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About MAXScript xxi
•Packagescriptswithincustomutilitypanel
rollouts or modeless windows, giving them a
standard 3ds Max user interface.
• Build custom import/export tools using the
built-in file I/O.
• Write procedural cont rollers t hat can access the
entire state of the scene. Build batch-processing
tools, such as batch-rendering scripts.
• Set up live interfaces to external system using
OLE Automation.
The MAX Script language is specifically designed
to complement 3ds Max. It is object-oriented,
and has several special features and constructs
that mir ror high-level concepts in the 3ds Max
user interface. These include coordinate-system
contexts, an animation mode with automatic
keyframing, and access to scene objects using
hierarchical path names t hat match the 3ds Max
object hierarchy.
The syntax is simple enough for non-programmers
to use, w ith minimal punctuation and formatting
rules.
Visual MAXScript
Visual MAXScript is a powerful addition to
MAXScript, making the MAX Script feature easier
to lear n and u se. With Visual MA XScript, you
can quickly create UI elements and layouts for
scripting.
For detailed information about Visual MAXScript,
opentheMAXScriptReference,availablefrom
Help menu > MAXScript Reference.
See also
MAXScript Menu (page 3–823)
Procedure
To access MAXScript, do one of the following:
•Onthemenubar,chooseMAXScript.The
MAXScript menu appears.
•ChooseUtilitiespanel>MAXScript.
From here, you can either write new scripts, edit
orrunexistingscripts,opentheMAXScript
Listener, or u se the Macro Recorder.
To access the MAX Script Listener, you can also
right-click in the Mini Listener and choose
Open Listener Window from the right-click
menu.
For detailed information about the MAXScript
utility, open the MAXScript Reference, available
from Help menu > MAXScript Reference.