The Commit Sculpt Mesh function is currently broken in some versions of 3ds Max in WW 6.0.0. I'm looking into the problem.
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#2
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 6.0 Released with Source 2 Support
March 02, 2024, 05:49:55 PM
This is the first public release of Wall Worm with Source 2 support. Support is limited to Counter-Strike 2 version of Source 2 formats. Many features are still missing. To export WWMT and Materials to S2, you need to set your game's global settings to Source 2 engine.
Some info on features included on docs site here and here are instructions on setting up for S2.
Below are release highlights.
Version 6.0.0 released on 3-2-2024
* Engine: Added Source 2 Engine support into several key areas of Wall Worm. Source 2 formats compatible with Counter-Strike 2.
* WWMT: Added support for WWMT to export to VMDL format when the settings are configured for CS2 format of Source 2. Current features supported: Mesh, Hull, LODS, Materials, Textures, Sequences, Skins, Bodygroups, Attachments and Breakable Gibs.
* Entities: Added support for Source 2 FGD format in Max 2022+. MAXScript FGD parser does not support Source 2 format.
* Materials: Added support for the PBR Material (PBRMetalRough) in Wall Worm. For Source, native support is for base_color_map and normal_map. For Source 2, all maps are supported.
* VMAT: Added support for creating Source 2 materials. Currently limited to shader "csgo_simple.vfx".
* VMAP: Added limited support to export an ASCII VMAP file. Currently only exports entities. The Mesh export is working except for normals.
* System: Fixed Source compiler problems in many areas of Wall Worm from recent changes in Windows.
* Settings: Updated the settings to automatically try to create missing folders if the settings define them but the folders do not exist.
* Settings: Added new button to open the Wall Worm settings folder in Windows Explorer.
* Settings: Updated the Create Local GameInfo function to get game paths from mount.cfg when creating a new gameinfo.txt file from Garry's Mod.
* Entities: Updated FGD parser in 3ds Max 2022+ to set float spinners to default value of 0 if the FGD provides an empty default value for floats. Fixes malformed FGD issues.
Entities: Updated the link buttons in entities pointing to WallWorm.com and the Valve Developer community to buttons that call a method to open the browser rather than using the Hyperlink control. This alleviates the security warning that happens when using the ShellLaunch() command in embedded scripts as the entity custom attributes are embedded in scenes.
* Materials: Updated Material Exporter to exclude some common tool materials from the export list so that the exporter UI is less cluttered.
Some info on features included on docs site here and here are instructions on setting up for S2.
Below are release highlights.
Version 6.0.0 released on 3-2-2024
* Engine: Added Source 2 Engine support into several key areas of Wall Worm. Source 2 formats compatible with Counter-Strike 2.
* WWMT: Added support for WWMT to export to VMDL format when the settings are configured for CS2 format of Source 2. Current features supported: Mesh, Hull, LODS, Materials, Textures, Sequences, Skins, Bodygroups, Attachments and Breakable Gibs.
* Entities: Added support for Source 2 FGD format in Max 2022+. MAXScript FGD parser does not support Source 2 format.
* Materials: Added support for the PBR Material (PBRMetalRough) in Wall Worm. For Source, native support is for base_color_map and normal_map. For Source 2, all maps are supported.
* VMAT: Added support for creating Source 2 materials. Currently limited to shader "csgo_simple.vfx".
* VMAP: Added limited support to export an ASCII VMAP file. Currently only exports entities. The Mesh export is working except for normals.
* System: Fixed Source compiler problems in many areas of Wall Worm from recent changes in Windows.
* Settings: Updated the settings to automatically try to create missing folders if the settings define them but the folders do not exist.
* Settings: Added new button to open the Wall Worm settings folder in Windows Explorer.
* Settings: Updated the Create Local GameInfo function to get game paths from mount.cfg when creating a new gameinfo.txt file from Garry's Mod.
* Entities: Updated FGD parser in 3ds Max 2022+ to set float spinners to default value of 0 if the FGD provides an empty default value for floats. Fixes malformed FGD issues.
Entities: Updated the link buttons in entities pointing to WallWorm.com and the Valve Developer community to buttons that call a method to open the browser rather than using the Hyperlink control. This alleviates the security warning that happens when using the ShellLaunch() command in embedded scripts as the entity custom attributes are embedded in scenes.
* Materials: Updated Material Exporter to exclude some common tool materials from the export list so that the exporter UI is less cluttered.
#3
General Discussion / USD Talk
January 31, 2024, 06:21:23 PM
If you want to know why Wall Worm updates have been sluggish for a while, it's because I've been head down at work for so long overseeing USD features in 3ds Max and Maya. What's all the buzz about USD? See some examples of how it's used in a webinar where I gave a live demo in Max, Maya, Houdini and Unreal.
#4
Source 2 Model Exporting / Testing Source 2 VMDL Export
December 27, 2023, 12:19:59 AM
The next release of WW will have support for the Counter-Strike 2 version of Source 2; HL:Alyx and Dota 2 are not supported. In this release, Wall Worm can export models from WWMT Helpers as well as their materials and textures.
This thread will detail the current capabilities and known issues.
If you want to test these tools before they are officially released, simply contact me directly for an installer.
With this first release of Source 2 support, Wall Worm will only have limited support of the features that work for Source/Goldsource. At this time, the capabilities are limited to models and their materials and textures. Level exporting has been started but does not work yet. There are no importers and the MDL loader is not yet working for Source 2.
Setting Up WW
To properly set up WW for Source 2 you will have to manually configure your global WW Settings for Source 2. There is no GameConfig.txt file that WW can use to configure your settings. You will also need to install the CS2 Workshop tools from the DLC. You can do this in your Steam library by right-clicking CS2, clicking properties, then going to the DLC section.
You need to set the modelsrc, materialsrc and mapsrc paths to the models, materials and maps folder in your CS2 content addons folders.
Set the GameInfo folder. The default is:
Then set the Bin Dir to the Bin folder for the compile tools. By default that is:
For the FGD settings, you need to manually point WW to the FGD file. by default that is:
Finally, set the Engine to Source 2.
