topic Re: Shader effects in 3ds Max Programming Forum

Shader effects

MehdiZangenehBar — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:22:21 GMT

Whats is the correct way to program a custom shader (shader effects) using MSX - C# ?
Something like Photoshop layer effects, For example Bevel, Innier Glow, Gradient, Stroke, etc?

Re: Shader effects

MehdiZangenehBar — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 11:35:57 GMT

any idea?

Re: Shader effects

denisT.MaxDoctor — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 14:09:40 GMT

looks like a classic Bump... why do you need a custom shader?

Re: Shader effects

MehdiZangenehBar — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 14:38:11 GMT

Bevel is just an example Denis, I'm actually looking for a pipeline to create some 2D like maps. (Maybe I should call it 2D Textures, not shader...)
Something like OSL map (or shader), the problem with OSL map is that dosn't work with older Max.
I'm in R&D phase, So any reference, example or advice helps me a lot.

Re: Shader effects

denisT.MaxDoctor — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 16:46:28 GMT

With maxscript you can extend any TextureMap with a scripted plugin. There is an example in the help: "How to ... Create a Dalmatian TextureMap plugin".
Of course, this is a very limited solution, but in your example, it could be a Bump extension.

There are many examples in the c++ SDK (search Tex3D), but I don't know how possible it is to make such plugins via C#.

Re: Shader effects

denisT.MaxDoctor — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 16:56:38 GMT

@MehdiZangenehBar wrote:
I'm actually looking for a pipeline to create some 2D like maps. (Maybe I should call it 2D Textures, not shader...)

In any case, I don't really understand the reason for customizing these things. It seems like you need something original to use with MAX's built-in renderer. Max has one of the most powerful built-in renderers and material sets. I don't believe there is anything that can't be created by just using what is already there.

Re: Shader effects

MehdiZangenehBar — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 17:04:06 GMT

Helps me a lot, thanks!

Re: Shader effects

MehdiZangenehBar — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 07:23:46 GMT

Indeed, But my goal is to convert 3dsMax to the software like Moho, ToonBoon and Spine