Page 1236 - Kitab3DsMax

Part XII: MAXScript and Plug-Ins
Learning the Visual MAXScript Editor Interface
Building scripts can be complicated, and piecing together a rollout for a scripted utility can be especially
time-consuming and frustrating when done by hand. To help create such custom rollouts, Max includes the
Visual MAXScript Editor. Using this editor, you can drag and drop rollout elements and automatically cre-
ate a code skeleton for certain events.
Working with textual commands can be time-consuming. In order for the script to work, you need to enter
the commands exactly. This can be especially tricky when you’re trying to lay out the controls for a rollout.
The Visual MAXScript Editor speeds up the creation of rollouts.
To access the Visual MAXScript window, shown in Figure 49.18, select it from the MAXScript menu.
Another way to access this window is to select Edit ➪ New Rollout or Edit Rollout (F2) in the MAXScript
Editor window.
Layouts for a rollout created in the Visual MAXScript window can be saved as files with the .vms extension
using the File menu. If you access the window from a MAXScript Editor window, then the Save menu auto-
matically updates the editor window.
The Editor interface
The window includes two major panes. The left pane is where the various rollout elements are assembled,
and the right pane holds the Value and Event Handlers tabbed panels. The Value panel lists all the proper-
ties and their associated values for the selected element. You can change the property values by clicking on
them and entering a new value. For example, if you select a Button element in the left panel, then the prop-
erties for that control are presented in the Value panel. If you click the Caption Property, its value becomes
highlighted; you can type a new caption, and the new caption appears on the button.

FIGURE 49.18
The Visual MAXScript window makes building rollouts easy.

1188