Exporting Assets
The workflow for assets is very similar to Source but there are a few differences.
#1) Only use the PBR Material (Metal/Rough) (PBRMetalRough()) on your models. You can use them with Multi/Sub-Object Materials. This material maps extremely well to the Source 2 materials.
#2) Not every feature of WWMT yet works in the export.
The features that will work:
** LOD Material Replacements not yet supported.
*** You should set the texture names to .tga and the Material names to use .vmat.
When you export the models with custom materials, the materials will continue to appear red in the modeldoc tools in Source 2. I don't know why yet, so at this time you have to open the model after compile and select materials in the modeldoc and double-click them--they will open in the material editor and suddenly work. Click the Save All button in the material editor to keep the textures working.
Entities
Wall Worm now supports the CS2 FGD for entities. It will honor the new @exclude command as well as the @OverrideEntity and delete_keys command.
VMap Exporter
The Level Exporter now has limited VMap export. At this time, entities should export as expected. However, displacements and world meshes are not yet exported correctly and will crash Hammer if you try to load a VMAP exported from Wall Worm with anything other than entities.
That is it as of now. Please share feedback as you test it.
This thread will detail the current capabilities and known issues.
If you want to test these tools before they are officially released, simply contact me directly for an installer.
With this first release of Source 2 support, Wall Worm will only have limited support of the features that work for Source/Goldsource. At this time, the capabilities are limited to models and their materials and textures. Level exporting has been started but does not work yet. There are no importers and the MDL loader is not yet working for Source 2.
Setting Up WW
To properly set up WW for Source 2 you will have to manually configure your global WW Settings for Source 2. There is no GameConfig.txt file that WW can use to configure your settings. You will also need to install the CS2 Workshop tools from the DLC. You can do this in your Steam library by right-clicking CS2, clicking properties, then going to the DLC section.
You need to set the modelsrc, materialsrc and mapsrc paths to the models, materials and maps folder in your CS2 content addons folders.
Set the GameInfo folder. The default is:
Code Select
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo
Then set the Bin Dir to the Bin folder for the compile tools. By default that is:
Code Select
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\bin\win64
For the FGD settings, you need to manually point WW to the FGD file. by default that is:
Code Select
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\csgo.fgd
Finally, set the Engine to Source 2.
Exporting Assets
The workflow for assets is very similar to Source but there are a few differences.
#1) Only use the PBR Material (Metal/Rough) (PBRMetalRough()) on your models. You can use them with Multi/Sub-Object Materials. This material maps extremely well to the Source 2 materials.
#2) Not every feature of WWMT yet works in the export.
The features that will work:
- Meshes
- Hulls
- LODS**
- Bodygroups
- Sequences
- Multiple Skins
- Attachments
- PropData
- Custom Gibs
- Materials***
** LOD Material Replacements not yet supported.
*** You should set the texture names to .tga and the Material names to use .vmat.
When you export the models with custom materials, the materials will continue to appear red in the modeldoc tools in Source 2. I don't know why yet, so at this time you have to open the model after compile and select materials in the modeldoc and double-click them--they will open in the material editor and suddenly work. Click the Save All button in the material editor to keep the textures working.
Entities
Wall Worm now supports the CS2 FGD for entities. It will honor the new @exclude command as well as the @OverrideEntity and delete_keys command.
VMap Exporter
The Level Exporter now has limited VMap export. At this time, entities should export as expected. However, displacements and world meshes are not yet exported correctly and will crash Hammer if you try to load a VMAP exported from Wall Worm with anything other than entities.
That is it as of now. Please share feedback as you test it.
#5
Source 2 Model Exporting / Source 2 in Wall Worm Development
October 15, 2023, 10:43:48 AM
I wanted to give everyone a heads up on where I am with Wall Worm in Source 2 along with a general roadmap.
First, I've planned on doing Source 2 for years, but I never felt the need yet because of limited games and documentation. CS2 forced my hand on the issue to a degree.
First, expectations. Although I am passionate about WW and maintaining it, the reality is that the amount of time I have for developing WW these days is relegated to the weekends. And truthfully, I often don't want to be at a computer on weekends. So it's really down to when I feel inspired.
Where I am with S2:
Right now I have tools to export WWMT to DMX and VMDL. The support is currently limited to creating a simple VMDL document that will reference the main meshes and collision hulls. My intent is to make WWMT functionality as robust for S2 as S1 but it will take some time.
Once I get enough personal testing of the current VMDL Export with mesh and hulls, I'll release it for testing.
VMDL Export support
Next:
VMAT Export support
I have not yet started on this. Since my understanding is that S2 is PBR, I might be able to simplify the material authoring with the PBR material that ships with Max.
VMAP Export support
I have looked at the VMAP format briefly and I understand it's a version of DMX. Hopefully I can get that done sometime in 2024.
VMDL Loader
Loading VMDL into Max like the MDL Loader is high on my priority but I would not expect it before the end of 2024.
First, I've planned on doing Source 2 for years, but I never felt the need yet because of limited games and documentation. CS2 forced my hand on the issue to a degree.
First, expectations. Although I am passionate about WW and maintaining it, the reality is that the amount of time I have for developing WW these days is relegated to the weekends. And truthfully, I often don't want to be at a computer on weekends. So it's really down to when I feel inspired.
Where I am with S2:
Right now I have tools to export WWMT to DMX and VMDL. The support is currently limited to creating a simple VMDL document that will reference the main meshes and collision hulls. My intent is to make WWMT functionality as robust for S2 as S1 but it will take some time.
Once I get enough personal testing of the current VMDL Export with mesh and hulls, I'll release it for testing.
VMDL Export support
- CVMeshList from WWMT Meshes
- CVphysicsMeshList from WWMT Collision Hulls
- Basic settings in Mesh/Hull data from WWMT
Next:
- Animation Sequences
- BodyGroups
- LODs
- Morphs
VMAT Export support
I have not yet started on this. Since my understanding is that S2 is PBR, I might be able to simplify the material authoring with the PBR material that ships with Max.
VMAP Export support
I have looked at the VMAP format briefly and I understand it's a version of DMX. Hopefully I can get that done sometime in 2024.
