Normal Transfer Script for 3DS MAX

The Normal Transfer Tool is a 3ds Max script designed to facilitate the transfer of vertex normals from one Editable Mesh (the donor) to another (the receiver). This tool is particularly useful when working with models that have different vertex counts or geometries, helping artists maintain consistent shading and lighting across objects.

Features:

• Vertex Normal Transfer: The script identifies the closest matching vertices between the donor and receiver meshes, allowing for an accurate transfer of normal information.
• Editable Mesh Support: The tool specifically supports Editable Mesh objects
• User-Friendly Interface: The script features a simple and intuitive UI that allows users to select donor and receiver meshes easily, with visual feedback indicating the current selection.

How to install:

1. Download the Script
2. Load the Script in 3ds Max:
   • Open 3ds Max.
   • Go to the Scripting menu and select Run Script.
   • Browse to the location where you saved the script file and select it.
3. Add to Toolbar:
   • To create a toolbar button, click to Customize -> Customize User Interface.
   • In the Customize User Interface dialog, go to the Toolbars tab.
   • Find the Normal Transfer Tool under the Custom Scripts category.
   • Drag and drop it onto your toolbar for easy access.

How to Use:

1. Convert meshes to Editable Mesh.
2. Select Donor: Choose the donor mesh (the source of normals) and click the "Select Donor" button.
3. Select Receiver: Choose the receiver mesh (the target for normals) and click the "Select Receiver" button.
4. Transfer Normals: Once both objects are selected, the "Transfer Normals" button becomes active. Click this button to transfer the normals from the donor to the receiver.
5. Confirmation: After the transfer is complete, a message box will confirm the successful operation.

Notes:

• Ensure both objects are properly prepared for the transfer process. Inconsistent geometries may lead to unexpected results.
• This tool is ideal for maintaining visual coherence when combining or modifying models in 3ds Max.
• Tested on: 3ds Max 2023 and 2024