Scripted Helper Nodes

With the release of the latest version of thinkingParticles a powerful new method to extend the functionality of thinkingParticles has been introduced. Standard MAXScript can be used now to write your very own thinkingParticles operators, when needed. Those scripted operators "feel" and behave like any other thinkingParticles Node; they can be as powerful as the built in ones!

It is way beyond the scope of this manual to teach you how to program a 3D application or how to properly learn the mathematical skills to write your own thinkingParticles plug-ins. We do assume an in depth knowledge of the 3ds Max scripting language and concepts. If you have never wrote a MAXScript before, we do suggest you check out the available training material offered by Autodesk to learn MAXScripting.

By installing thinkingParticles, sample scripts have been automatically installed into the default 3ds Max Script folder. Check out the "TP_Startup.ms" script in the Startup folder of 3ds Max. This script explains the functions and features of thinkingParticles which are available to MAX Scripters.

A thinkingParticles Plugin Template 

A scripted thinkingParticles plugin would at least look like the template shown below. To learn more about the function calls and features of thinkingParticles scripting, check out the "TP_Startup.ms" file placed in the Script startup folder of 3ds Max.

plugin  Geometry [plugin ID]
name:"[plugin name]"
category:"Script"
classid:#([your class id])
extends:TP_ScriptBase
invisible:true
replaceui:true
version:1
(
    //here is your plugin code it must contain at least those 3 functions:
    tp_color_type()                                 
    tp_init_inoutputs()    
    tp_calculate()              
)

tp_register [your plugin ID] 1