VMDL Loader
Loading VMDL into Max like the MDL Loader is high on my priority but I would not expect it before the end of 2024.
#6
Wall Worm News / Using WW on a project for CSGO after CS2 update
October 07, 2023, 11:58:49 AM
Instructions on being able to continue a project started that was configured to CSGO but stopped working after the Counter-Strike 2 release on Source 2. https://dev.wallworm.com/document/269/using_legacy_csgo_with_wall_worm.html
#7
Wall Worm News / Building and Sculpting a Terrain
May 31, 2023, 09:00:58 AM
New video tutorial on building a terrain for Source Engine using displacements in Wall Worm:
This a recording of the making of the first pass of the landscape for a level my son Ethan and I are working on. It also features four songs by my son Hayden Olson. And if you didn't know, my brother Eric is the one who made the music for the WW intro... and has been featured in many past WW videos. We all caught the creativity gene from my parents... :)
This a recording of the making of the first pass of the landscape for a level my son Ethan and I are working on. It also features four songs by my son Hayden Olson. And if you didn't know, my brother Eric is the one who made the music for the WW intro... and has been featured in many past WW videos. We all caught the creativity gene from my parents... :)
#8
Wall Worm News / Documentation: Missing Icons in 2022
May 30, 2023, 10:51:24 AM
New troubleshooting documentation if you have missing WW icons in 3ds Max 2022.
#9
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 5.9.3 Released
May 06, 2023, 10:12:10 AM
Version 5.9.3 released on 5-4-2023
* Installer: Updated installation application to utilize the PluginPackage system from Autodesk. 3ds Max 2022+ will utilize the PluginPackage system. Older versions still use Plugins.UserSettings.ini to set plugin paths.
* Plugins: Fixed the installer missing WallWorm.Helpers.dll for 3ds Max 2024 that was causing several WW Pro enhancements not working.
* CorVexSpline: Added new parameter to keep the meaning of top/bottom consistent regardless of whether the target CorVex nodes have positive or negative height values.
* Alpha Spec: Fixed a MAXScript error when loading some texture setups.
* Alpha Spec: Added support to copy Opacity Map into another map's alpha channel.
* Installer: Updated installation application to utilize the PluginPackage system from Autodesk. 3ds Max 2022+ will utilize the PluginPackage system. Older versions still use Plugins.UserSettings.ini to set plugin paths.
* Plugins: Fixed the installer missing WallWorm.Helpers.dll for 3ds Max 2024 that was causing several WW Pro enhancements not working.
* CorVexSpline: Added new parameter to keep the meaning of top/bottom consistent regardless of whether the target CorVex nodes have positive or negative height values.
* Alpha Spec: Fixed a MAXScript error when loading some texture setups.
* Alpha Spec: Added support to copy Opacity Map into another map's alpha channel.
#10
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm supports 3ds Max 2024
April 08, 2023, 11:52:58 AM
The latest installer works with 3ds Max 2024. If you find any issues, please report them to me.
#11
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 5.8.4 Released
April 02, 2023, 01:49:18 PM
When WW 5.8.3 was released last week, it was missing several plugin packages. That is fixed in 5.8.4.
#12
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 5.6.1 Released
January 08, 2023, 07:06:33 PM
Version 5.6.1 released on 1-8-2023
* Entities: Added new Entity Override workflow that allows you to override entity properties when an entity inside a Forest or PropLine meets the conditions of the override. Current conditions are altitude-based or volume-based.
* CSGO Tools: Added rollout to create the map TXT file for CSGO.
* ProPal: Fixed MAXScript error when manually creating a ProPal node in some versions of 3ds Max.
* VMF Exporter: Updated the VMF Exporter to only place the -deletecubemaps command in the PAK batch file. When used, the user is required to rebuild cubemaps.
###################################
Version 5.5.4 released on 12-28-2022
* PropLine: Fixed a MAXScript error that could happen when deleting nodes that are used as sources in a PropLine.
###################################
Version 5.5.3 released on 12-28-2022
* PropLine: Fixed the Skip Materials PropLine only working with WallWormMDL nodes.
* PropLine: Fixed some transform issues with non Wall Worm MDL nodes when using the Skip Materials functions.
* Entities: Added new Entity Override workflow that allows you to override entity properties when an entity inside a Forest or PropLine meets the conditions of the override. Current conditions are altitude-based or volume-based.
* CSGO Tools: Added rollout to create the map TXT file for CSGO.
* ProPal: Fixed MAXScript error when manually creating a ProPal node in some versions of 3ds Max.
* VMF Exporter: Updated the VMF Exporter to only place the -deletecubemaps command in the PAK batch file. When used, the user is required to rebuild cubemaps.
###################################
Version 5.5.4 released on 12-28-2022
* PropLine: Fixed a MAXScript error that could happen when deleting nodes that are used as sources in a PropLine.
###################################
Version 5.5.3 released on 12-28-2022
* PropLine: Fixed the Skip Materials PropLine only working with WallWormMDL nodes.
* PropLine: Fixed some transform issues with non Wall Worm MDL nodes when using the Skip Materials functions.
#13
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 5.5.2 Released
December 28, 2022, 03:55:37 PM
Version 5.5.2 released on 12-28-2022
* PropLine: Added button to acquire include/exclude settings from another PropLine in the scene.
* PropLine: Updated PropLine to properly utilize the WallWormMDL node's face count for display limit purposes such as Hull and LODs.
* PropLine: Fixed incorrect size calculations on WallWormMDL nodes in some cases.
* PropLine: Fixed problem in PropLine where prop instances could have incorrect transforms when the Skip Materials option was on.
* Materials: Fixed missing material parsing in some cases. Only for Max 2022+.
* VMF Exporter: Updated VMF Exporter to always write the batch files to compile and PAK the assets even if the exporter is not actually compiling.
* VMF Exporter: Added new option to delete cubemaps in compiler. When enabled, the command is added to the beginning of the PAK batch file.
* VMF Exporter: Updated the PAK report to skip files that are missing but are found inside the PAK file (for 3ds Max 2022+).
