how to develop a standalone software using 3ds max SDK (or C#) to control running 3ds max projects remotely? (Solution uses OLE Automation with C# and maxscript)

[FelixP5NJM]

If there is another way? Or Is it impossible with normal approaches?

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

It's possible, but 3DS MAX must be installed anyway to get not only libs but also some used dlls. So there is no a big difference to make a standalone app or a plugin for 3DS MAX. Where the second is much easier. 

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

Another way is to work with "exported" data from 3DS MAX (OBJ, FBX, etc.) using a related SDK.

[FelixP5NJM]

Is there an official tutorial about making a standalone app using 3ds max SDK?

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

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@FelixP5NJM wrote:

Is there an official tutorial about making a standalone app using 3ds max SDK?

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I don't think there is anything official from Autodesk about this for 3DS MAX. Unlike Maya, where some time ago such a development was offered and welcomed by Autodesk.

[klvnk]

what does "to control 3ds max projects?" even mean ? control max ? open max files ?

[Swordslayer]

Depending on what kind of data you have in mind, you can also check some existing importers that parse the .max format like Importer3D.

[FelixP5NJM]

such as importing models, creating objects and adding animations. Other things can be done with plug-ins, but I need to make them a standalone application.

[klvnk · Accepted solution]

just use OLE automation then, you can make max dance to the tune of python, C/C++ etc to your hearts content.

this is a console app (written in c++)  using OLE to run the script sent to it (in this case from sublime text editor)

[FelixP5NJM]

Thank you. But does it need libraries provided by AutoDesk to make it work, or do you just write code from scratch?

[klvnk]

the console app is written from just windows libraries.... it needs Max to be OLE enabled and provide the server side functions (which is documented in MXS help). Exposing a run script function is useful as it minimizes the server side work required even if it's not the most efficient. 

[FelixP5NJM]

I followed the instructions in the doc.

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@klvnk wrote:

the console app is written from just windows libraries.... it needs Max to be OLE enabled and provide the server side functions (which is documented in MXS help). Exposing a run script function is useful as it minimizes the server side work required even if it's not the most efficient. 

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After I wrote a "runScript" function and exposed it. How can I connect my program (for example, in C++) to a 3ds max instance and invoke the "runScript" function with the parameter (script file name)?

[klvnk]

here's how to do it with office doesn't take much to change it to max

[trykle]

I think you still need to install the whole 3dsmax and run it, then you can use cmd to pass parameters, there is a 3dsmaxbatch.exe in the 2018 version, it may be more convenient.

[FelixP5NJM · Accepted solution]

Thank everyone's help. I finally find an easy solution using C# on GitHub. Here is the link.  

This was all I need after registering 3ds Max and exposing the Maxscript function "filein".

using Westwind.Utilities;

string prog_id = "Max.Application";
Type com_type = Type.GetTypeFromProgID(prog_id);
object com_obj = Activator.CreateInstance(com_type);

com_obj.GetType().InvokeMember("filein",																 ReflectionUtils.MemberAccess | BindingFlags.InvokeMethod,																  null, com_obj, new object[] {filepath});

With this, I can control 3ds Max to run any Maxscript files.

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

Hmm.. I remember you were talking about "standalone" .. no longer?

[denisT.MaxDoctor]

As far as I understand, if MAX runs, then talking about "standalone" does not make sense.

[klvnk]

"remote" maybe a better description

[FelixP5NJM]

Sorry about that, I don't understand the definition very well. I am developing a "standalone" app and "control 3ds max" is just one of the functionalities.

[FelixP5NJM]

Thank you, I will update the question.