[deboy]

I can't find the manual for the studiomax plugin, -how to use it. Please can someone point me in the right direction? (not the studio manual)

Thanks

[JTB]

You're right, there should be a manual, but this is the way NL shows the importance of this forum

[deboy]

are you kidding! there is a manual and videotutorials for the solidworks plugin. I'm trying to figure out the smax one, and its so much more complicated. No beginner instructions at all.

how the hell are people supposed to learn it. the forum is full of advanced problems.

[4 HeRo]

You could try asking I'm sure ppl would be more then will to helpwith any problems that you have.
Also search is a very useful tool.

[deboy]

Its easy to say that, after you know how to use it. The forum is only good for finding specific answers. I want to know the whole process.

I dont think a 10 page quickstart guide is much to ask from nextlimit. Afterall-they used to give application specific instructions.

[jdp]

I'm sorry, I can understand your disappointment but blaming other user won't help you in any way.

if you really can't figure out how to use the plugin, try studio (with the manual). settings are identical and you just need to look for the very same options in the 3d max plugin. Try also some tutorial, which you can find in the main site.
Of course studio is more difficult to learn, but it's really the main core of the application, once learned you can easily switch from one supported platform to the other...

if you want to stick with the max plugin remember that you have all of the main settings regarding the engine under the render window (maxwell must be set as currrent renderer). Maxwell materials appear as soon as you select maxwell as the current renderer.

[Mihai]

But are you asking how to use Maxwell or how to use the plugin?

Like jdp mentioned, if you don't know anything about Maxwell, it's better to start reading the manual, especially the material / emitter / camera sections.

There is nothing "hidden" about the Max plugin that makes it unusable if you already know Maxwell.

You have the Maxwell render settings, by choosing Maxwell as a renderer.

You have the Maxwell materials, available from the material editor.

The rest is standard Max procedures...apply materials to objects, make a camera etc.

[deboy]

I know how to use studio well. I can also get decent stuff out of solidworks. -which came with instructions. I was just surprised that the max plugin does not have any literature to allow an easy start.

[michaelplogue]

Well, I think the Max plugin is pretty straight forward. If you are familiar with the stand-alone MXED, then the Max/MR materials should be no problem as they behave pretty much the exact same way, just with a different look more similar to Max. The Rendering Interface is also pretty self explanatory. It's relatively uncluttered - especially in comparison to other rendering engines - just look at Mental Ray's interface.

Don't be afraid to ask questions here. We've all learned through experimentation, and most are more than willing to share their experiences. I'm willing to bet that many of the questions that you have (or will have) have already been asked here before - not just the advanced ones. We we all noobs at one time or another.

Yes, NL needs to put together manuals - a stage in their development that has lagged far behind the rest of the business. However, a little bit of experimentation will teach you pretty much everything you need to know. It's a better way to spend you time than waiting for a manual.

[JTB]

I agree that Max plugin doesn't need a manual, it is very easy and since you use Max there shouldn't be a problem. BUT this is for the customer to decide, not NL, they should have a "Max plugin for dummies", all other software has quick start guide included...

[Mr Whippy]

I don't think you need a manual, it's all the same info as the full software uses, just in the Max UI.

Only a few niggles here and there, like render level in material preview, and the scene resetting sun/sky settings upon load. But for the most part it's just straight forward intuitive from the Maxwell software itself.

Ie, learn that, and the Max plugin options all just fall into place

Dave

[Xlars]

For me the only need for a "3ds max plugin manual" is when installing it .. ie. where to place those files to get i working. And for that I think the old "3ds max plugin manual" for Maxwell Beta is stil valid - but not sure if you can still download that?

After installing then just choose Maxwell as render in the render settings in 3ds max and you are ready to go. All information from there on, eg. how to use Maxwell is in the Maxwell manuals.

[Mihai]

But there is an installer now, it detects your Max installation. All you have to do is press OK

[Xlars]

But there is an installer now, it detects your Max installation. All you have to do is press OK

Ah .. I forgot that ... ok then a tutorial telling how to press the OK would be nice

[michaelplogue]

Step 1: Hit OK.

Step 2: Render Images.


(Could somebody please proof-read this before we publish it?)