* VMF Exporter: Updated the PAK report to not mention missing .sw.vtx and .dx80.vtx files as modern compilers aren't making these anymore.
* Entities: Fixed defect causing an infinite loop in some occassions when looking for entity classes.
* Soundscape Manager: Fixed defect that caused Max to freeze indefinitely when loading the Soundscape Manager.
###################################
Version 5.4.1 released on 11-12-2022
* PropLine: Added new option called Skip Materials. When on, materials are not generated for the PropLine. Helps improve performance.
* PropLine: Added new options to display meshes with high face count as Boxes.
* Displacements: Added new spinner in the Displacement Floater to control the depth of terrain brushes when using the Terrain and Corridor functions.
* Displacements: Updated some of the button groups in the Displacement Floater.
###################################
Version 5.2.9 released on 10-24-2022
* CorVex Spline: Fixed incorrect additional spline segments being created in a CorVex Spline using the new Side Mid Divisiors setting.
* CorVex Spline: Fixed regression where CorVex Splines from wall-mode corvexes that were not closed would create an unexpected extra segment.
* PropLine: Added button to acquire include/exclude settings from another PropLine in the scene.
* PropLine: Updated PropLine to properly utilize the WallWormMDL node's face count for display limit purposes such as Hull and LODs.
* PropLine: Fixed incorrect size calculations on WallWormMDL nodes in some cases.
* PropLine: Fixed problem in PropLine where prop instances could have incorrect transforms when the Skip Materials option was on.
* Materials: Fixed missing material parsing in some cases. Only for Max 2022+.
* VMF Exporter: Updated VMF Exporter to always write the batch files to compile and PAK the assets even if the exporter is not actually compiling.
* VMF Exporter: Added new option to delete cubemaps in compiler. When enabled, the command is added to the beginning of the PAK batch file.
* VMF Exporter: Updated the PAK report to skip files that are missing but are found inside the PAK file (for 3ds Max 2022+).
* VMF Exporter: Updated the PAK report to not mention missing .sw.vtx and .dx80.vtx files as modern compilers aren't making these anymore.
* Entities: Fixed defect causing an infinite loop in some occassions when looking for entity classes.
* Soundscape Manager: Fixed defect that caused Max to freeze indefinitely when loading the Soundscape Manager.
###################################
Version 5.4.1 released on 11-12-2022
* PropLine: Added new option called Skip Materials. When on, materials are not generated for the PropLine. Helps improve performance.
* PropLine: Added new options to display meshes with high face count as Boxes.
* Displacements: Added new spinner in the Displacement Floater to control the depth of terrain brushes when using the Terrain and Corridor functions.
* Displacements: Updated some of the button groups in the Displacement Floater.
###################################
Version 5.2.9 released on 10-24-2022
* CorVex Spline: Fixed incorrect additional spline segments being created in a CorVex Spline using the new Side Mid Divisiors setting.
* CorVex Spline: Fixed regression where CorVex Splines from wall-mode corvexes that were not closed would create an unexpected extra segment.
#14
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 5.2.8 Released
October 23, 2022, 11:18:51 AM
Version 5.2.8 released on 10-22-2022
* Material Utilities: Added an option to rename (non-bitmap) textures based on their usage in a material.
* WWMT: Added new Hull Material ID setting that will force the exporter to convert faces using that Material ID into a collision hull. Useful for complex models made in ForestPack or RailClone. Available only in the modify tab of a WWMT Helper.
* CorVex Spline: Added name list that will allow the corvex spline to derive itself from any corvex nodes with names matching the patterns. Useful to make a CorVex Spline from a CorVex in a XRef Scene. BETA Feature not full tested!!
* CorVex Spline: Fixed CorVexSpline missing a segment on CorVex nodes in block mode.
* CorVex Spline: Added new settings to make a vertical spline on the middle line of each side of a CorVex.
* CorVex: Fixed MAXScript error that could happen in fringe cases related to invalid material ID values.
* PropLine: Added new option to randomly flip objects 180 degrees in the Z Axis.
* PropLine: Fixed the max values of Translation and Rotation values not being enabled when randomization is turned on.
###################################
Version 5.2.1 released on 9-26-2022
* Batch Tools: Added a new Batch Tool to mass convert files into MDLs.
* FBX to MDL: Updated the tool to include a UI for the new Batch MDL converter.
* Sky Writer: Updated the Max Render Time spinner from Integer to Float.
* Sky Writer: Changed the label of the Render Time to Render Frame.
* Entities: Added new buttons in the Modify tab of entities with a vscript parameter to open/create/edit script files and associate them to the entity. When no script file exists at the location chosen, an empty script is created and opened. (3ds Max 2022+ only.)
* VMF Exporter: Fixed the compile batch script to work with map names that were previously not working because of incorrectly escaped characters.
* VMDL Exporter: Added first prototype version of the VMDL exporter for Source 2. Not yet production ready.
###################################
Version 5.1.45 released on 9-8-2022
* Displacement Proxy: Fixed Mesh face index out of range MAXScript error in some scenes with a Displacement Proxy.
###################################
Version 5.1.44 released on 9-5-2022
* Macros: Added new Macroscript to delete the faces of objects using tool textures. Can be called via macros.run "wallworm.com" "WallWormDeleteToolTextures". You can also add to the UI using the "Delete Faces using Tool Textures" from the wallworm.com category in the Customize User Interface menus.
* Entity Manager: Fixed MAXScript error when text was typed into the Filter field.
* Sky Writer: Added option to choose camera type (Free Camera, Physical Camera or Vray Camera).
* Sky Writer: Updated Sky Writer to keep its camera in the scene after rendering. This allows customizing some of the camera parameters.
###################################
Version 5.1.42 released on 8-21-2022
* Macros: Added new Macroscript to place selected object pivots to the average position of their bottom-most vertices. Can be called via macros.run "wallworm.com" "PivotToBottomAverage" .
###################################
Version 5.1.40 released on 7-5-2022
* Brush Proxy: Added new (experimental) Brush Proxy Primitive to create geometry from brushes in the scene. Useful for reference in an XRef Scene. Material generation still buggy.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed issues exporting levels with specific names.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed exporter not launching game if also PAKing assets.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed defect exporting scenes with VRay and Arnold cameras.
