topic Array modifier with grouped objects in 3ds Max Modeling Forum

Array modifier with grouped objects

Dantetron — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:44:48 GMT

Howdy.

Is there a simple solution to my problem seen in the screenshot below? I'm using the array modifier and it wants to use each inner object's individual transform properties instead of treating them like a group.

Unlike the other array tool found in the "extras" toolset. This is using Max 2023 though I tried it in Max 2024 with the same results.

Thanks!

Re: Array modifier with grouped objects

Dantetron — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 19:04:03 GMT

Autodesk-

Do we know if this is a bug or if I'm just doing it wrong?

Thanks.

Re: Array modifier with grouped objects

wernienst — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:32:21 GMT

Try Total Dimension instead of the default Relative Offset.

Re: Array modifier with grouped objects

Dantetron — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:29:23 GMT

Thanks for the response.

All options (total dimension, relative offset, fill) have the same undesirable results. Below is 'relative dimension'...

It's an extremely easy problem to replicate. Just take 3 spheres of varying sizes...

Group them and apply the 'array modifier' and you can see the modifier does not adhere to the group's orientation but the individual object's orientation...

Re: Array modifier with grouped objects

wernienst — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 08:38:15 GMT

Works as expected (tested in 2023 and 2024).

Have you accidently left the group open?

Then there is still the option of combining the objects to an EditablePoly.

Re: Array modifier with grouped objects

Dantetron — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:16:55 GMT

Thanks for the reply.

I did a super crappy job of illustrating my problem which I apologize for.

I think the biggest issue with grouped objects and the array modifier is individual rotation.

original

Below, I took 3 spheres and rotated them in different random orientations. Then grouped them and applied the array modifier.

As you can see, the objects want to go in the altered rotated axis direction, not the group's unaltered axis.

In this case, the example shown above is using the 'total dimension' distribution.

This time I attached my project file which I should have done to begin with.

It's a Max 2023 file.

Thanks for the help!

Re: Array modifier with grouped objects

wernienst — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 21:22:15 GMT

Ok, now I see the problem. Only solution I found is ungrouping the group, unselect everything (this is important!), reselect the objects, go to the Utilities tab and perform a Reset XForm before regrouping.

Re: Array modifier with grouped objects

Dantetron — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 21:50:28 GMT

EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Thanks so much for the solution.