FormCutter 3.0
How to Install
In the Main Menu, go to Scripting > Run Script..., select *.mzp file and click Open.
Or just drag and drop the *.mzp file into the 3ds Max viewport.
Click Install on Installer Dialog.
After 'Install Successfully' you can assign a keyboard shortcut. Found the tool in:
Customize > Customize User Interface > Keyboard > Category > MxTools > FormCutterManually Installing
Extract the *.mzp file to #UserScripts found in:
C:\Users\<UserName >\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\<ReleaseNumber> - 64bit\ENU\scriptsCopy the formcutter_startups.ms file from #UserScripts to:
C:\Users\<UserName >\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\<ReleaseNumber> - 64bit\ENU\scripts\startup\formcutterRun formcutter.mcr in 3ds Max application found in:
C:\Users\<UserName >\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\<ReleaseNumber> - 64bit\ENU\scripts\formcutterAfter Installation with no errors, you can assign a keyboard shortcut. Found the tool in:
Customize > Customize User Interface > Keyboard > Category > MxTools > FormCutter
You can add a button to 3ds Max Main Toolbar by going to:.
Now select FormCutter and drag and drop to the 3ds Max Main Toolbar.
To delete the button from 3ds Max Main Toolbar, right click on it and go to Delete Button.
To start the FormCutter tool, you need to click on the button.
Node-Locked License
The type of license is Node-Locked License, that means a license is for use on one computer, and is tied to that computer Physical (MAC) Address.
When you purchase a gumroad memberships Tier, you need to add in Physical (MAC) Address field your computer Physical (MAC) Addresses in a format without spaces or special characters ("-", ".", ":", etc.).
What is Physical (MAC) Address > Wikipedia
Note: The Physical (MAC) Address field can no longer be changed after you have made the purchase.
User Interfaces
Hybrid Circular Menu
The Hybrid Circular Menu UI combines the benefits of circular menus, such as efficient use of space and intuitive interaction, with additional navigation elements to create a versatile and user-friendly interface. It offers a visually appealing and engaging experience, enabling users to easily navigate and access various features.
Locals UI
Clone (Off, Grid, Radial)
By selecting off, the clone feature is disabled, and no cloning will occur. This is useful when you want to work with a single cutter without any duplicates.
When choosing the grid option, the cutter will be cloned in a grid pattern. This enables you to create precise and evenly spaced duplicates of the cutter, ideal for creating repetitive patterns or designs.
Alternatively, you can opt for the radial clone type, which creates clones in a circular arrangement around a central point. This option is great for creating circular arrangements of cutters.
Snap (Off, Grid, Vertices)
If desired, you can turn off snapping, allowing for freeform movement and placement of the cutter without any automatic alignment.
When snapping to the grid, the cutter will seamlessly align with the grid points, enabling precise and grid-aligned placements for accurate designs.
Opting to snap to 3D mesh vertices allows the cutter to automatically align with the vertices of the mesh, ensuring seamless integration and precise positioning within the 3D environment.
Mirror (Off, X, Y, XY)
If desired, you can turn off mirroring, allowing for independent manipulation and positioning of the cutter without any mirroring effects.
By selecting the X axis, the cutter will be mirrored along the horizontal axis, creating a symmetrical reflection on one side.
Choosing the Y axis will mirror the cutter along the vertical axis, resulting in a symmetrical reflection on one side.
Opting for the XY axis will mirror the cutter simultaneously along both the horizontal and vertical axes, creating a mirrored reflection on both sides.
Ray (Hit Mesh, Screen View)
When selecting projection ray by hit mesh, the cutter will be projected onto the hit surface based on the normal direction of the surface itself. This ensures that the cutter aligns with the surface's orientation, resulting in accurate and natural placements.
On the other hand, choosing projection ray by screen view allows the cutter to be projected based on the direction of your 3D view. This means that the cutter's orientation will be determined by your perspective within the 3D environment.
Operands (Cut, Split, Add, Carve, Draw)
Selecting cut allows you to perform a straightforward cut operation, removing parts of an object along the defined cut draw shape.