* VMF Exporter: Added new option to export hidden cordons as active. This setting is not available in the exporter UI, but can be accessed via MAXScript with rootnode.exportHiddenCordons. It is a boolean. Existing scenes will be set to false to keep past conventions. New scenes will default to true.
* VMT Importer: Updated VMT Importer to add a Missing Texture (missing.tga) to texture slots that point to textures that cannot be found. This fixes crashes when using Autodesk Vault that was having issues with bitmaps pointing to missing file paths.
* Delete Faces Modifier: Fixed button not working in the Delete Faces custom attribute to remove rollout from UI.
* Material Utilities: Added an option to rename (non-bitmap) textures based on their usage in a material.
* WWMT: Added new Hull Material ID setting that will force the exporter to convert faces using that Material ID into a collision hull. Useful for complex models made in ForestPack or RailClone. Available only in the modify tab of a WWMT Helper.
* CorVex Spline: Added name list that will allow the corvex spline to derive itself from any corvex nodes with names matching the patterns. Useful to make a CorVex Spline from a CorVex in a XRef Scene. BETA Feature not full tested!!
* CorVex Spline: Fixed CorVexSpline missing a segment on CorVex nodes in block mode.
* CorVex Spline: Added new settings to make a vertical spline on the middle line of each side of a CorVex.
* CorVex: Fixed MAXScript error that could happen in fringe cases related to invalid material ID values.
* PropLine: Added new option to randomly flip objects 180 degrees in the Z Axis.
* PropLine: Fixed the max values of Translation and Rotation values not being enabled when randomization is turned on.
###################################
Version 5.2.1 released on 9-26-2022
* Batch Tools: Added a new Batch Tool to mass convert files into MDLs.
* FBX to MDL: Updated the tool to include a UI for the new Batch MDL converter.
* Sky Writer: Updated the Max Render Time spinner from Integer to Float.
* Sky Writer: Changed the label of the Render Time to Render Frame.
* Entities: Added new buttons in the Modify tab of entities with a vscript parameter to open/create/edit script files and associate them to the entity. When no script file exists at the location chosen, an empty script is created and opened. (3ds Max 2022+ only.)
* VMF Exporter: Fixed the compile batch script to work with map names that were previously not working because of incorrectly escaped characters.
* VMDL Exporter: Added first prototype version of the VMDL exporter for Source 2. Not yet production ready.
###################################
Version 5.1.45 released on 9-8-2022
* Displacement Proxy: Fixed Mesh face index out of range MAXScript error in some scenes with a Displacement Proxy.
###################################
Version 5.1.44 released on 9-5-2022
* Macros: Added new Macroscript to delete the faces of objects using tool textures. Can be called via macros.run "wallworm.com" "WallWormDeleteToolTextures". You can also add to the UI using the "Delete Faces using Tool Textures" from the wallworm.com category in the Customize User Interface menus.
* Entity Manager: Fixed MAXScript error when text was typed into the Filter field.
* Sky Writer: Added option to choose camera type (Free Camera, Physical Camera or Vray Camera).
* Sky Writer: Updated Sky Writer to keep its camera in the scene after rendering. This allows customizing some of the camera parameters.
###################################
Version 5.1.42 released on 8-21-2022
* Macros: Added new Macroscript to place selected object pivots to the average position of their bottom-most vertices. Can be called via macros.run "wallworm.com" "PivotToBottomAverage" .
###################################
Version 5.1.40 released on 7-5-2022
* Brush Proxy: Added new (experimental) Brush Proxy Primitive to create geometry from brushes in the scene. Useful for reference in an XRef Scene. Material generation still buggy.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed issues exporting levels with specific names.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed exporter not launching game if also PAKing assets.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed defect exporting scenes with VRay and Arnold cameras.
* VMF Exporter: Added new option to export hidden cordons as active. This setting is not available in the exporter UI, but can be accessed via MAXScript with rootnode.exportHiddenCordons. It is a boolean. Existing scenes will be set to false to keep past conventions. New scenes will default to true.
* VMT Importer: Updated VMT Importer to add a Missing Texture (missing.tga) to texture slots that point to textures that cannot be found. This fixes crashes when using Autodesk Vault that was having issues with bitmaps pointing to missing file paths.
* Delete Faces Modifier: Fixed button not working in the Delete Faces custom attribute to remove rollout from UI.
#15
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 5.1.36 Released
June 05, 2022, 01:49:21 PM
Version 5.1.36 released on 6-5-2022
* Entities: Fixed a MAXScript error that could happen when copying entities.
* Displacements: Added new function to send displacements to an XRef Scene.
* Assets: Updateed RES File Generator and BSP PAK functions to collect .NUT script files from entities.
* WWMT: Fixed defect in LODs that was copying the root LOD material to all subsequent LODs when exporting a WWMT. Previously affected scenes will need the LOD materials re-assigned because of this defect.
* WallWormMDL: Fixed a MAXScript error when exporting clicking the Orientation Fixup button in the MDL command panel but there the MDL data is missing or not yet assigned.
* Overview Exporter: Fixed overview exporter not working with several game configurations.
* Overview Exporter: Fixed MAXScript error in Overview Exporter.
###################################
Version 5.1.33 released on 5-24-2022
* Tools: Fixed Slice Tools custom attribute to not cause a MAXScript error when the file with the slice modifier is loaded into a version of Max where Wall Worm is not installed.
###################################
Version 5.1.32 released on 5-22-2022
* DMX Exporter: Fixed some MAXScript errors in the DMX exporter caused by exporting meshes with a Physical Material.
###################################
Version 5.1.31 released on 5-22-2022
* PropLine: Added new options to progressively affect scaling of props.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed error in the VMF Exporter batch file that was failing to copy the map BSP to the maps folder on completion.
###################################
Version 5.1.29 released on 5-22-2022
* Entities: Added support for the Get Sound button in entities to browse the game's current sounds.
