Week One: Getting Started
In this first lesson, you will learn MAXScript terminology and protocol. You will also learn how to use the MAXScript tools in 3ds max, and how to create a simple script that creates primitive objects in the scene.

Week Two: User Interface
Use MAXScript to create dialog boxes, buttons, entry fields, checkboxes, and radio buttons. Expand on the previous week’s script to create a floating dialog with UI elements.

Week Three: Conditionals and Loops
Conditional (“if”) statements selectively perform tasks, while loops run a set of commands several times. These tools are essential to creating useful scripts. In this lesson, you will learn to use these tools in several ways, and will incorporate them into the assignment script.

Week Four: Functions
Once a script gets to a certain size or length, it makes sense to break it down into subsections or functions. Functions not only tidy up your code, they also provide reusable modules for further programming. In this lesson, you’ll learn several ways to write functions like a pro.

Week Five: Commenting and Debugging
While we continue to work on improving the script, we will explore methods for debugging a script, from simple print commands to advanced functions. Students will also be required to study other scripts for common commenting procedures and incorporate these into their own scripts. You will also learn how to add a script to various areas of the 3ds max user interface. Week 5 is also the first week Bobo Petrov will join us in the Class Discussion forum.

Week Six: Arrays and Loops
Arrays store information about the scene so you can use loops to go through the information and perform operations on it. Arrays are essential to advanced scripting. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to create arrays, loop through them, and add and delete array elements. You’ll also learn how to destroy an array after emptying it out to avoid error messages.

Week Seven: Parametric Objects
In this lesson, you’ll use advanced techniques to create a script that makes a parametric object. The script will appear on the 3ds max Create panel and operate like any primitive, with parameters you can change interactively. This type of script, called a scripted plug-in, will require all the tools in your toolbox from loops to arrays, plus a few new tools that will be introduced in this lesson.

Week Eight: MAXScript User Reference
Students will work on their final scripts and post works in progress for questions and critiques. Students will be encouraged to try each others’ scripts and make suggestions for improvement. In addition, the lesson will walk you through the MAXScript User Reference, a goldmine of information once you know how to navigate it.

Level of Ability
Basic knowledge of 3ds Max is required. No prior knowledge of programming is required.

Examples of Work
If students have some prior programming examples please upload some simple scripts to allow the Instructor to assess overall levels of competency and to illustrate how the students lay out a script.

Software/hardware Requirements
Students must have access to Autodesk 3ds max version 6 or higher.

Other Requirements
Students will have free access to the e-book MAXScript Made Easy by Michele Bousquet.