By choosing split, you can divide an object into separate parts along the cut draw shape, creating distinct sections or elements.
The add operation enables you to add new volume to the object, extending or modifying its shape based on the cut draw shape.
Opting for carve allows you to remove or carve out specific portions from the object, creating hollow or intricate patterns along the cut draw shape.
Finally, the draw operation lets you draw custom shapes or patterns directly on the object, providing artistic freedom and flexibility in the cutting process.
Shapes UI
Shapes category offers tools that allows you to perform 3D cuts on meshes using various operations like subtraction or addition. With six types of cuts available, including circle, box, ngon, shape, mesh, and face, you have a wide range of options to achieve precise and complex cuts.
For ngon, shape, and mesh cuts, the tool provides libraries where you can conveniently choose from a selection of pre-defined shapes or custom meshes. This feature enhances your workflow by providing ready-made assets that can be easily applied to achieve specific cut effects.
Libraries for Ngon, Shape and Mesh tools.
In the Libraries UI, you have access to a toolbar and a list box for managing items. The toolbar provides various functionalities, allowing you to add items from the 3D scene to the list box, delete items from the list box, render thumbnail previews for the items in the list box, add or remove folder items, and pick a node from the 3D scene for use in cuts.
With the toolbar UI, you can effortlessly add items from the 3D scene to the listbox, enabling easy organization and access to important assets or objects. For the mesh library, if you want to add an object with hierarchy and animation, all objects must to be parented to the mesh geometry that will be used as a cutter, and to save in the library you must select the mesh geometry cutter and press the "Add item" button.
Deleting items from the listbox is a breeze, allowing you to remove unnecessary or outdated items with a simple click.
The ability to render thumbnail previews for the items in the listbox enhances visual recognition and makes it easier to identify specific assets or objects at a glance.
The option to add or remove folder items provides a convenient way to manage your library structure, ensuring efficient organization and easy navigation.
Additionally, you can pick a node directly from the 3D scene and utilize it for cuts, streamlining your workflow and enhancing precision in your cutting operations.
Circle
In the circle cut tool of Shapes UI, you can activate the tool and cut in a circular manner. This tool allows you to create circular cuts, and you can specify the number of steps to shape the circle during the drawing process.
Box
By activating the box cut tool, you can easily create rectangular cuts or cutouts in your objects with precision and simplicity.
You have the option to choose whether to use default values for the corners when starting a new cut. This provides convenience and consistency by automatically applying predefined corner radius values to your cuts. If you prefer more control and customization, you can opt not to use the default values and manually specify the corner radius for each individual cut.
Ngon
By activating the ngon cut tool, you can easily define and cut objects in complex ngon shapes, providing flexibility in your designs.
One of the key features of this category is the ability to round the corners of the ngon shape. This allows you to add a smooth and rounded appearance to the points of the ngon, giving your cuts a more polished and aesthetically pleasing look.
By selecting the mesh tool, you gain access to a diverse library of pre-designed meshes that you can utilize for your cuts.
Shape
By activating the shape cut tool, you can easily define and cut objects in complex shape shapes, providing flexibility in your designs.
By selecting the shape tool, you gain access to a diverse library of pre-designed shapes that you can utilize for your cuts.
Mesh
By activating the mesh cut tool, you can easily define and cut objects in complex mesh shapes, providing flexibility in your designs.
By selecting the mesh tool, you gain access to a diverse library of pre-designed meshes that you can utilize for your cuts.
Prepare the mesh for use in cuts.
a. A represents the mesh with which you cut into objects. B represents the helper to which the C objects are linked.
b. Link all objects C to helper B and then link helper B to mesh A. If you have just the mesh A and an single object C you can link directly object C to mesh A and you do not need the helper B. If you use several C objects they can be animated (such as the yellow C object in which you can animate it to rotate).
c. Select all objects and save to Libraries for Mesh from FormCutter tool or select all objects and File > Save Selected ...
d. The mesh used in action.