* VMF Exporter: Updated exporter to delete the temporary log file generated during compile.
* Entities: Fixed a MAXScript error that could happen when copying entities.
* Displacements: Added new function to send displacements to an XRef Scene.
* Assets: Updateed RES File Generator and BSP PAK functions to collect .NUT script files from entities.
* WWMT: Fixed defect in LODs that was copying the root LOD material to all subsequent LODs when exporting a WWMT. Previously affected scenes will need the LOD materials re-assigned because of this defect.
* WallWormMDL: Fixed a MAXScript error when exporting clicking the Orientation Fixup button in the MDL command panel but there the MDL data is missing or not yet assigned.
* Overview Exporter: Fixed overview exporter not working with several game configurations.
* Overview Exporter: Fixed MAXScript error in Overview Exporter.
###################################
Version 5.1.33 released on 5-24-2022
* Tools: Fixed Slice Tools custom attribute to not cause a MAXScript error when the file with the slice modifier is loaded into a version of Max where Wall Worm is not installed.
###################################
Version 5.1.32 released on 5-22-2022
* DMX Exporter: Fixed some MAXScript errors in the DMX exporter caused by exporting meshes with a Physical Material.
###################################
Version 5.1.31 released on 5-22-2022
* PropLine: Added new options to progressively affect scaling of props.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed error in the VMF Exporter batch file that was failing to copy the map BSP to the maps folder on completion.
###################################
Version 5.1.29 released on 5-22-2022
* Entities: Added support for the Get Sound button in entities to browse the game's current sounds.
* VMF Exporter: Updated exporter to delete the temporary log file generated during compile.
#16
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 5.1.28 Released
May 21, 2022, 07:21:07 PM
Version 5.1.28 released on 5-21-2022
* CorVex: Fixed MAXScript error loading some older scenes with specific spline setups.
* QC Importer: Fixed MAXScript error that happened from too many time tags being generated in rare situations.
* Parse BSP Log: Added check for Bad Surface Extents that will create a spline along bad surface to highlight the problem. The splines are placed into a layer named "Bad Surfaces Layer".
* VMF Exporter: Updated the batch file writer to output a cleaner compile batch.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed the last_compile_.log file to work even when outputting to the console.
* Compile Tools: Fixed MAXScript error in the Load Leak File function if the leak file exists but is empty.
* CorVex: Fixed MAXScript error loading some older scenes with specific spline setups.
* QC Importer: Fixed MAXScript error that happened from too many time tags being generated in rare situations.
* Parse BSP Log: Added check for Bad Surface Extents that will create a spline along bad surface to highlight the problem. The splines are placed into a layer named "Bad Surfaces Layer".
* VMF Exporter: Updated the batch file writer to output a cleaner compile batch.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed the last_compile_.log file to work even when outputting to the console.
* Compile Tools: Fixed MAXScript error in the Load Leak File function if the leak file exists but is empty.
#17
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 5.1.27 Released
April 18, 2022, 06:55:40 PM
Version 5.1.27 released on 4-18-2022
* VMT Exporter: Updated VMT Exporter to skip the $envmapmask entry when applying $normalmapalphaenvmapmask, $basealphaenvmapmask or $selfillum_envmapmask_alpha.
* Entities: Fixed MAXScript error in the Display Entity Output connections when an entity has inputs but no outputs.
* CorVex: Fixed a MAXScript error in some cases of applying a material to a side with Worm Face.
* CorVex: Fixed MAXScript error in sloped wall mode when adding a new spline and the new spline has no segments yet.
* Displacements: Updated the Terrain tool in the Displacement Floater to not create ShellVex nodes from objects that are currently brushes--but to copy them instead.
* Displacements: Updated the Terrain tool in the Displacement Floater to not use a right-click function for choosing to generate extra nodraw brushes.
* Displacements: Added checkbox in the Terrain section in the Displacement Floater to generate extra nodraw brushes.
* Displacements: Added checkbox in the Terrain section in the Displacement Floater to Collapse the source brushes to Editable Poly.
* ShellVex: Fixed MAXScript error when the source-geometry has zero-area surfaces.
* VMF Exporter: Added new option to exclude brush elements by the material ID with custom user prop key of #vmf_skip_ids. Expects an integer or comma-separated list of IDs.
* Parse BSP Log: Added check for Patch Sample Radius Clamped.
* Parse BSP Log: Added check for VRAD bounce errors that print NaN in the color values.
* Create Floor Plan: Updated the Create Floor Plan function to add materials to the created brushes from the source object.
###################################
Version 5.1.22 released on 4-3-2022
* Parse BSP Log: Fixed Error in the parser function that could cause a MAXScript error if there are WWMT models in the scene.
* Parse BSP Log: Added support to find brush error "FloatPlane: bad normal".
* Get Brush By ID: Fixed problem with the Get Brush By ID that would not collect Concave Brushes tied to entities (like a CorVex set to func_detail).
* CorVex: Added new parameter Block Mode Hidden that will allow you to set the material ID of hidden faces on a multi-floor CorVex object in block mode and no floor offset.
* CorVex: Fixed the starting side of a sloped wall CorVex from sometimes adding an extra zero-area face.
###################################
Version 5.1.21 released on 3-24-2022
* System: Fixed several problems in Wall Worm that had broken compatibility with 3ds Max 2012 and 2013. These defects had been around for years, but testing for those versions stopped many years ago. Fix alleviates installation and startup errors in 3ds Max 2012-2013.
* CorVex Spline: Fixed error in CorVex Spline when using a CorVex with a base spline that has all verts at one location (like a zero-radius circle).
###################################
Version 5.1.20 released on 3-19-2022
* Sky Writer: Fixed Sky Writer not creating VTF files when using a Game Info Path other than the actual game folder.
* Sky Writer: Added new setting called Max Render Time that will limit the amount of time spent rendering each side of the sky when using VRay.
* Settings: Fixed problem using the new configuration settings in some versions of Max. Defect affected global settings and VMF Exporter dialog.
###################################
Version 5.1.19 released on 3-6-2022
* Point Entities: Fixed the selected world model not being applied to prop entities automatically.
