Node Based Material System for Max

Pedro Amorim · Apr 2007

Just saw this: http://www.nodejoe.com/index_en.php

NodeJoe is a plugin for 3dsmax that allows you a quick, clear and easy way of working with textures and materials. It uses the 3dsmax internal data structures to provide compatibility with all the materials and textures that work with 3dsmax.

they have a free version to download

edit: here is a screenshot

Lee3dee · Apr 2007

its about time! 3dsmax has oldest looking material editor, it needed something like this

Rob Galanakis · Apr 2007

You can also get ShaderFX, from www.lumonix.net, which is like this but for real-time shaders... actually its remarkably similar to what lots of the "next-gen" engines are doing with their shader systems.

StJoris · Apr 2007

Those node-things pretty much look like abacadabra to me, I am quite comfortable using max' material editor. Can anyone explain me the node-hype that seems to happen with all material editors nowadays? Why is it so good?

MoP · Apr 2007

I think it's just generally easier to manage and see what maps go where.
I personally don't mind using the default Max material editor, but I can see how people would appreciate the advantages of a node-based system... might give this a shot myself, thanks for the heads-up!

gamedev · Apr 2007

I had used 3dsmax for years before ever using a node-based material editor. I began working with them when I started using Unreal 3. The biggest difference for me was experimentation. I found it incredibly easy to connect, disconnect, add, etc. new objects to create really impressive materials. Its no longer about tweaking spinners as you can plug in new components and re-use components. Its nice. Though unless you're doing something more than just a normal spec and diffuse, it isn't any faster.

StJoris · Apr 2007

Sounds like at least worth a shot to get to understand the node-based rendering:)

Silva_Spoon · Apr 2007

Sounds promising. Dling now

Joshua Stubbles · Apr 2007

Once I apply one of these node shaders to an object, Max will crash if I reset the scene

Jesse Moody · Apr 2007

yeah i've been using one of these for max for a while and like gamedev really got into the node based system when I started working with Unreal 3.
It is a quick way to play around and get different results and get what you are actually shooting for in the materials.

rebb · Apr 2007

I wish Maya would get some facelift to it's Node Editors sometime

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Node Based Material System for Max

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