Face
By activating the face cut tool, you have the capability to perform cuts using the border edges of selected planar faces under the mouse cursor. Additionally, you have the option to round the corners of the cuts by specifying an angle threshold. This feature enables you to create smooth and rounded corners, adding a polished and visually appealing touch to your cuts.
Hotkeys used for Face Tool under button checked.
ctrl key + mouse move : on the object over a face will add the border edges from planar faces to the selection.
ctrl key + shift key + mouse move : on the viewport will offset the edges from selection.
shift key + mouse move : on the viewport will set the corner radius of edges from selection using the angle threshold.
shift key + alt key + mouse move : on the viewport will set the corner radius steps of edges from selection.
ctrl key + left mouse click + mouse drag : on the object over a face will cut in object with a new shape.
right mouse click : will stop the tool.
Hotkeys used for Circle, Box, Ngon, Shape and Mesh Tool under button checked.
ctrl key + left mouse click + mouse drag : on an object will start to cut and edit a shape based on Shape Type.
left mouse click + mouse drag : over a selected point handle will translate the point based on Shape Type.
left mouse click + mouse drag : over a selected shape gizmo will translate the shape.
left mouse click + mouse drag : over a selected rotation gizmo will rotate the shape.
left mouse click + mouse drag : over a selected clone gizmo will set shape clone spacing.
shift key + mouse move : over a selected clone gizmo will set shape clone count.
alt key + left mouse click : over a selected shape gizmo will delete the shape.
alt key + left mouse click : will delete the last cut operand.
shift key + left mouse click : will flip the last cut operand.
alt key + mouse move : will deselect all shapes.
mouse move : will select by selection type (shape, point, gizmo).
right mouse click : will stop the tool.
Hotkeys used for Operands (type) > Carve.
left mouse click + mouse drag : over a selected point gizmo will set the carve size.
left mouse click + mouse drag : over a selected point gizmo will set the chamfer size.
shift key + mouse move : over a selected point gizmo will set the chamfer segments.
Tools UI
The tools described offers a range of powerful functionalities for 3D modeling and design. These tools empower users to enhance their models and achieve specific effects with precision and control. Together, these tools offer users a comprehensive toolkit for refining and enhancing their 3D models, allowing for greater creativity, control, and visual impact in their designs.
Cloth Panel
Turn any geometry face into a cloth panel.
Uses 2 engines: Cloth and MCloth.
Separate by Faces
Preset (Default, Cotton, Rubber)
Variable Round
Variable Round is a versatile tool that rounds the corner edges of a mesh with customizable radius sizes, allowing for precise and varied rounding effects (***from 3ds Max 2020 and above).
When set the radius or the segments value with left mouse click + mouse drag, if the distance between the starting drag position and the current mouse position is smaller than the selection distance tolerance specified in the "Settings > Selection" section, the value will be reset to 0.
Hotkeys used for Variable Round Tool under button checked.
ctrl key + left mouse click : on the object over a vertex will add the edges to the selection, starting from the last vertex picked to the currently hovered vertex.
ctrl key + left mouse click : on the object over an edge will add the loop edges to the selection.
left mouse click + mouse drag : over an edge from selection will set radius value, if edge is first edge marked with an arrow then it will set the radius value to all edges from selection.
left mouse click + mouse drag : on the object will set the segments value.
alt key + left mouse click : on the object will delete all edges from selection.
right mouse click : will stop the tool.
Chamfer
Chamfer is a tool specifically designed to round the corner edges of a mesh. It applies a consistent and fixed radius size to achieve uniform rounding effects using the standard Chamfer modifier, resulting in smooth and curved edges on the mesh.
Hotkeys used for Chamfer Tool under button checked.
ctrl key + left mouse click : on an object will add a chamfer modifier on it.
alt key + left mouse click : on an object will delete a chamfer modifier on it.
left mouse click : on an object with a chamfer modifier it will be added to be manipulated.
shift key + mouse move : on an object will set tension value to chamfer modifier.
ctrl key + mouse move : on an object will set segments value to chamfer modifier.
left mouse click + mouse drag : on an object will set amount value to chamfer modifier.
right mouse click : will stop the tool.