* PropLine: Fixed the Average Vector option not working on the first instance in a closed spline.
* Batch Tools: Added new MaxBatch tool to convert VMTs into TGAs and zip the results up. No UI or docs for this yet.
###################################
Version 5.1.17 released on 2-21-2022
* PropLine: Added Exclude VMF parameter to match other WW plugins.
* PropLine: Added new option Skip Nth that will remove instances in a repeating pattern.
* Arch: Added a setting to offset the point on the Arch where the block is a quad rather than a tri from the side. Alleviates problems where Arch was sometimes using a segment that created a concave block, which is invalid for BSP.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed a MAXScript exception when exporting a scene with a PropLine node that was not active.
* VMT Exporter: Updated VMT Exporter to skip the $envmapmask entry when applying $normalmapalphaenvmapmask, $basealphaenvmapmask or $selfillum_envmapmask_alpha.
* Entities: Fixed MAXScript error in the Display Entity Output connections when an entity has inputs but no outputs.
* CorVex: Fixed a MAXScript error in some cases of applying a material to a side with Worm Face.
* CorVex: Fixed MAXScript error in sloped wall mode when adding a new spline and the new spline has no segments yet.
* Displacements: Updated the Terrain tool in the Displacement Floater to not create ShellVex nodes from objects that are currently brushes--but to copy them instead.
* Displacements: Updated the Terrain tool in the Displacement Floater to not use a right-click function for choosing to generate extra nodraw brushes.
* Displacements: Added checkbox in the Terrain section in the Displacement Floater to generate extra nodraw brushes.
* Displacements: Added checkbox in the Terrain section in the Displacement Floater to Collapse the source brushes to Editable Poly.
* ShellVex: Fixed MAXScript error when the source-geometry has zero-area surfaces.
* VMF Exporter: Added new option to exclude brush elements by the material ID with custom user prop key of #vmf_skip_ids. Expects an integer or comma-separated list of IDs.
* Parse BSP Log: Added check for Patch Sample Radius Clamped.
* Parse BSP Log: Added check for VRAD bounce errors that print NaN in the color values.
* Create Floor Plan: Updated the Create Floor Plan function to add materials to the created brushes from the source object.
###################################
Version 5.1.22 released on 4-3-2022
* Parse BSP Log: Fixed Error in the parser function that could cause a MAXScript error if there are WWMT models in the scene.
* Parse BSP Log: Added support to find brush error "FloatPlane: bad normal".
* Get Brush By ID: Fixed problem with the Get Brush By ID that would not collect Concave Brushes tied to entities (like a CorVex set to func_detail).
* CorVex: Added new parameter Block Mode Hidden that will allow you to set the material ID of hidden faces on a multi-floor CorVex object in block mode and no floor offset.
* CorVex: Fixed the starting side of a sloped wall CorVex from sometimes adding an extra zero-area face.
###################################
Version 5.1.21 released on 3-24-2022
* System: Fixed several problems in Wall Worm that had broken compatibility with 3ds Max 2012 and 2013. These defects had been around for years, but testing for those versions stopped many years ago. Fix alleviates installation and startup errors in 3ds Max 2012-2013.
* CorVex Spline: Fixed error in CorVex Spline when using a CorVex with a base spline that has all verts at one location (like a zero-radius circle).
###################################
Version 5.1.20 released on 3-19-2022
* Sky Writer: Fixed Sky Writer not creating VTF files when using a Game Info Path other than the actual game folder.
* Sky Writer: Added new setting called Max Render Time that will limit the amount of time spent rendering each side of the sky when using VRay.
* Settings: Fixed problem using the new configuration settings in some versions of Max. Defect affected global settings and VMF Exporter dialog.
###################################
Version 5.1.19 released on 3-6-2022
* Point Entities: Fixed the selected world model not being applied to prop entities automatically.
* PropLine: Fixed the Average Vector option not working on the first instance in a closed spline.
* Batch Tools: Added new MaxBatch tool to convert VMTs into TGAs and zip the results up. No UI or docs for this yet.
###################################
Version 5.1.17 released on 2-21-2022
* PropLine: Added Exclude VMF parameter to match other WW plugins.
* PropLine: Added new option Skip Nth that will remove instances in a repeating pattern.
* Arch: Added a setting to offset the point on the Arch where the block is a quad rather than a tri from the side. Alleviates problems where Arch was sometimes using a segment that created a concave block, which is invalid for BSP.
* VMF Exporter: Fixed a MAXScript exception when exporting a scene with a PropLine node that was not active.
#18
Wall Worm News / Wall Worm 5.1.16 Released
February 19, 2022, 12:24:13 PM
Version 5.1.16 released on 2-19-2022
* Installer: Added support for Windows 11 to the installer.
* PropLine: Fixed PropLine skipping a point when using the Midpoint distribution and the spline is closed.
* PropLine: Fixed duplicate point added in some cases with a closed spline.
* Arch: Updated Arch to not create zero-volume rim blocks when the Rim Height is set to 0.
* Batch Tools: Added a new batchtool for converting MDLs from a text file to FBX using MAXBatch. No UI or docs for this yet.
###################################
Version 5.1.14 released on 2-4-2022
* Render Maps: Fixed a MAXScript error with the Render Maps custom attribute in some versions of Max.
###################################
Version 5.1.13 released on 1-30-2022
* WWMT: Updated WWMT to create a ragdoll pose sequence automatically when exporting $collisionjoints.
* WWMT: Updated WWMT to write a minimum number of breakable items into the $collisiontext block based on the breakable_count setting. If the breakable count is higher than number of items in the gibs list, WW will repeat items.
* CorVex: Fixed zero-size face on a CorVex that has multiple splines, a starting height of 0 and is using the slope setting.
* CorVex Spline: Added support for the Arch Primitive in CorVex Spline.
* Material Library Generator: Fixed a MAXScript error for older versions of Max.
* WallWormMDL: Added new option to fix rotation problem where some meshes don't accurately orient in the viewport.
* Arch Primitive: Added ability to swap the orientation of the tunnel in an Arch primitive by holding down the ALT key during creation in the viewport.
