3DS Max Custom Normals Tool
I recently made a new tool for the "face weighted" normals workflow in 3DS Max:
https://youtu.be/yzfgRYphbJs
Using chamfer modifier allows you to focus on the main shapes only and gives you a real time preview of the final render.
Once you're done you calculate the normals in 1 click, It makes the iteration process very fast.
If you collapse the chamfer modifier, or don't use it at all, you can still calculate the normals with a "face weighted" approach or based on custom polygon selection.
Here is a Features overview / Tutorial video.
You can find the tool on Gumroad
And on ArtStation
Key features:
- Non-destructive
- Everything works on any modifier stack
- Calculate normals from Chamfer modifiers in 1 click (very high accuracy)
- Calculate normals based on face area weight (face weithed normals)
- Calculate normals using custom polygon selections
Installation:
To install drop the .mzp file in the viewport (or click Scripting -> Run Script -> and select the .mzp file)
Then click Customize -> Customize User Interface -> Click on the Toolbars tab -> Select the N00BY category -> Drag and drop Custom Normals Tool from the list to the toolbar.
Notice: you can move the button in the toolbar using ALT + drag.
Disclaimer:
Since the chamfer modifier was first implemented in 3ds Max 2015 you can't use "Apply Chamfer" and the other functions based on chamfer modifier in any version before 3ds Max 2015.
The rest of the script should run fine though.
This tool was tested in 3DS Max 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 on a Windows 64 bit machine.
Special Thanks To:
Jack Kirkham, Josh Van Zuylen, Luan Vetoreti, Johann Bailleul and Wai-Hung Wan for the awesome feedback 
Update 14/05/2019, Version 1.1:
- Made compatible with 3DS Max 2015.
- Fixed the bug that crash the Chamfer Unit rollout when clicking twice the same unit.
- Added the possibility to force ignore the chamfer modifier by pressing CTRL. It works on Faces By Weight and Compute Normals buttons.
So you can select faces by weight and calculate the normals based on face area weight instead of chamfer modifier even when you have a chamfer modifier in the stack, it's sometimes useful.
Update 03/11/2019, Version 1.2:
- Now handle curves way better (chamfers with more than one segment): flat surfaces adjacent to the curves now have their normals perpendicular when clicking "Compute normals". Make sure the chamfer modifier with one segment is on top.
- Select faces by weight improved when using chamfer modifiers: now select flat surfaces only , hold CTRL to select flat surfaces and curves.
- Now update chamfer options of the selected objects when changing the radio buttons and holding CTRL or SHIFT (All edges, Unsmoothed, Selected).
- No longer remove poly select modifier from stack after clicking "Compute selected faces".
- Undoing after changing chamfer size in the tool no longer require pressing CTRL + Z multiple times.
- Fixed button text for "Compute selected faces", "Poly select" and "Faces by weight" in 3DS Max 2017.
Replies
@MilleniaGlad to hear you love the tool
I've tested it in Max 2020.2 it works on my side. Your issue sounds like the utility window is trying to spawn off screen, it can happen if you have recently changed your monitors placement or resolution.
Try this: Close Max, open the file Custom_Normals_Tool_Settings.ini located in
C:\Users\[Your Name]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2020 - 64bit\ENU\scripts\N00BY_Scripts
set DialogPositionCustomNormalsTool=[0,0] and hit CTRL + S.
Then start Max and try launching the tool, the utility window should spawn at the top left corner of the screen.
Hope it will fix it.
@covenI've tested it in Max 2020.2 and I'm not getting issues.
Can you give more info about the issue you're having so I can try to fix it please ? Like what modifier stack you have on your mesh in Max, what format you use, etc..
Any screenshot would help a lot.
Cheers.
AFAICT the chamfer modifier still doesn't have a 0 segment chamfer? That'd affect the usefulness for medium poly work.
You don't need it, just use the standard chamfer, the point of the medium poly workflow is to have 1 segment chamfer and custom vertex normals to have a nice smoothing on the edges.
Very glad you like the tool.
Btw I've just released version 1.2, check it out
https://i.imgur.com/s4xNawO.png
@n00byzor Your convincing use of emojis in the video did offset the lack of generic dubstep beats, hence I've bought the script as well. Looking forward to playing with it