Python API in 3D computer graphics software: examplary scripts
Example of Python scripts for Autodesk 3D Studio Max, Autodesk Maya and Blender. Those scripts use Python API to create simmilar scene in: Autodesk 3D Studio Max, Autodesk Maya and Blender. Created to show the basics of using Python in those applications.
Final result example(3Ds Max:)
Every script has a number of suport functions and seven major functions:
- prepare_scene(path) - The function sets the basic parameters of the scene: time range, tangent type of keyframes and render settings.
- import_and_animate_basic_meshes(path) - This function imports some objects and animates them. It was created to show how to import objects and present one way of creating keyframes of animation.
- create_shark_and_cloud() - Creates meshes from vertex and face data. Similar functions can be used in importer plugin.
- create_chest() - Function creates an object with a use ofrecorded macros, if such function is avaible in software. Macros are a very simple way of creating basic scripts.
- create_and_animate_trees() - Function uses the create_palm() support function to create and animate some palm trees. It was created to show how to create basic geometry objects, use instances and use modificators.
- change_hierarchy_and_animate() - Function modifies the hierarchy of scen and creates some final animations, that ware not possible to create earlier. It also creates cameras and lights.
- create_and_assign_materials() - Function creates and applies materials to the objects. It was created to show how to handle materials.
All scripts have simple GUIs
How to use:
- Download the content of the "common" directory. Script will ask for path to those files before running
- Read the Readme.md file inside directory wit a script for choosen software and fallow the instructions. Every software has a different way of running scripts
License:
This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.
You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA.
To the extent possible under law, Paweł Kowalski has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this work.