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ModelingBoolean "Cut - Refine" equivalent in current 3DS Max

KnightRiderKnightRider331 Posts: 25Member
in Technical Questions and Answers #1
Dear All, I'd like to ask for your help. Up till a few weeks ago, I was using a really old version of 3DS Max, v9, for 3D modelling. Well, after more than a decade, I had to upgrade, because I finally switched to Windows 10, and I just couldn't get an XP era piece of software running properly on it (had issues on Win7, yet nothing unmanagable).
Currently, I'm using Max 2024. I noticed that in the Boolean modifiers, there is no longer an entry called Cut. I used this Cut function, with the Refine setting, to cut windows to my starship hulls. I was experimenting to replicate the function with the current Boolean set, without any result. The closest I got was selecting the Imprint function, but this is only a half-way solution.
Back with Cut - Refine, when I added an Edit Poly modifier, I was able to select the windows which I have cut when clicking on the Polygon selection button. I just inset them, etc, you know the drill. With Imprint, the shapes are cut into the surface, but they are not automatically marked for selection in Edit Poly. On a smaller model, it's fine, but with a ship with hundreds of windows, manually selecting every window would be a nightmare.
My question probably sounds noobish, especially for someone who's been modelling for more than a decade by now. But, like I said, I made an upgrade that was more like a generational leap. From a Ford T to a Tesla, as I say a bit ironically.
Please, help this obsolete-minded old Trekkie so he could resume his mediocrity of a ship-building hobbyist =)

owft4vusr5zo.png
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Posts

  • MadKoiFishMadKoiFish9803 Posts: 5,327Member
    #2
    Start by abandoning that modifier and use "pro boolean". You will likely find all the old options you are used to. Least if memory serves right lol been using pro boolean for so long now that I really have forgotten the UI for say max 2010 or ver10.

    I use the settings here (default) and select imprint to "stencil" edges of a intersecting object onto the primary. (always best to detach the working faces though. And with pro boolean you do not need to create a sealed object either stenciling onto just a set of faces is allowable.
    boolean.jpg
    Each day we draw closer to the end.
  • ViperViper1686 Posts: 717Administrator
    edited September 2023 #3
    Actually, even better than Pro Boolean, use the actual new boolean modifier

    618pi4p7eguw.png

    Not only it has better performance, it also has more options and produces far cleaner meshes. Plus, being a modifier means you can stack it with other things and then go back if needed.
    Post edited by Viper on
    Mustang13Camaro68
    Current Projects: Constitution Class Refit | Miscellaneous Star Trek projects
    Frequent updates at our Discord channel!
  • MadKoiFishMadKoiFish9803 Posts: 5,327Member
    edited September 2023 #4
    oh? there is a third one now? ahahah I quit at 2019 so, yeah wouldnt know of anything in the rentalware versions of max. Pro boolean is pretty good though often times if I plan things right there IS no clean up. But I still check, all those years prior I just cannot trust it.

    trauma
    Post edited by MadKoiFish on
    Each day we draw closer to the end.
  • KnightRiderKnightRider331 Posts: 25Member
    #5
    Sorry, Guys, but this doesn't work for me. @MadKoiFish , I tried your settings. It cut the shapes into the main object, not imprinting them onto it :(


    y7qmk2gwyesj.png
    n0l0vfyw4fuo.png
  • ViperViper1686 Posts: 717Administrator
    #6
    With the new modifier once you do the operation click on the cutter object and select cookie. That is the same as imprint. If you do it in subtract mode, it'll just refine the mesh. But if you do on split mode it'll refine and separate each part.
    Current Projects: Constitution Class Refit | Miscellaneous Star Trek projects
    Frequent updates at our Discord channel!
  • MadKoiFishMadKoiFish9803 Posts: 5,327Member
    #7
    Odd it works on my 2019 maybe they changed things. I would be selecting the box then clicking imprint then selecting the cutters. With PROBOOLEAN cookie will subtract the intersections, not the end of the world but it leave holes vs stencils. BUT this is in proboolean and in 2019. Just gotta cap em later on.

    cuttingresults.png

    Really if max has abandoned proboolean and is not adding updates to it or developing it I would move on to the new tool Viper has mentioned. And work with it's needs what I do in proboolean might not transfer over that is the thing with modifiers, one does it one way or it can change between updates.

    if you do use probollean be careful of cutting flat faces as the cuts like in my above image will just be stencils floating on the face, but in reality there is a "hidden" edge connecting them, you have to select randomly to find it. So I will often do is manually cut verts to connect them the way I WANT them then go to poly select select the faces and itll often show you where that edge is so you can select it and "backspace" into oblivion. Often max chooses the worst place to connect that edge too. It is like the "hidden" tris or original hidden edges (seen when set to turn edge in edge or poly mode) Always the worst choices in triangulation.
    example
    notedges.png

    I still work with a flow of not having piles of modifiers so these issues might not be a issue, maybe the new tool eliminates this dunno
    Each day we draw closer to the end.
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