Shell
Shell is a tool that adds thickness to a mesh by creating a hollowed-out or shell-like structure. It accomplishes this by applying an inner or outer offset to the original mesh, effectively expanding its dimensions while preserving the overall shape using the standard Shell modifier.
Hotkeys used for Shell Tool under button checked.
ctrl key + left mouse click : on an object will add a shell modifier on it.
alt key + left mouse click : on an object will delete a shell modifier on it.
left mouse click : on an object with a shell modifier it will be added to be manipulated.
shift key + mouse move : on an object will set inner amount and outer amount value on the shell modifier.
ctrl key + mouse move : on an object will set segments value to shell modifier.
left mouse click + mouse drag : on an object will set inner amount or outer amount value based on up and down mouse direction on the shell modifier.
right mouse click : will stop the tool.
Symmetry
Symmetry is tool that enables mirroring of a mesh along the x, y, and z axes using the standard Symmetry modifier. This tool is used to quickly achieve symmetrical designs and ensure consistency across the model.
Hotkeys used for Symmetry Tool under button checked.
ctrl key + left mouse cllick : on an object will add a symmetry modifier on it.
alt key + left mouse click : on an object will delete a symmetry modifier on it.
left mouse click : on an object with a symmetry modifier it will be added to be manipulated.
left mouse click : over axis gizmos change symmetry axis.
left mouse click : over R gizmo will reset symmetry transform.
left mouse click : over W gizmo will set to world symmetry transform.
left mouse click + mouse drag : over axis gizmos will rotate symmetry axis around selected axis.
left mouse click + mouse drag : over line axis gizmos will translate symmetry location.
right mouse click : will stop the tool.
Pivot
Pivot is a tool that enables users to modify the pivot center of a node within a 3D space. This tool provides options to change the pivot point to different positions, such as corners or the center of the object. By adjusting the pivot center, users can precisely control the rotation and scaling behavior of the node, allowing for more accurate and intuitive transformations in their 3D designs.
Hotkeys used for Pivot Tool under button checked.
ctrl key + left mouse click : on an object will be added to list to modify the pivot.
alt key + left mouse click : on an object will be deleted from list.
left mouse click : over point gizmos will set pivot position based on piked point gizmo.
ctrl key + mouse move : on an object will set pivot axis by view hit bounding box.
shift key + mouse move : on an object will set pivot axis by view hit surface mesh.
right mouse click : will stop the tool.
Settings UI
Settings UI provides users with a centralized location to customize and configure various options. It aims to simplify the customization process, present settings in an organized manner, and offer a user-friendly experience.
General
In the General category of the Settings UI, you have control over the offset tolerance for cutters and the ability to maintain the aspect ratio when drawing a cut.
Selection
In the Selection category of the Settings UI, you have the ability to control the selection distance, measured in pixels, within the 3D viewport of active cutters.
Mirror
In the Mirror category of the Settings UI, you are provided with the option to choose between mirroring the cutters in local or world space. When set to local space, the cutters will mirror based on the hit node center position. On the other hand, selecting world space will mirror the cutters relative to the global coordinate system.
Shortcuts
In the Shortcuts category of the Settings UI, you have the ability to hide or unhide the shortcuts associated with the active tool.
Snap
In the Snap category of the Settings UI, you can control various aspects related to grid. This includes adjusting the number of grid rows, the size of the grid snap, and the type of grid view between lines or dots.
Theme
Theme UI settings provide users with the ability to customize the visual aspects of the tool.
These settings allow users to change the color scheme , dock the UI to different corners of the screen (top left, top right, bottom right, bottom left), and set the UI scale for optimal display on auto, 2k, and 4k monitors. By adjusting these settings, users can personalize their UI experience to suit their preferences and accommodate their specific display setup.
With the checked Fc button you can collapse the entire UI.
UI Colors Style Types : Dark, Light, Color, Max.
UI Dock Types : Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Right, Bottom Left.