Hi to Low scripts

Pope Adam

Hey Polycount

I'm doing some more hi to low poly stuff. I've got a rather complex shape going for my hi poly object, shown below. I've got some more to do until I consider it finished, and I also have about 6 more objects similar to this one to get done in the next 2 months. I was curious what max scripts might be recommended in order to maximize my effiency from high to low.

I've heard of a few scripts that will kindof shrink wrap your low poly onto the surface of your high poly to aid in the generation of then normal map... also I've heard of a script that allows you to sort of 'paint on' small details such as nuts, bolts, decor etc. What are the names of thsoe and where might I find them?

Any tips, tricks, comments crits and suggestions would be outstanding.

Thanks!
ADM

fritz

if you go here. the second post has a link to a placement tool that allows you to paint little details right on the normal of whatever polies. works pretty good

http://www.3d-palace.com/forum/3ds-max-forum/16990-where-find-placement-tool-script.html

Pope Adam

awesome fritz, thanks so much!

cheers :P

fritz

no problem. don't know if you've used it before. just highlight what your source is.....run script.....hit the button "set sel. as source"...then check the box "use as dist".....select your detail geo......then click "pick distribution 1(or whatever).......click on the "place" button. and then start clicking on your source. i find place works better than paint. paint doesn't seem to have a spacing option.

Mark Dygert

3dsmax2009 has a creative extensions available, they included polycruncher from moo-tools. It does a pretty decent job at preserving UV's and crunching tris. It can make a mess and I mostly use it to optimize props like rocks and trees but it might work well for this also. If you're not on subscription or not on 2009 yet you can try out the trial of polycruncher here > http://www.mootools.com/plugins/us/polygoncruncher/index.asp

Also it shouldn't be too hard to turn on snaps and create some low poly geometry over the top of this.

As long as you're checking out object painter scripts swing by:
http://www.neilblevins.com/soulburnscripts/soulburnscripts.htm
and pick up his script pack. Not only is his object painter kick ass with random scale, postion and rotation controls but so are his spline painting scripts. Great for doing things like wires, pipes and what not. Since they're splines its easy to copy the spline and make the low poly in seconds