|
 Introduction |
|
In this tutorial,
I'll demonstrate how to create your own custom tools in PiXELS
3D Studio.
This tutorial
requires:
Pixels3D
| studio | v3.x
Understanding
of PiXELS 3D Studio Basics
The
will to use PixelScript
|
| The
Concept |
| Before
we can create a tool, we need to have an idea of the function
of the tool. In this case, we're going to create a tool that creates
cubes with rounded corners. |
|
| The
Process |
| In a new file, create
a default Cube, and call it RoundCube (or whatever you like). |
|
|
Choose Reshape>Subdivide, and subdivide the cube
8x8.
|
|
| This leaves us with
a high-resolution cube. |
|
| Change the Cube's
U & V Basis to B-Spline. Changing from Linear to B-Spline
softens the corners of the Cube. |
|
|
Choose Reshape>Optimize.
This eliminates the unnecessary U & V steps of the object,
leaving us with a much lower CV Count, and a faster render.
|
|
| Ancient
History |
|
If it isn't already open, open the History Window ( CMD
+ h ).
In the history window are the PixelScript commands we have
just executed to create the object.
Select this text, and choose Edit>Copy.
This copies the text to the clipboard.
|
|
| Transfer
the Script to the Script Editor |
| Open the Script Editor
( CMD-2 ), and choose Edit>Paste. |
| Edit
the Script |
|
What's the point of a Script Editor? Editing scripts. Let's
do that.
As is, this script will work perfectly - but only once. This
is because the name of the object has been specified, and is
referred to by a few of the commands. By making a few modifications,
we can make this simple script work without object name conflicts.
1) Delete the select -r RoundCube line. Why?
When we create an object, it is automatically selected, so there
is no need for this line.
2) Create a variable to hold the name of the created object.
The 2nd line (below) sets the variable cubeName to the
name of the newly created object.
3) Replace any further occurances of a specific object name
with the variable substitution $cubeName. When the interpreter
comes across $cubeName, it replaces it with the actual
name of the object, so the commands always point to the correct
object.
|
| Save
the Script |
|
Click the Green Dot in the upper-right corner of the Script
Editor, and Choose Save...
Navigate to your PiXELS 3D Studio:Scripts folder, and save
the script.
|
|
| Re-Launch
PiXELS 3D Studio |
| Choose File>Quit.
Then Launch Pixels 3D Studio again. This refreshes the Extras,
Scripts, and Favorites Editor. |
| Add
the Tool to the Favorites Window |
| Click an Empty slot
in the Favorites Window. If you don't have room, you can remove
a favorite by Command-Clicking on it. |
 |
|
The Favorites Editor opens.
Click the Scripts Tab, and select the script we just saved.
Click OK.
|
|
| All
Done! |
|
Instantly, the tool is added to the ranks of the Favorites
Window. It was a little bit of work, but next time you need
a smooth cube, that single-click modeling approach will make
you appreciate the time you spent setting it up.
|
| Homework
|
|
Build your own custom tool, and add it to your favorites.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- A Mesh rotated 90 degrees on the X-Axis, and parked.
- Half of a Sphere ( set revolutions to 180 )
- The Spline profile of a vase
- A Torus ( path extrude a small circle over a larger one
)
For more information on TCL scripting, see the Scriptics
website.
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|
