topic set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials? in 3ds Max Programming Forum

set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

SanyHuttler — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:55:28 GMT

Hi,

Finally looking into maxscript and need some pointers.

I have a scene and I would like to globally change the diffuse multiplier to all materials in the scene to 0.

The scene comprises of some multi/sub and VRay materials.

I've used the following in the listner:

for obj in sceneMaterials do
texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0

it returns a "0" but nothing appears to change?

Where am I going wrong?

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

Steve_Curley — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:01:26 GMT

Well, for starters you haven't specifed the scene material you want to operate on.


for obj in scenematerials do
   obj.texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0

Then there's that property (texmap_diffuse_multiplier) - it doesn't seem to exist anywhere in the Maxscript help (it may be vray specific - I don't know because I don't have vray). I can't even see a "multiplier" value in the Material Editor (standard/MR materials) - where are you seeing it?
Beyond that, the above code won't work on a multi-sub material, you would have to detect that the scene material is a multi-sub then iterate over the sub materials.

If you're just starting out with scripting you'd be hard pressed to find a more difficult area to jump into.

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

SanyHuttler — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:10:28 GMT

Thanks.

Yes it's VRay specific.

The multi/Sub I can implement later that's not a problem I just wanted to initially get the multiplier working.

I can get it working If I reference a material directly:

meditMaterials.texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0

But couldn't get a work out how to apply this method to all materials in a scene.

Should I be using an if statement to only affecet materials that have this property then?

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

Steve_Curley — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:30:10 GMT

SceneMaterials is an array, not a collection. Also, meditMaterials only contains the materials currently in the Material editor, not those in the scene.


for matNum = 1 to SceneMaterials.count do
   sceneMaterials.texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0

That should work, but I can't test it.

Reading up on the sceneMaterials it is, actually, a collection. If the texmap_diffuse_multiplier is mapped, then the following might work - you'll have to try it.

sceneMaterials.texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

SanyHuttler — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:51:20 GMT

Yes that is one I tried before posting but got the following error

-- Unknown property: "texmap_diffuse_multiplier" in #materialLibrary&#40;&#41;

which is odd as I've tried this in a scene with only one Vray material and nothing else.

Yet as I mentioned if I reference this material like so:

meditMaterials.texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0

I get a "0" and it does set the multiplier to 0.

Again trying the the following

for obj in sceneMaterials do
texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0

as I mentioned in the first post gives me no errors ( just the "0" again ) but nothing happens to my material (incidentally this has the same effect regardless of the value).

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

Steve_Curley — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:20:40 GMT

In the last example you're still missing the object (pun intended).


for obj in sceneMaterials do
   obj.texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0
   ^^^

Did you try the other example I gave above (the one with matNum in it)?

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

SanyHuttler — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:26:20 GMT

Very good...

Yes tried and get:

-- Unknown property: "texmap_diffuse_multiplier" in #materialLibrary&#40;&#41;

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

Steve_Curley — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:03:07 GMT

Then I'm out of ideas. Both of the "for" constructs above work (with different properties, obviously) here on standard materials. The final, mapped, one doesn't, but it does if I create my own collection from the sceneMaterials. The following sets the Self Illumination value.


myMats = for mat in sceneMaterials collect mat
myMats.selfIllumAmount = 50.0

The problem is that sceneMaterials is a "special" collection, not an ordinary one, with extra facilities (it is actually a material library) but it doesn't seem to have the normal properties associated with a collection. Creating your own collection may, therefore, be a way around the problem.
If it doesn't work then I don't know, because if the meditMaterials works then so should the sceneMaterials.
You could, I suppose, instance each material into the mat editor and then change the value there?


for mat in scenematerials do
   &#40;
   meditMaterials = mat
   meditMaterials.texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0
   &#41;

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

SanyHuttler — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:49:17 GMT

Really appreciate your help.
When I try your:

for mat in sceneMaterials do
   &#40;
   meditMaterials = mat
   meditMaterials.texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0
   &#41;

I get:

-- Syntax error: at ), expected <factor>
-- In line: )

However this works:

for mat in sceneMaterials do meditMaterials = mat

It doesn't work for me, am I missing something??

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

Steve_Curley — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:37:41 GMT

How are you running the script? If you're using the Listener - don't. Multi-line scripts can be run there, but it's easier to use the proper Script Editor. Any errors will still be shown in the Listener, so have both open.
Just open the editor (Maxscript | New Script), copy/paste the script in there and press Ctrl+E to run it. The Listener gets confused (with multiple lines) unless you a) select all the lines then b) execute them with the Enter key on the numeric keypad. The editor is much easier.

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

SanyHuttler — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:40:37 GMT

Ahh... Right thanks wasn't selecting all lines, just pressing enter.

Thanks again for all you input really useful.

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:42:11 GMT

-- collect mat's with needed property
myMats = for mat in sceneMaterials where \ -- carriage line
hasProperty mat #texmap_diffuse_multiplier collect mat
-- if property is mapped
myMats.texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0

Opss, i see you solve it :)

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

SanyHuttler — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:47:04 GMT

Works a treat thanks!

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

Steve_Curley — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:50:41 GMT

Late to the party again? 😛

Re: set texmap_diffuse_multiplier = 0 for all scene materials?

Steve_Curley — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:51:31 GMT

I'm glad about that - was runnng out of ideas ;)