* Arch Primitive: Fixed a MAXScript error when right-clicking the viewport when using the UV offset function.
* Propline: Fixed the button to generate a random seed only working on first click.
###################################
Version 5.1.10 released on 1-16-2022
* VMF Exporter: Fixed a case where the angles property in point entities was getting written twice. This is related to another recent and similar issue fixed in a another update.
###################################
Version 5.1.9 released on 1-16-2022
* Displacements: Fixed modify tab sometimes having bad layout.
* WWMT: Fixed UI for custom gibs not updating the enable state when changing the gibs type in modify tab.
###################################
Version 5.1.8 released on 1-16-2022
* Materials: Added two new functions: Reload Materials from VMTS and Reload Missing Textures. Both functions will update materials of current scene selection (or entire scene if nothing selected) by rebuilding the materials from the VMTs they represent. When using the Reload Missing Textures version, only materials that are missing the texture files will get reloaded. Functions are added to the Wall Worm > Materials menu.
* VMF Exporter: Updated VMF Exporter to no longer set Max' Ambient Color render setting from the VMF Exporter's default Ambient color setting. This setting is defaults to white, and when the white gets assigned to the ambient color in Max, the viewport usually gets blown out. Now the user must explicitly assign this color to Max's render settings if they want the two to match.
* Installer: Added support for Windows 11 to the installer.
* PropLine: Fixed PropLine skipping a point when using the Midpoint distribution and the spline is closed.
* PropLine: Fixed duplicate point added in some cases with a closed spline.
* Arch: Updated Arch to not create zero-volume rim blocks when the Rim Height is set to 0.
* Batch Tools: Added a new batchtool for converting MDLs from a text file to FBX using MAXBatch. No UI or docs for this yet.
###################################
Version 5.1.14 released on 2-4-2022
* Render Maps: Fixed a MAXScript error with the Render Maps custom attribute in some versions of Max.
###################################
Version 5.1.13 released on 1-30-2022
* WWMT: Updated WWMT to create a ragdoll pose sequence automatically when exporting $collisionjoints.
* WWMT: Updated WWMT to write a minimum number of breakable items into the $collisiontext block based on the breakable_count setting. If the breakable count is higher than number of items in the gibs list, WW will repeat items.
* CorVex: Fixed zero-size face on a CorVex that has multiple splines, a starting height of 0 and is using the slope setting.
* CorVex Spline: Added support for the Arch Primitive in CorVex Spline.
* Material Library Generator: Fixed a MAXScript error for older versions of Max.
* WallWormMDL: Added new option to fix rotation problem where some meshes don't accurately orient in the viewport.
* Arch Primitive: Added ability to swap the orientation of the tunnel in an Arch primitive by holding down the ALT key during creation in the viewport.
* Arch Primitive: Fixed a MAXScript error when right-clicking the viewport when using the UV offset function.
* Propline: Fixed the button to generate a random seed only working on first click.
###################################
Version 5.1.10 released on 1-16-2022
* VMF Exporter: Fixed a case where the angles property in point entities was getting written twice. This is related to another recent and similar issue fixed in a another update.
###################################
Version 5.1.9 released on 1-16-2022
* Displacements: Fixed modify tab sometimes having bad layout.
* WWMT: Fixed UI for custom gibs not updating the enable state when changing the gibs type in modify tab.
###################################
Version 5.1.8 released on 1-16-2022
* Materials: Added two new functions: Reload Materials from VMTS and Reload Missing Textures. Both functions will update materials of current scene selection (or entire scene if nothing selected) by rebuilding the materials from the VMTs they represent. When using the Reload Missing Textures version, only materials that are missing the texture files will get reloaded. Functions are added to the Wall Worm > Materials menu.
* VMF Exporter: Updated VMF Exporter to no longer set Max' Ambient Color render setting from the VMF Exporter's default Ambient color setting. This setting is defaults to white, and when the white gets assigned to the ambient color in Max, the viewport usually gets blown out. Now the user must explicitly assign this color to Max's render settings if they want the two to match.
#19
Bug Reports / Wall Worm and Windows 11
February 05, 2022, 12:42:54 PM
I tested Wall Worm this morning on Windows 11 for the first time. I did run into an issue:
After updating Windows from Windows 10 to Windows 11, I tried to launch 3ds Max. There were errors when launching Max. It was not clear to me that the errors were a result of WW or not in the Max log file. I was not able to successfully launch Max. There could have been a problem due to WW or another plugin. Note that 3ds Max does not yet officially support Windows 11, and this was just my own experiment.
I then renamed this folder to something else and restarted Max:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Autodesk\3dsMax\2022 - 64bit
When doing this, 3ds Max will recreate that folder. Unfortunately, it means that any customizations are lost.
I was able to successfully load 3ds Max at this point, then click Scripting > Run Script, and browse to
C:\Program Files\Wall Worm\Wall Worm Pro Pack\WallWorm.com\install.ms
After WW installed, I restarted and Max launched fine and had access to all the Wall Worm functions.
After updating Windows from Windows 10 to Windows 11, I tried to launch 3ds Max. There were errors when launching Max. It was not clear to me that the errors were a result of WW or not in the Max log file. I was not able to successfully launch Max. There could have been a problem due to WW or another plugin. Note that 3ds Max does not yet officially support Windows 11, and this was just my own experiment.
I then renamed this folder to something else and restarted Max:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Autodesk\3dsMax\2022 - 64bit
When doing this, 3ds Max will recreate that folder. Unfortunately, it means that any customizations are lost.
I was able to successfully load 3ds Max at this point, then click Scripting > Run Script, and browse to
C:\Program Files\Wall Worm\Wall Worm Pro Pack\WallWorm.com\install.ms
After WW installed, I restarted and Max launched fine and had access to all the Wall Worm functions.
#20
General Discussion / 3ds Max Versions: What version do you use?
January 15, 2022, 09:07:04 PM
I can no longer support older versions of 3ds Max in Wall Worm. This has been the reality for many years, but I have always kept older versions in the installer. I am planning on removing the automatic installation for older versions. I am trying to get a sense of how this will impact WW users.
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