Edit Envelopes losses all model details in newer max versions

[Anonymous]

I would like to start using the newer max versions (currently using 2011)  but have an issue with biped skinning with 2014 and 2016 in that

when Editing Envelopes, all model detail seems to get replaced with a dull  flat surface that is not much use in judging impact of any changes.  

I am hoping this is not the "new way" for Max and that I simply do not have some settings correct..  Any suggestions would be deeply appreciated,

[RGhost77 · Accepted solution]

When you choose Envelope subobject, Max switches on object's Vertex Color but in newest versions it doesn't switch on shaded mode.

When you in Envelope subobject go to Object Properties and press Shaded button. This only way force Shaded mode and it will be reseted when you leave Envelope subobject.

p.s. By the way, you can switch on Edged Faces mode it will be much more usable than Shader Vertex Color mode, imho.

[RGhost77]

-- Title     :  forceSkinEnvelopeShaded
--
-- Fixing bug when Max doesn't switch to shaded mode when choosen Envelope suboject of Skin modifier.
--
-- Usage/install: Place this .ms file to scripts\Startup folder. Restart 3ds max.
-- Optionally Shaded mode can be switched off by set "v3d_forceSkinEnvelopeShaded = off" in MAXScript listener.
--
-- Copyright : © 2016 veda3d.com, All rights reserved
-- Author    : Royal Ghost
--
-- Version   : 0.0.1 - Initial release for MAX 2014,2016,2017
--
-- Homepage  : www.veda3d.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--             MODIFY THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK
(
global fn_v3d_forceSkinEnvelopeShaded,\
v3d_forceSkinEnvelopeShaded = on

fn fn_v3d_forceSkinEnvelopeShaded = 
(
	if (classof (modPanel.getCurrentObject())) == Skin and (callbacks.notificationParam())[1] == 1 then
	(
		if v3d_forceSkinEnvelopeShaded == on then 
		(
			if (maxversion())[1] >= 18000 then $.vertexColorsShaded = false else $.vertexColorsShaded = true -- bug fix, because already true
			
			$.vertexColorsShaded = true
		)
	)
)

callbacks.removeScripts id:#clb_v3d_forceSkinEnvelopeShaded
callbacks.addScript #ModPanelSubObjectLevelChanged "fn_v3d_forceSkinEnvelopeShaded()" id:#clb_v3d_forceSkinEnvelopeShaded
)

I dug inside this "feature" and it seems that is 3ds max bug.
Anyway I wrote a script which is fixing this bug. Please test it. If you will face any trouble with it let me know.

Usage/install: Place this .ms file to scripts\Startup folder. Restart 3ds max.
Optionally Shaded mode can be switched off by set "v3d_forceSkinEnvelopeShaded = off" in MAXScript listener.

Download forceSkinEnvelopeShaded_0.0.1.zip

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for the quick answer.  It worked great and I also tried edged faces and that also provides a nice way to judge weight changes.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the script.