the 'VastPark' category within the customize dialog.
Primitives¶
The VastPark primitives can be found under Geometry - VastPark within the Create Command Panel.
It is important that any resizing of the primitive be done via the Size properties within the object, and not using the scale tool. Object scaling is not referenced on export, so will not be exported.
Links to textures can also be assigned, however these are not visible in the viewport.
Helpers¶
The VastPark helpers can be found under Helpers - VastPark within the Create Command Panel.
Portals are available as a helper object.
While you can set size on the object for visualization purposes, the portal element within IMML has no size value, therefore it is discarded.
Exporter¶
To generate the IMML, launch the IMML Exporter dialog. Here you can choose a file save location, view an accurate triangle count of the currently selected objects (as they will be in VastPark) along with setting the scenes' name, active camera and relative scale from 3ds Max.
Only the objects currently selected (and objects which are supported) are exported.
Currently, along with the primitive and helper plugins, omni lights, target and free cameras are also supported. The Max scenes' ambient color specifies the parks global illumination.